5 Ultimate High CBD / Low THC Cannabis Strains

Many people enjoy the intoxicating high offered by high THC marijuana strains. However, an increasing number of individuals understand the potential medicinal benefits of high CBD strains.

For some, CBD has become an important factor when choosing their medicine. Such individuals want to experience benefits without an intoxicating high. However, with so many strains to choose from, the choice is often overwhelming – and confusing.

In this article, we’ve researched several of the best high CBD/low THC strains available right now.

Defining CBD in Cannabis: An Overview

Cannabidiol is a well-known cannabis compound that has virtually no intoxicating properties. This means you won’t experience the mind-altering high synonymous with THC. Today, CBD comes in various formats and can be extracted from both types of cannabis (marijuana and hemp).

CBD comes in various formats and can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp.

CBD is commonly used for medical purposes. Many who smoke cannabis but want the benefits of CBD may want to choose an equal THC/CBD ratio, as CBD is known for countering the “high” effect associated with THC.

What Is THC? An Overview

THC is another chemical compound found in cannabis. Its official name is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. It is one of the 100+ known cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa, and it binds to receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system.

THC works by binding to CB1 receptors, which are largely concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. These produce the intoxicating effects for which marijuana is famous.

THC results in a variety of short-term soothing effects. These effects vary from person to person but can include calmness, euphoria, and anxiety reduction. You may also experience ‘couch lock’ and an increase in appetite, otherwise known as ‘the munchies.’ A small number of individuals may also experience increased anxiety or paranoia, especially with high doses.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of High CBD/Low THC Strains?

Research into high CBD/low THC strains is ongoing, and we need far more information to make any confident declarations. However, the initial data is extremely encouraging. Many of the apparent benefits relate to pain and anxiety. We’ll delve into CBD’s potential to help individuals manage anxiety a little later.

The ability of CBD to possibly act as an analgesic is intriguing. It could help reduce chronic pain as a symptom of MS, arthritis, and many other conditions where excess inflammation is a problem.

Researchers now believe that CBD could work by influencing serotonin receptors. The cannabinoid could also balance GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter associated with relaxing effects.

Ultimately, CBD could help you feel less anxious and more relaxed. Furthermore, it potentially acts as a painkiller without the intoxicating high associated with THC or the high risk of addiction that comes with opioid use.

Now, let’s briefly look into CBD’s effects on anxiety disorders and other medical conditions.

Medical Conditions & High CBD/Low THC Strains

Although CBD acts on the body in a certain way, there are several ways to consume it. CBD is taken orally, as well as being applied topically or inhaled through a vaporizer. CBD edibles and oil tinctures are also increasingly popular ways to consume this cannabinoid.

Pain and Inflammation

One of CBD’s most common uses is alleviating chronic pain and reducing the reliance on prescription and over-the-counter medication. A 2012 study by Xiong et al., published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, found that CBD significantly reduced chronic pain in rats and mice. The researchers concluded that cannabidiol could help reduce chronic pain. It is currently used for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

Some studies suggest that CBD is useful for managing pain, anxiety, and seizures.

CBD is also being looked at as a viable method for managing arthritic pain. A 2016 study by Hammell et al. involved applying CBD gel to rats over four days. The dosage was increased each day. Ultimately, the researchers discovered that the rats experienced reduced overall pain and inflammation in their affected joints with no side effects.

Seizures

A high CBD/low THC strain called Charlotte’s Web ushered in CBD as an option for pediatric seizures. CBD has helped decrease the seizure frequency in so many children that it was eventually made into a pharmaceutical drug called Epidiolex.

CBD and Anxiety Disorders

CBD is also the preferred cannabis option for people suffering from anxiety and stress, as high THC strains can cause feelings of paranoia. A 2015 study by Blessing et al. concluded that CBD was an effective option for people with certain anxiety disorders. CBD may help with various types of anxiety, including:

• Social anxiety disorder
• PTSD
• Panic disorder
• OCD
• Generalized anxiety disorder

Researchers have yet to discover any serious side effects of CBD consumption.

5 of the Most Popular High CBD / Low THC Strains List

1 – ACDC (15% CBD, <1% THC)

This strain is a 50/50 hybrid, and it has one of the highest CBD: THC ratios around. You can get up to 20% CBD versions of ACDC. While some contain up to 6% of THC, it is possible to get one with as little as 0.42%. ACDC generally leads to a strong euphoric feeling, making the user feel calm and happy. It is ideal for daytime use as it tends to make users more focused on their work and increases sociability.

ACDC is generally used to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, inflammation, migraines, nausea, neuropathy, and arthritis. It is also a favorite for people with chronic pain. It is even a good choice if you’re looking to mitigate the effects of chemotherapy treatment.

2 – Charlotte’s Web (17% CBD, Max 1% THC)

This world-famous strain is indica dominant (60%) and was the focus of a bid to legalize high CBD strains. It has a CBD content as high as 20%. Oil made from Charlotte’s Web is extremely low in THC, which means it can be sold nationwide.

There is no ‘high’ associated with this strain, and it provides users with no cerebral effect. Charlotte’s Web is typically consumed in CBD oil form rather than being smoked.

It is famed for its effectiveness when used for pediatric seizure disorders such as Dravet’s Syndrome. Charlotte’s Web is also used to help with migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, and arthritis.

3 – Ringo’s Gift (15% CBD, Max 1% THC)

This is a slightly sativa dominant (60%) strain with a CBD: THC ratio as high as 20:1. You can find strains of Ringo’s Gift with up to 20% CBD and as little as 1% THC. It is a cross of ACDC and Harle-Tsu; both are known for their high levels of CBD.

Ringo’s Gift has an earthy hash taste and aroma. Users tend to experience an element of cerebral activity while their body feels soothed and relaxed. Due to the low THC content, the high you receive is mild yet noticeable. It begins in the head and slowly but surely leads to a body buzz that keeps you relaxed but not couch-locked.

It is a popular strain for people with chronic pain, anxiety, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorder, stress, PTSD, and muscle spasms. As Ringo’s Gift keeps you relaxed yet alert and ensures you remain sociable, it is a good choice for daytime medication.

4 – Harle-Tsu (10% CBD, Max 1% THC)

This indica dominant (60%) strain is a cross of Sour Tsunami and Harlequin strains and contains up to 22% CBD and less than 1% THC. It is a relatively rare bud, but we imagine that won’t be the case for long given its popularity.

The Harle-Tsu high is rather mellow, and instead of providing you with a body or cerebral high, this strain works well as a painkiller. You may feel something of a buzz behind the eyes first, and then your body may feel free and relaxed afterward.

People often feel energized and motivated with Harle-Tsu, which means it is excellent for daytime use. It potentially works well for PMS, PTSD, migraines, depression, inflammation, and insomnia.

5 – Harlequin (10-15% CBD, 7-15% THC)

This famous sativa dominant (75%) strain has the highest THC level on the list (at a range of 7 – 15%). However, it is also notable for having a high CBD content of at least 10%. The result means Harlequin is ideal for use during the day as it keeps you alert and energetic.

Oddly enough, Harlequin is also useful for relaxing and staying calm. It has a soothing effect all over the body and in the head. The high CBD content somewhat negates the high THC content. Therefore, it should be okay to smoke it during the day, although dry eyes are a possible side effect.

Harlequin is used to combat chronic pain, depression, inflammation, migraines, PTSD, and stress. Overall, this strain is an excellent pain reliever, possibly a good alternative to OTC and prescription painkillers.

Final Thoughts – Important Safety Tips to Consider Before Using High CBD/Low THC Strains

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that CBD has a good safety profile. Research to date shows minimal side effects (though some do occur) and no evidence of addiction. Nonetheless, you should follow these tips to shop for and use CBD safely:

• Only purchase CBD products from a reputable, licensed dispensary or a trusted online seller.
• Stick with products that have third-party lab reports outlining their content.
• If you’re a complete novice, focus on strains like ACDC with a THC content below 1%.
• Remember, smoking cannabis is also bad for your lungs. While igniting marijuana flower doesn’t release as many toxic chemicals as tobacco cigarettes, the process still produces carcinogens. Therefore, consider vaping high CBD/low THC strains, or purchase edibles/tinctures.
• Finally, don’t use ANY form of marijuana if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant. Please speak to your doctor and discuss whether it is safe to use a CBD product with 0% THC.

Research into CBD is exciting, and the above cannabis strains enable you to enjoy the possible benefits of the cannabinoid without an intoxicating high. Follow our safety tips above, try one of the strains we’ve mentioned, and let us know what you think.

Don’t have access to a dispensary with these high CBD strains? Browse this year’s selection of Best CBD Oil Brands: