THC, CBD & Beyond: Understanding Cannabinoids Without the Jargon
If you’ve ever stared at a label and wondered what “THC 23% • CBD 1%” or “1:1 ratio” actually means, you’re not alone. Cannabinoid numbers are important — but they don’t need to be intimidating.
Here’s a plain-language guide to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, and how they show up in Arkansas’ Finest menus.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two you’ll hear about most often are:
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
CBD (cannabidiol)
Your body has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like sleep, appetite, and mood. Cannabinoids interact with that system in different ways — which is why different products can feel different.
This blog won’t try to teach you biochemistry, just enough to read a label without feeling lost.
THC: The primary intoxicating cannabinoid
What it is:
THC is the main cannabinoid associated with the “high” or intoxicating effects of cannabis.
Where you’ll see it on labels:
Flower: “THC: 18–25%” (for example)
Vapes/concentrates: often much higher percentages
Edibles/tinctures: “10 mg THC per piece” or “5 mg THC per serving”
General notes:
Higher THC usually means stronger intoxicating effects, but it’s not the only factor.
Your own tolerance, metabolism, and how you consume (smoked vs. eaten) all matter.
CBD: Non-intoxicating (but not unimportant)
What it is:
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid — it doesn’t produce the same “high” feeling as THC, but it still interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
Where you’ll see it:
CBD-dominant products: often used by patients who want minimal THC
Balanced “ratio” products: 1:1 THC:CBD, 2:1, 5:1, etc.
Topicals and tinctures: lots of room for different blends
General notes:
CBD on its own isn’t guaranteed to “cancel out” THC, but some patients feel that CBD-containing products have a different, sometimes more “balanced” feel.
If you’re new or sensitive to THC, CBD-dominant or balanced products may be a gentler starting point — talk with your doctor and budtender about options.
Ratios: What does 1:1 or 5:1 mean?
When you see something like “1:1 THC:CBD”, it means:
Equal amounts of THC and CBD per dose
For example, 5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD in each edible
Other examples:
2:1 THC:CBD → more THC than CBD
1:2 THC:CBD → more CBD than THC
Ratios can change the overall feel of the product for many patients. Some prefer more THC; others like a “cushion” of CBD.
Other cannabinoids you may see
Labels and lab results may also mention:
CBG (cannabigerol)
CBN (cannabinol)
CBC (cannabichromene)
These are minor cannabinoids, and research is still evolving. Some brands formulate products around them, but THC and CBD are still the main drivers in most Arkansas products.
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates
You might also see terms like:
Full-spectrum: contains THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant
Broad-spectrum: similar, but often with THC removed or greatly reduced
Isolate: primarily one cannabinoid (like pure CBD)
If you’re unsure which of these makes sense for you, your doctor and budtender can help you understand how they differ and what patients typically report.
How to use cannabinoid info when choosing products
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
If you’re very new or sensitive:
Look for lower THC and/or products with CBD in the mix
Start with low doses and go slow
If you already have experience with cannabis:
You may be comfortable with moderate THC products
Still pay attention to dose and how fast each format kicks in
If you’re not sure what to pick:
Tell your budtender what you’re hoping to feel (or avoid feeling)
Bring any notes from your doctor about THC/CBD preferences
The bottom line
You don’t have to become a cannabinoid expert to be a good medical cannabis patient. You just need:
A basic understanding of THC vs. CBD
A willingness to start low and go slow
Good communication with your doctor and dispensary staff
When you’re ready, visit your nearest Arkansas’ Finest location and ask us to walk you through the menu with THC/CBD in mind — we’re happy to translate labels into real-world language.
