CBD and THC ratio for nausea
No single CBD-to-THC ratio treats nausea. The FDA has approved two THC-based drugs for chemotherapy-induced nausea: dronabinol and nabilone. Both contain synthetic THC, not CBD. Clinical trials of nabiximols, a 1:1 THC-to-CBD spray, focus on multiple sclerosis spasticity, not nausea. Patient reports and small studies suggest ratios from 1:1 to 4:1 THC to CBD. Higher THC doses can cause anxiety, sedation, and rapid heart rate. CBD may reduce those side effects.
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What the FDA approves for nausea
Dronabinol (Marinol) is FDA-approved for nausea and vomiting from cancer chemotherapy when other drugs fail. Nabilone (Cesamet) has the same approval. Both are synthetic THC. No FDA-approved drug combines CBD and THC for nausea.
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What research says about CBD alone
CBD has anti-nausea effects in animal studies. Human data is limited. A 2011 review in the British Journal of Pharmacology found CBD reduced nausea in rodents. No large human trial shows CBD alone treats chemotherapy nausea.
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Common ratios people use
- 1:1 THC to CBD. This matches nabiximols. Users report less anxiety than THC alone.
- 2:1 THC to CBD. Higher THC for stronger nausea. CBD moderates side effects.
- 4:1 THC to CBD. More THC. Risk of sedation and paranoia rises.
- 1:1 CBD to THC. Some patients prefer equal parts for mild nausea.
How to choose a ratio
Start with a low total dose. Take 2.5 mg THC and 2.5 mg CBD. Wait two hours. Increase by 2.5 mg per step. Keep a log of nausea scores and side effects. A 1:1 ratio suits people who are sensitive to THC. A 2:1 or 4:1 ratio suits people who need stronger THC effects. CBD does not block THC's anti-nausea effect at these ratios.
Risks and side effects
THC causes drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and impaired coordination. High THC can trigger anxiety or psychosis in some people. CBD can cause diarrhea, fatigue, and liver enzyme changes. Cannabis products vary in label accuracy. A 2021 study in Journal of Cannabis Research found 50% of online CBD products had incorrect THC or CBD labels. Check third-party lab tests.