Throughout my never-ending interdimensional travels, I have yet to find a plant as dynamic as cannabis. There are thousands of different strains and cannabis seeds, all with their distinct personalities, including different THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) ratios. As the primary cannabinoids found in cannabis, these two are responsible for the potential psychoactive or medicinal effects that make weed so fascinating!
Cannabis seeds deliver all types of unique ratios of THC and CBD compounds, or cannabinoids. Let’s discover where these cannabinoids come from, the ratios they’re often found in, and what factors you, as a home grower, can control to positively affect them.
As the most unique plant in the multiverse, cannabis seeds can develop well over 100 different cannabinoids and over 560 different compounds. Delta-9 THC and CBD are found in the highest abundance, along with the various terpenes we all know and love. [1][2]
The effects after consumption of THC are psychoactive, while CBD is known to give consumers a more medicinal, non-psychoactive feeling. This stems from the humanoid body’s own endocannabinoid receptors in the brain that can connect with these compounds after consumption and metabolization. [1]
Over the last 50 years, humanoid researchers have done some amazing work in cannabis plant science. Cannabis seeds don’t contain any actual THC or CBD when dry; instead, they develop their acidic forms first—THCA and CBDA—during the cultivation process. Once exposed to heat via smoking, vaping, or baking, these acidic forms are “activated” to their psychoactive and potentially medicinal forms of THC and CBD. [2]
But before that happens, THCA and CBDA develop from the OG of cannabinoids—cannabigerol, or CBGA. Whichever prominent cannabinoid your cannabis seeds eventually develop into during cultivation depends on how the plant metabolizes a specific genetic enzyme that can take either form. [2]
However, for you, the home grower, the info is already out there on what cannabis strains are THC-dominant, CBD-rich, or a hybrid of both—you just need to do the research to find out which is which!
You may already be familiar with all of the different types of cannabis seeds that growmies like my intergalactic buddy, Uncle Paulie, feature on Multiverse Beans. These include sativa, indica, hybrid, feminized, regular, photoperiod, and autoflower seeds.
However, beyond that is the distinction of Type I -Type IV cannabis seeds and strains. These seeds are commonly known as THC-dominant, balanced, CBD-dominant, CBG-dominant, essentially hemp. Each type has unique cannabinoid concentrations, potential effects, and related strains. [3]
Cannabis seeds that contain high amounts of THC and lower amounts of CBD in their cannabinoid concentrations are known to many as Type I strains [3]. These fit the profile of many of both the classic and modern, psychoactive-first strains that the majority of cannabis consumers grow and enjoy!
A lot of these types of cannabis seeds can eventually grow up to be psychoactive powerhouses that often clock in with anywhere from 20-30% THC these days. They are often found in ratios of 20:1 THC:CBD content. These include:
A little less prevalent in today’s THC-dominant cannabis seed and strain marketplace are Type II seeds that create a balanced cannabinoid ratio and potential effect. Often produced in 1:1 THC: CBD ratios, Type II strains promote the entourage effect, which is known to provide a more enhanced ability to fight inflammation and other ailments. [3] [4]
These seeds are primarily used to grow weed that produces a less intense THC high that is balanced by potential medicinal effects from its CBD-rich counterpart. Breeders have also been able to combine other less-known cannabinoids like THC-V and CBD-V to create other unique, balanced 1:1 strain types. Here are some great balanced seed choices to go Type II.
For some humanoids (and interdimensional beings), cannabis seeds and strains containing THC can often be too much, producing adverse reactions and a reluctance to try it again. That’s why Type III cannabis seeds are great–there are minimal to no psychoactive effects, and they are one of the top choices for potential medical use for so many purported ailments.
Type III weed strains feature the highest in cannabidiol, while THC cannabinoids are very minimal and non-existent. Ratios for these can vary widely–some strains have 20:1 CBD:THC, while others may be more along the lines of something like 4:1. Strains like the few below are often go-tos for growers and consumers looking for possible medicinal relief without any fear or need of THC psychoactivity. [3]
The title above says it all–Type IV seeds are marvels of modern-day breeding that feature the cannabinoid CBG almost exclusively. CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid capable of even more therapeutic possibilities for growers.
Seeds options like Dutch Passion’s CBG Force are a great pick for any grower looking to dip their toes into the world of CBG or perhaps see what all the talk is in regards to its therapeutic potential. Growers will be rewarded with frosty, CBG-rich yields that can feature up to 15% CBG!
Even though the cannabinoid content within a cannabis seed is genetically pre-determined, that doesn’t mean it will express the same way every time it’s grown. How you cultivate your weed plants is always super important to get the most potential out of your grow. While many growers focus on final harvest yields, it should really be potency and quality that matter most.
Cannabis genetics are the first line of defense a grower has to ensure the highest levels of cannabinoids will be present come harvest time. Purchasing your cannabis seeds from a breeder or seed bank with a proven, respected reputation and solid online reviews helps gauge whether your genetics will deliver big on cannabinoid concentration and desired effects.
How efficiently you provide your cannabis plants with the proper growing conditions can pave the way for the maximum potential of your cannabinoid content. Utilizing nutrients, lights, and the growing environment the right way increases cannabinoid and terpene content. Allowing your plants to grow with vigor creates less stress and allows them to flourish to the finish line and beyond.
Knowing when the time is right for you to harvest your cannabis plants is super important to ensure all of the hard work you’ve done up to that point doesn’t go to waste! Harvesting early results in plants with more CBD and less psychoactive effects, whereas harvesting a little later means increased THC and psychoactivity. Harvest even later than that, and you may just find yourself dozing off regularly from the sleepy CBN-rich weed you just grew.
After determining the right time to chop your plants down—often based on trichome color—the final step is ensuring your buds are properly cured. Curing is when buds slowly dry and break down excess moisture and plant compounds. This process ensures your weed smells, tastes, and burns properly while delivering the cannabinoid effects it should.
The last thing you want is bland bud with no terpene profile, low potency, and that barely stays lit.
Curing cannabis properly can take up to 8 weeks if humidity levels are consistently maintained between 60–65% RH. Find the sweet spot:
All the tools and factors you need as a home grower are in your hands. Knowing the breeder, strain, strain type (Type I–IV), and typical cannabinoid content ahead of time goes a long way.
Once you understand what kind of psychoactive or medicinal effects you want from the ratio of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in your seed selection, you must then be aware of how you grow, harvest, and cure them in order to reach their maximum potential. Following these simple rules will ultimately lead you to enjoy this versatile plant as much as I do!
Not sure which cannabis seed strain or cannabinoid ratio is right for your goals? Whether you’re aiming for high THC, balanced CBD, or a unique Type III or IV variety, the team at Multiverse Beans is here to help. We’ll guide you through strain selection, breeder insights, and growing techniques to ensure your plants deliver the effects you’re looking for. Reach out today and take the guesswork out of finding your perfect cannabinoid profile.
