CBD-Rich Strains: Quick Answer
The most commonly listed CBD-rich strains are Charlotte's Web, ACDC, Harlequin, Cannatonic, Sour Tsunami, Ringo's Gift, Remedy, Harle-Tsu, Stephen Hawking Kush, Pennywise, and Critical Mass CBD. Their CBD to THC ratios run from roughly 20:1 in Charlotte's Web, ACDC, and Harle-Tsu down to about 1:1 in Cannatonic, Sour Tsunami, and Pennywise. The list below gives typical ratios. The section after it explains how to confirm what you are actually buying.
What Makes a Strain CBD-Rich
A cultivar qualifies as CBD-rich when it produces at least as much cannabidiol as tetrahydrocannabinol. Growers and testing labs describe these as 1:1, 2:1, 5:2, or 20:1 strains based on the ratio of total CBD to total THC. Anything at 1:1 or higher counts. Names are not a guarantee. Two batches of the same clone can test at different ratios when harvest timing, light, and growing conditions change, so a certificate of analysis from the specific batch matters more than the label.
CBD Rich Strains: Guide to Prices and Factors
The CBD-Rich Strains List
Charlotte's Web (about 20:1)
A hemp-type cultivar with high CBD and THC that stays under 0.3 percent in most US markets. Reported CBD content lands near 17 to 20 percent. Flower sold under this name usually comes from hemp licenses rather than adult-use cannabis programs.
ACDC (about 20:1)
Often described as a phenotype of Cannatonic. CBD tests near 19 percent with THC under 1 percent. A common pick for daytime use because the THC load is low.
Harlequin (about 5:2)
One of the older CBD-rich lines. Expect roughly 15 percent CBD against 5 percent THC. A mild, functional ratio for people who want some THC without a heavy high.
Cannatonic (1:1 to 2:1)
The parent of many high-CBD crosses. Chemotypes vary by phenotype, so one seed pack can produce plants at 1:1 and plants at 2:1. Buy by batch.
Sour Tsunami (about 1:1)
A Sour Diesel descendant bred toward CBD. Balanced ratios make it a frequent choice for daytime use and for CBD-forward extracts.
Ringo's Gift (1:1 to 2:1)
A Harle-Tsu and ACDC cross that leans sativa in effect. Reported CBD runs near 20 percent in some batches.
Remedy (high CBD, low THC)
An older CBD-rich line with THC below 1 percent. Useful for tinctures and topicals where a psychoactive effect is not wanted.
Harle-Tsu (about 20:1)
A Harlequin and Sour Tsunami cross. Very low THC, high CBD, and a steady building block in CBD breeding programs.
Stephen Hawking Kush (about 2:1)
A CBD-rich indica-leaning strain. Reported ratios sit near 2:1 with THC in the mid single digits.
Pennywise (about 1:1)
A Harlequin and Jack the Ripper cross. Balanced CBD and THC, with a shorter, calmer effect than most high-THC hybrids.
Critical Mass CBD (1:1 to 2:1)
A high-CBD version of Critical Mass. Reported CBD falls between 8 and 12 percent, with matching THC.
More Cultivars to Look For
- Sweet and Sour Widow (about 1:1)
- Nordle (about 1:1)
- CBD Critical Cure (about 2:1)
- CBD Kush (about 1:1)
- Charlotte's Angel (about 20:1)
How to Read a Lab Report for a CBD-Rich Strain
- Ask the dispensary for the batch certificate of analysis instead of a brand-level claim.
- Find the total CBD line, which combines CBD and CBDA.
- Find the total THC line, which combines THC and THCA.
- Divide total CBD by total THC to get the real ratio.
- Check the terpene panel for myrcene, pinene, and limonene if flavor matters to you.
- Check the harvest or test date, since cannabinoids degrade over months of storage.
Choosing Between a 1:1 and a 20:1 Strain
A 20:1 strain delivers little THC, so the psychoactive effect is minimal. A 1:1 strain delivers both, and the THC effect tends to feel softer than a high-THC flower at the same THC percentage. New users often start at 20:1 and move toward 1:1 only if they want more THC. Start low with any new batch. The ratio tells you the balance, not the dose.