There should be no shame in any grower’s game if they ever age out of THC-dominant weed. Type 2 cannabis—meaning a strain that rocks equal or greater CBD-to-THC ratios—can be just as enjoyable and relieving as a heavy hitter, but on a different level. Cultivating Type 2 genetics from respected breeders can deliver a big yield and buds that are just as sticky and enjoyable as the intoxicating powerhouses we’re all used to.

Long-time home growers may finally be ready to hear what their mirthful medical bud-growing homies have been saying forever—the entourage effect is real, and it’s spectacular! Read on to discover it for yourself with the best balanced CBD:THC weed seeds and clones to grow in 2024!

What are Type 2 seeds?

A Type 2 cannabis seed typically distinguishes itself as having a balanced 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD. Other “mixed-ratio” seeds with a CBD-dominant ratio like 2:1 or 5:2 are often considered Type 2 as well. As several breeders confirmed to me, these ratios can also include a variety of minor cannabinoids in similar ratios.

In comparison, Type 1 seeds are THC-dominant (more than 0.3%) with a very low amount of CBD (less than 0.5%). 

Type 3 seeds, on the other hand, are even more CBD-dominant; they have ratios like 20:1, and offer barely any psychoactive effect.

Why should home growers choose Type 2 seeds?

To get the scoop on what’s up with going Type 2, I went coast-to-coast to learn from two “Pauls” who are both big-time seed guys: Paul N. Chucker of D.C. Seed Exchange and Paul Lawl of Multiverse Beans in Washington State. 

“Some of my best highs have come from hemp flower. People who don’t try ratio strains are really missing out,” Lawl mentioned. “In my experience, the CBD really helps cancel out the anxiety from the high THC strains,” he added.

Paul Chucker, of DCSE, explained that he sees “a lack of awareness about the benefits of diverse cannabinoids and the entourage effect,” and pointed out that the entourage effect “enhances their benefits, potentially leading to more well-rounded experiences and addressing a wider range of needs.” 

Some top-notch 1:1 Type 2 seeds to try

Breeders like Rab Stubing, founder of Seattle Chronic Seeds, drop strains with therapeutic and often-manageable balanced ratios. Stubing has made it his mission to fill a void with various ratios and cannabinoids in his seed varieties. 

Looking for somewhere to start your Type 2 journey? Check out Miracle Worker, one of Stubing’s favorite 1:1 strains. 

Super Sour CBD, another fave, features the highest levels of 1:1 CBD in any of his Type 2 work. A cross of Sour Brasi x Sour D BX/OX x Sour CBD Grenades, this super stable F8 is available as regular seeds and boasts levels in the 12% CBD/12% THC ballpark. Those levels make it a great medical smoke. Earthy and super sour, it’s known to be a wonder for a wide range of pain, mobility, and mood issues. 

Here are some more great seed choices:

• JD Short’s Second Generation Genetics is rocking a stellar Rosaberry F1

• If you’re in California, check out Purple City Genetics’ Gush Mints CBD (Gush Mints x Fruitcake) feminized seeds. This Cali exclusive has some phenos that top out at 20% CBD/20% THC along with a sensational frosty purple bag appeal! Check out this list of shops that carry PCG’s top-quality Type 2’s

1:1 Type 2 Autoflower seeds

Autoflower seed breeders have not slouched when it comes to excellent cultivars that provide balanced medicinal value. 

Mephisto Genetics released Aunt Ginny’s Elixir (Jacky CBD F3.3 x Walter White (Mitch’s Pick) in their feminized Medicinal Collection. It joins their Canna-Cheese 1:1 (Cannatonic x Northern Cheese Haze) available at F5 which, according to Mephisto co-founder and breeder Tim, is “their greatest achievement.” 

“Getting CBD into something where it wasn’t before was very difficult, and was quite a fun journey with Canna-Cheese,” he fondly reflected when we spoke back in 2023. 

Looking for more Type 2 autoflower reccs? Check out the Seattle Chronic gem Speedy SOGA F3 (SOGAbx2 x R4 Auto), Twenty20 Mendocino’s VitaMints, and Dutch Passion’s Compassion Lime Auto & Blackberry Kush Auto fems.

1:1 Type 2 hemp seed genetics

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp breeders can take their federally-compliant genetics game to the next level—Type 2—because the law permits seeds containing up to 0.3% THC. Phenotypes can be selected for Farm Bill compliance, and they’re just as dank, beautiful, and therapeutic as anything else on the market.

Hoku Seed Co.

The breeder Floyd, of Hoku Seed Co. was already a medical grower when he started his popular seed company in 2019, after the Farm Bill went into law. Since then he’s been on a tear to develop various types of seeds including regular and feminized Type 2 seeds with a wide range of cannabinoids. 

Cultivars are available for both Farm Bill compliance ( <0.3 THC) for hemp growers, and for home growers that wish to go beyond hemp with higher THC levels countered by even higher CBD levels. 

“Now we’re also even getting into even more chemotypes,” Floyd explained during a very informative chat in early January. “We’re working on Type 2’s but they’re also CBD-V and THC-V-rich. They have four different cannabinoids. Some of the variants are very uplifting.” 

Some of Floyd’s picks include: 

High Alpine Genetics

Atop any list of the finest CBD-rich genetics stands High Alpine Genetics and the company’s founder/breeder Thomas. As a committee member of the Hemp Advisory Board for the State of Colorado, he knows a thing or two about this stuff. His cultivars feature open-source genetics that he encourages and and everyone to breed with and clone to their hearts’ content.

“Our varieties tend to have a more broad spectrum of cannabinoids in them,” he explained during a quick chat from his farm. “CBC, CBG, CBD-V—a lot of them carry different cannabinoids that you really don’t see with just THC.”

Broad spectrum High Alpine Genetics Type 2 seeds for any home grow set-up include the CBC-heavy Unicorn Butter, and its parents Buddha’s Budda and Unicorn Crush. 

F1 crosses now available also include Limburger Burger (Lemon Cookie Dough Limburger Phenotype), Cookie Burgers, and the Legendary Banana Mac-cross, Alien Burgers. Fries not included.

Mixed cannabinoid ratios

The breeders I spoke to generally agree that Type 2 seeds can include mixed ratios and various cannabinoids, including CBD-V, THC-V, CBG, and CBC, to name a few. “A lot of people think that Type 2 can only be a 1:1, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true,” Floyd, of Hoku, told me.

With that in mind, here’s a roundup of some of the funkiest ratios on the market.

• Hoku’s Wild Country is an 8:1 CBD-dominant hash plant.
• Check out Humboldt’s CBD Trifecta, an all-in-one pack of High CBD, low-THC strains x 3 (Honey-Tsu, Love, Lucy, Harle-Spice).
• Crickets and Cicadas’ Panama Red F4 regular seeds are 2:1.
• Cali Connection’s CBD OGfeatures a 2:1 ratio.
• Interested in seeds that contain even more CBD with Type 3 and other cannabinoids? Check out Hoku Seed Co. & High Alpine Genetics’ endless high-quality choices.

Select the right Type 2 profiles and ratios 

Type 2 cannabis seeds have a high return value due to their potential to take the edge off of pain and anxiety, courtesy of their differing blends of cannabinoids. They can also help consumers have more control over the experience, instead of always letting the high-potency weed run the show. 

Select from a wide variety of versatile seeds for your relaxation needs. No matter whether it’s Type 2 1:1’s, mixed ratios, or even Type 3 or 4 genetics, it’s time to graduate to the next level. 

Legalization has brought in millions of new users to marijuana. People are leaning into the joy and relaxed high without hangovers.  Gummies have become the most popular, but many in their learning curve are enjoying flower. The plant is versatile giving a variety of experiences.  You may notice a tag written on packages, what is it?  TAC is way to have more marijuana fun.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

First of all, TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It refers to the cannabis profile of a strain. When purchasing a cannabis product or seed, consumers are able to have more insight into the total cannabinoid content of the strain. With TAC, users can customize their cannabis sessions.

The Total Active Cannabinoids of a strain take the focus away from THC alone and directs more attention to other minor cannabinoids in the plant. TAC informs users about how potent or effective a strain may be when consumed. Most of the time, the TAC is indicated by a cumulative figure, while a few manufacturers choose to disclose the individual properties of the cannabinoids present in the strain. This way, users can effectively decide which product they need at that very moment based on its potential effects.

TAC represents the total amount and potency level of the various cannabinoids found within a specific cannabis plant. Cannabis plants contain over 50 different cannabinoids, although not all are detectable. Current testing methods can only identify a set of cannabinoids available in substantial quantities. So, in reality, the TAC figure is usually less than the exact amount of cannabinoids in the strain.

The non-detectable cannabinoids in a strain are inactive or not sufficient enough to induce a notable impact. For cannabinoids to be included in the TAC means they have some form of influence on the effects that manifest in the user. Cannatech operators are yet to figure out a direct mechanism to identify the mechanism of an individual cannabinoid in a strain.

The Entourage Effect and TAC Relationship

The “entourage effect” best describes the synergy between all the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. The theory reveals that all compounds, including terpenes and phytocannabinoids, available within a cannabis herb work together to induce the best effects.

The total active cannabinoids figure is  important to the entourage effect. Scientists believe that the TAC reveals how the entourage effect operates. Explains why THC and CBD induce better physiological effects when they are consumed together or in addition with other minor cannabinoids.

RELATED: What Is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) And Is It Legal?

The knowledge of TAC is most beneficial to medical cannabis users. It gives them an indication of what to expect from the entourage effect. On the other hand, recreational users use TAC to improve their smoking or dabbing experiences.

A few novices in the industry often confuse the meaning of TAC as being Total Aerobic Count. This is different from total active cannabinoids and has a different meaning. A total aerobic count is a measurement of the total microbial counts in a cannabis sample.

Cannabinoids In Cannabis

Over 60 cannabinoids can be found in weed plants. Some TAC labels could list up to 100 cannabinoids in one product. However, the majority of these compounds are relatively unknown—they have been identified, but their mechanisms are not understood. Some of the most common cannabinoids found in large and trace quantities in cannabis crops are as follows:

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is one of the top two most bioavailable cannabinoids in marijuana crops. It is renowned for its relaxing, non-psychoactive, and medicinal benefits.

CBD induces effects that help to counteract the “high” produced by psychoactive cannabinoids. It does this by inhibiting the release of FAAH (an enzyme that breaks down anandamide). This action encourages the availability of anandamide, also known as the bliss compound. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and other therapeutic potential.

Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is literally the most famous cannabinoid in the weed ecosystem. This cannabinoid is the dominant compound that induces psychoactive effects on the user. THC reacts with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system to produce the “high.” It emulates anandamide to induce the release of FAAH. Unlike other cannabinoids, THC is more potent and lasts much longer in the system.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

CBDV is a minor cannabinoid that is often found in wild and hybrid varieties of cannabis. Cannabis crops grown in Central Asia have trace amounts of this cannabinoid. Research is ongoing to understand the compound’s reaction with the ECS, but cannabis researchers have pointed out that it has a similar chemical structure to CBD.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

is a minor cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Information about this cannabinoid is limited. Very little is known about its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some studies suggest that CBC adds holistic efficacy to the entourage effect.

Terpenes and flavonoids

Aside from cannabinoids, cannabis contains other essential compounds like fatty acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Most of these other compounds are poorly understood in the ecosystem. Yet, they all play vital roles in the entourage effect.

Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis strains their unique flavors. Terpenes are found in plants, fruits, and flowers of all crops, not just cannabis crops. Examples of terpenes are pinene, limonene, eucalyptol, and linalool. Terpenes also boost the effects of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system.

RELATED: Caryophyllene: What Is This Terpene And Why Should You Care About It Right Now?

On the other hand, flavonoids give plants their pigment. They induce antioxidant effects in consumers. Their role in the entourage effect is vague, and their interaction, as well as the breakdown process, is yet to be established.

Knowing the TAC value of your cannabis products can be important. It’s just one more reason why cannabis regulations enforce manufacturers to include this information when labeling the products. It’s better when the total cannabinoids are listed. With this information, you can experiment with different product ratios to decipher the concentration that gives you the best cannabis experience. Medical officers can use this accurate measurement to determine the best therapeutic concentration for cannabis patients.