Rowan Bailey
9th February 2026
Why aren't there more balanced CBD strains of medical cannabis uk?
Balanced CBD strains are getting more and more attention as medical patients realise that THC isn't everything. The thing is, balanced CBD strains are few and far between, and often when you find one you like, it goes out of stock not to return...
So as we had a chance to interview a medical cannabis grower and importer, we figured we'd ask him directly. Why aren't there more balanced CBD strains available on prescription in the UK?
*Disclaimer*
This interview was produced for free by ourselves, and MedCan were in no way compensated, or paid to be a part of this. This is a frank and open conversation aimed to shed light on this industry and the compliance hurdles in place. This video and article isn't produced to promote the sale/ use of illicit cannabis, but to discuss the topic of legally prescribed medical cannabis products here in the UK.
Table of Content
- Interview Question
- What makes a cannabis strain 'balanced'?
- The Barriers Keeping Patients from Better Medicine
- Hope on the Horizon: Why 2026 Feels Different for Patients Like Us
- A Personal Reflection on What We've Uncovered
- Key Takeaways and FAQ
Our Community-Driven Interview Series
Introduction - Interviewing MedCan
CBD balanced strains are those where the THC content is somewhat 'balanced' by the CBD content. Typically this could be a 10% THC 10% CBD flower, but these ratios vary somewhat from strain to strain.
When you combine CBD at these levels, you may find a different effect that a THC only/ dominant strain. Many patients share their experiences with these strains being positive for day time use, or for those with low tolerances not needing to go heavy handed with their THC intake.
Furthermore CBD strains are often used in conjunction with higher THC straind to help balance things a little. Often someone who finds a particular strain effective for nighttime but too strong for day, may find that balanced that flower with a stronger CBD option can help keep them productive when they need to be.
So why don't we see more balanced strains available if patients find them so useful?
THC-dominant strains rule our market, and I understand why. Their powerful psychotropic effects create the kind of experience recreational users chase [7] whilst also efficiently tackling symptoms of those with more chronic onditions. But this dominance has created an unfortunate blind spot. Balanced cannabis strains hold something precious that gets lost in the pursuit of pure potency. These varieties marry the well-documented therapeutic properties of CBD, which medical professionals have embraced for treating anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy [7], with carefully measured amounts of THC.
This not only raised questions myself, but from members of the community we reached out to. So we put this question forward to Micael the CEO of Medcan. The conversation I had with a medical cannabis grower opened my eyes to a frustrating reality: the most balanced hybrid strains that could transform patient experiences post a lot of risk to the business growing them due to having additional variables to track.
What makes a cannabis strain 'balanced'?
Picture two dancers moving in perfect harmony, that's essentially what happens inside a balanced cannabis strain. The magic lies in the cannabinoid ratio, particularly the delicate relationship between THC and CBD. Most balanced strains showcase a 1:1 ratio of these compounds [1], creating a therapeutic dance that offers medicinal help without the overwhelming rush that leaves many patients feeling lost.
The numbers tell a gentler story here. Balanced strains typically contain cannabinoid levels ranging from 6-12% for both THC and CBD [2]. This moderate potency might seem modest compared to those powerhouse high-THC varieties that can surge past 30% THC with barely a whisper of CBD, but there's wisdom in this restraint.
Something remarkable happens when CBD and THC join forces in equal measure. Scientists have given this partnership a name, the "entourage effect", but the technical term hardly captures the profound synergy at work [3]. Think of CBD as the steady friend who keeps THC from getting too carried away. Together, they create mild euphoria, crystal-clear focus, and meaningful relief without the intensity that can make daily life feel impossible.The versatility here genuinely moves me. Beyond the standard 1:1 partnership, you'll find variations like 2:1 and 1:2 THC:CBD proportions [3], each offering its own subtle personality. Strains like Cannatonic, Lunar Circus, and a few Mango strains have become quietly famous among those who know, earning respect for their ability to bring balance to both body and mind [3].
For patients caught between needing relief and wanting to remain present for their lives, balanced strains offer something precious, enough THC to ease their symptoms alongside sufficient CBD to prevent anxiety or that heavy sedation that steals away precious hours [1]. They're the gentle option that says you don't have to choose between healing and living.
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Read More!The Barriers Keeping Patients from Better Medicine
The UK's medical cannabis market has become a troubling race to the top, but not the kind of top that always helps patients. Ultra-potent strains now dominate prescriptions, with products exceeding 24% THC jumping from just 3% in 2022 to a staggering 22% in 2023 [4]. This dramatic shift left me wondering: what happened to choice?Money talks loudest in this equation. Higher THC content often brings premium prices, creating a financial incentive that pushes growers and suppliers towards potency over balance [4]. The early days of cannabis breeding didn't help either, breeders chased THC levels as their primary goal, treating balance as an afterthought [5].
Watch our interview with the CEO of Medcan to find out why they think there aren't that many cbd balanced strains in the UK yet!
But perhaps the most heartbreaking barrier is the shame patients face. A devastating 84% of patients report experiencing prejudice over their cannabis medicine [6]. Imagine needing medication for chronic pain or epilepsy, only to face judgment from the very people who should support your healing journey.
The ignorance runs deeper than I expected. Nearly one-third of the public still doesn't know medical cannabis became legal in 2018. Even more shocking, 28.5% of UK police officers remain unaware of this change [6]. How can patients feel safe using their prescribed medicine when even law enforcement doesn't understand its legal status?
The science presents its own hurdles. Cannabis plants stubbornly resist easy breeding, their separate male and female plants, combined with limited genetic markers, make creating consistent strains genuinely difficult [5]. Most UK genetics come from overseas rather than being developed for British patients' specific needs [7].
These forces create a perfect storm where balanced strains struggle to find footing. High-THC varieties dominate demand, cultivation, and market incentives, leaving the gentler, more therapeutic options fighting for scraps.
Hope on the Horizon: Why 2026 Feels Different for Patients Like Us
The numbers tell a story that gives me genuine hope. Since medical cannabis became legal in 2018, we've watched our community grow to more than 45,000 patients by January 2025 [8]. What excites me most isn't just the growth, it's the shifting conversation around balanced cannabis strains that feels like a quiet revolution building momentum.
I've been hearing something remarkable from patients lately. Those who've tried balanced formulations describe their experiences differently than anything else in the medical cannabis world [9]. "It's more stable," one patient told me, and that word, stable, captures something essential that high-THC varieties often miss [9]. These strains excel at tackling the messy, overlapping symptoms that define chronic conditions: pain tangled with sleepless nights, anxiety wrapped around physical discomfort [9].
What feels truly transformative is how patients are rejecting the old "more is better" mentality. "Balance is the new potency" isn't just a catchy phrase, it represents a fundamental shift in how people think about their medicine [10]. Rather than chasing ever-higher THC percentages, patients want something more thoughtful: relief that doesn't steal their clarity, relaxation without losing themselves [10]. This mirrors what I see happening across wellness culture, where cannabis is finding its place as a tool for living well, not escaping life [11].
Two strains keep coming up in patient conversations, and their stories fascinate me. Cannatonic feels like cannabis designed by someone who truly understood patient needs, its 1:1 ratio rarely exceeding 6% THC paired with 6-17% CBD creates an earthy citrus experience that works with your day, not against it [12]. Then there's Lunar Circus (CBD), which patients describe as delivering clear-headed relief with this beautiful citrus brightness that cuts through peppery undertones [13].
What moves me most is watching healthcare providers embrace these options. They're finally recommending balanced strains to patients who need broad relief without the side effects that can derail daily life [9]. The appeal is beautifully simple: medicine that helps without hijacking your ability to function [14].
A Personal Reflection on What We've Uncovered
The journey I've taken to understand this peculiar gap in our medical cannabis market has left me with mixed emotions. There's frustration, certainly, knowing that thousands of patients could benefit from these beautifully balanced strains that remain inconsistent in supply. But there's also genuine hope brewing beneath the surface.
That conversation with Micael highlighted that there is more to the process than most assume. Being able to scale a product like this which is harder to grow than a typical strain poses risks that are too big to swallow for many producers. However, as time moves on, genetics are being tested and supply chains are bolstering to start introducing more of these to our clinics.
Doctors are beginning to talk moreabout these balanced options. Patients are sharing stories of feeling grounded again, functional, clear-headed, present for their families. Sarah, a fibromyalgia patient I spoke with, described switching from a high-THC strain to Cannatonic as "getting my life back without losing my mind." However sadly this strain is no longer available which is devastating for her.
The numbers don't lie about where we're heading. When 45,000 patients become voices demanding better options, the market eventually listens. What started as whispers about "balance being the new potency" has grown into conversations that reach boardrooms and policy meetings.
I find myself cautiously optimistic about what lies ahead. The same forces that created this scarcity, economics, stigma, limited understanding, are slowly shifting. Not because of grand gestures or policy changes, but because real people are sharing real stories about what works.
Perhaps most encouraging is witnessing healthcare providers evolve their thinking. The ones who once hesitated to prescribe cannabis at all are now asking thoughtful questions about cannabinoid ratios and patient functionality. They're learning that healing doesn't always require maximum strength.
These balanced strains deserve their moment. Not because they're trendy or profitable, but because they offer something profoundly human, relief that doesn't steal your day, medicine that doesn't mask your personality, healing that honours your whole life.The story isn't finished yet, but I believe we're finally writing a chapter that puts patients first.
Key Takeaways
Despite their therapeutic advantages, balanced cannabis strains remain surprisingly rare in the UK market, overshadowed by high-THC varieties that dominate prescriptions and breeding efforts.
• Balanced strains typically contain equal THC and CBD ratios (6-12% each), creating therapeutic benefits without overwhelming psychoactivity through the "entourage effect"
• UK market heavily favours high-THC cannabis, with prescriptions for 24%+ THC products jumping from 3% to 22% between 2022-2023
• Economic incentives, cultivation challenges contribute to balanced strains' scarcity
• By 2026, "balance is the new potency" as patients increasingly seek functional relief without compromising daily activities
• Popular balanced strains like Cannatonic and Lunar Circus offer clear-headed symptom relief, making them ideal for daytime medical use
The shift towards balanced cannabis reflects a maturing UK medical market that prioritises therapeutic efficacy over sheer potency, promising better treatment options for the growing patient population of 45,000+ users.
FAQs
Q1. What are balanced cannabis strains and how do they differ from high-THC strains?
Balanced cannabis strains contain roughly equal amounts of THC and CBD, typically in the range of 6-12% each. Unlike high-THC strains, balanced strains offer therapeutic benefits without overwhelming psychoactivity, making them suitable for daytime use and functional relief.
Q2. Why are balanced cannabis strains becoming more popular for medical use?
Balanced strains are gaining popularity because they provide a more nuanced effect, offering relaxation and symptom relief without intense intoxication. They're particularly effective for addressing overlapping symptoms like pain with sleep disruption or anxiety, while allowing patients to remain functional throughout the day.
Q3. What are some popular balanced cannabis strains available in the UK?
Some popular balanced strains in the UK include Cannatonic, known for its 1:1 THC:CBD ratio, Lunar Circus, which offers clear-headed relief, and Mango Cheese, appreciated for its balanced effects and flavour profile. These strains are becoming increasingly available through medical cannabis prescriptions.
Q4. How do balanced strains affect anxiety and other mental health conditions?
Many users report that balanced strains provide effective anxiety relief without the racing thoughts or paranoia sometimes associated with high-THC strains. The presence of CBD helps moderate THC's effects, often resulting in a calm, clear-headed state that can be beneficial for various mental health conditions.
Q5. Can balanced strains be suitable for first-time medical cannabis users?
Yes, balanced strains can be excellent options for first-time medical cannabis users. Their moderate potency and balanced effects often provide a gentler introduction to cannabis therapy, allowing new users to experience benefits with a lower risk of unwanted side effects compared to high-THC strains.
Meet The Interviewer
Rowan is one of the founders of Infinity CBD and Pembrokeshire CBD Centre. Having worked in the CBD/ Cannabis industry for over five years, he has extensive knowledge of the supply chain issues, compliance and other fun things you have to contend with from the corporate side of all of this. However, having also been a patient for 4+ years he has also seen first hand of the ups and downs of the patient experience, quality woes and what to generally expect.
These medical cannabis reviews are presented to try and form a balanced and honest opinion relating to his experience and understanding of the limitations the clinics/ pharmacies and producers face with trying to navigate compliance standards that compete with perceived quality of some products.
Everyone is different, and Rowan is prescribed for specific conditions and is provided these prescription legally by a Dr who has been working alongside him to find the best treatments. This means that any perceived benefits expressed in his article are purely anecdotal and related to his experience and may not reflect yours and certainly in no way mean to boast any medical claims about the use of these treatments outside of what he has personally experienced.
“Medical cannabis has given me back control and vast improvement in terms of my quality of life day to day. Although I still struggle with my symptoms, this has enabled me to still be present and functional on the worse days, and given the peace of mind that knowings it's there if I need it on the better ones.”
- Rowan Bailey
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