One of the biggest myths about cannabis today is that higher THC % equals higher quality, that'll lead to a better, stronger high. In reality, THC percentage actually has nothing to do with the quality of your weed, and is considered a poor indicator of potency.  In this blog, we'll explore the reasonings behind this and if you should care about how much or little THC is in your bud.

To start, what is THC?  THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It's what makes people feel "high." We have two types of cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. THC binds with receptors -- mostly in the brain -- that control pain, mood, and other feelings. That's why THC can make you feel euphoric and give you that so-called high. So does high THC weed get you higher? Not necessarily. If this were alcohol, where a higher percentage of alcohol leads to a higher level of intoxication, then yes. But with cannabis, there are several additional factors at play. What else then defines the plant if not THC?

If THC was the only “ingredient” in cannabis, it would matter a lot more, but the truth is, THC is just one cannabinoid in a plant with over 100 of them! Notably CBD is another which we'll discuss later, but when it comes to the smell and taste of your bud, what you should be paying attention to is the terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors associated with various types of cannabis plants. So by shopping a cannabis product only for its THC content, you're essentially ignoring a cannabis plant’s terpene profile, responsible for its unique smell and taste.

When to shop lower THC products 

Generally, lower THC products are considered good for beginners because they produce smaller "highs" and often times contain CBD, which is known to lessen the effects of THC.

Here are a few other reasons why products with a lower THC% may be beneficial: 

• Can provide middle of the day focus/clarity
• ​May offer better dosage control throughout the day 
• May be able to treat depression while remaining functional
• Can be good to curb nausea or anxiety without being too psychoactive

When to shop higher THC products 

Consumers who experience severe chronic pain or cancer, often need higher doses of THC than others. Consumers of high THC flower have reported that it enhances sleep, improves appetite and provides pain relief. While higher THC highs have been known to induce anxiety in some, by combining high THC and high CBD, its been reported to minimize those negative effects and improve other areas. Curious about what High THC strains to look for? We've got you covered.

In the meantime, let's look at the most common types of CBD labels and highlight how CBD combines with THC to deliver unique effects.

CBD: THC – 1:1

Scientifically, this ratio is considered the best. It means that there are equal units of THC to CBD. This combination can still make you feel considerably high but will minimize other THC negative effects such as paranoia and anxiety.

CBD: THC – 2:1

This ratio means that there is only one unit of THC in every two units of CBD. So you will undoubtedly feel uplifted, but the feeling will be mild.

CBD: THC – 8:1

In this combination, the concentration of CBD significantly outpaces THC, eightfold. Therefore, it is the perfect combination for daytime consumption as it keeps you a bit elevated but in a very productive and functional mode.

Confused? We're Here to Help

We know - there’s a lot to think about when it comes to selecting a certain cannabis strain or product. THC percentage aside, there's terpenes, other cannabinoids, and things like price and consumption methods to think about. Not to mention storage. If you want to dive deeper, check out our guide on everything you should know about cannabis as a first time buyer.  Still have questions? Contact us to learn more about what's recommended for you. In the meantime, check out our FAQs for more information.