A Complete Guide to Understanding THC Percentage
4 Apr 2024
Are you looking for the perfect cannabis product for you? With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a cannabis product is the THC percentage.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and its percentage can vary significantly from product to product. In this guide, we’ll give you a comprehensive overview of THC percentages in cannabis products so you can make the best decision for your needs.
We’ll discuss the different types of cannabis products, the factors that influence THC percentage, and the legal implications of consuming products with higher THC levels. With this guide, you’ll have the knowledge you need to choose the perfect cannabis product for you.
What is THC?
Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis. First discovered in the 1960s, THC is responsible for the euphoric “high” that you may feel after consuming cannabis.
THC in your bloodstream is binding to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body.
These receptors are primarily found in the brain and nervous system. Where they are responsible for regulating a variety of biological processes.
Because THC primarily acts on the brain and nervous system. It is important to understand its effects. THC acts as a mood-altering drug that can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It can also increase your heart rate, interfere with your body’s natural ability to process information, and cause an increase in appetite.
THC can also have a wide range of long-term effects that can vary significantly depending on the individual consuming the product. For example, THC can cause short-term memory loss, affect your ability to process information, and lead to a decrease in your ability to make rational decisions.
In the past few decades, THC has become the most commonly used part of cannabis. While there are many other compounds found in cannabis, THC is the only one that contains psychoactive effects.
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Types of Cannabis Products
As you’re choosing a cannabis product, you’ll need to consider the various types of products available. Different types of cannabis products will have different percentages, and you’ll need to know which ones are best for your needs.
You can find cannabis in many forms, including dried flower, edibles, tinctures, topicals, concentrates, and more.
Dried flower is the most common form of cannabis, and it is often the basis for other cannabis products. When dried, a cannabis strain can have a THC content of up to 35%.
Edibles are food products that contain cannabis extracts. These extracts can range in THC percentage, and many are significantly lower than dried flower. The most common types of edibles are baked goods like cookies, brownies, and cakes, but they can also be in the form of drinks and gummy bears.
Tinctures are liquid extracts made from the cannabis plant. They can be made with either buds or leaves, and the percentage can vary significantly by product.
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils that are intended for external use only. The THC percentage of topicals is significantly lower than that of dried flower or edibles, and they are typically not psychoactive.
Concentrates are highly potent cannabis extracts that are primarily consumed through vaporization. Like edibles, concentrates can contain varying THC percentages, but they typically have much higher concentrations of THC than other cannabis products.
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Factors that Influence THC Percentage
Many factors can influence the THC percentage of a cannabis product. Since THC is the only psychoactive compound found in cannabis, the percentage will be significantly higher in products that use only THC.
If a product also includes CBD or other compounds, the overall percentage of THC will be lower.
The most significant factor that influences percentage is the method of cultivation. Indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor cultivation each result in a different THC percentage, and each has its benefits.
Indoor cultivation allows cultivators to carefully control variables like light, temperature, and humidity. This allows indoor growers to carefully select the genetic makeup and growing technique that will produce the highest THC percentage.
Greenhouse cultivation is usually done during the growing season when indoor cultivation is not an option. It takes advantage of natural sunlight and generally has a lower THC percentage than indoor cultivation.
Outdoor cultivation is done in fields outside, and it typically has the lowest THC percentage of all cultivation methods.
Understanding THC Percentage
While you can find the THC percentage on all cannabis products, it can be difficult to understand the meaning behind the numbers.
THC percentages are in decimals, and the reporting standard is to use decimals between 10 and 99. This means that if you see a cannabis product with a THC percentage of 50, it has half as much THC as a product with a THC percentage of 100.
We’ll discuss the difference in these products further below, but understanding the difference between 10 and 99 is relatively simple. For example, a percentage of 10 is much lower than a percentage of 30, and a percentage of 49 is less than a percentage of 50.
When you’re choosing a cannabis product, you need to understand what a certain THC percentage means for you. If you want to experience a high level of psychoactive effects, you’ll want a product with a high THC percentage.
On the other hand, if you want to avoid the high and benefit from the medical properties of cannabis, you’ll want a product with a lower THC percentage.
Furthermore, if you are new to cannabis and want to test your tolerance, you can opt for a product with a lower percentage to start.
How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product for you
There are many factors to consider when choosing a cannabis product. Before choosing a product, you should understand your needs and the differences between different THC percentages.
If you want a high level of psychoactive effects, you’ll want a product with a high THC percentage.
If you want to avoid the high and benefit from the medical properties of cannabis, you’ll want a product with a lower THC percentage. You should also think about your experience level with cannabis and the kind of product that you prefer. If you’re new to cannabis and want to test your tolerance, you can opt for a product with a lower percentage.
You should also think about the legality of cannabis products in your state before purchasing. In states where cannabis is legal, products with a high THC percentage are generally more common.
Different THC Percentage Levels
If you’re choosing a dried flower product, the THC percentage will likely be between 10 and 25%. This means that if you see a dried flower product with a THC percentage of 10%, it has one-tenth as much THC as a product with a THC percentage of 100%.
Since dried flower products are typically the basis for other cannabis products, the percentage in products like edibles and tinctures will often be significantly lower. For example, a percentage of 25% in a dried flower product will result in an edible with a THC percentage of approximately 6%.
This is because dried flower must be decarboxylated before it can be put to use in edibles. The decarboxylation process removes CO2 from the cannabis, which converts THCA (the non-psychoactive precursor to THC) to THC.
If you see a cannabis product with a percentage of less than 10%. It’s likely a CBD product. CBD is not psychoactive, so its percentage is significantly lower than that of dried flower. CBD products are most commonly used for their medical properties, but they can also be consumed recreationally in states where recreational CBD is legal.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cannabis product is a very personal decision, and it’s important to consider all of your options. Many cannabis users choose products with high THC percentages for recreational purposes. The cannabis industry has taken a page from the tobacco and alcohol industries’ play book. As they develop strains of marijuana, products with higher concentrations of THC.
However, THC percentages can vary widely from product to product.
THC potency in dried cannabis has been increasing from an average of 3% in the 1980s. Comparing to around 15% today. Some strains can have an average as high as 30% THC.
If you want to consume legal cannabis products with higher THC percentages. We encourage you to do some research and learn more about each product. This way, you can make a decision and find the product that’s right for you.