High vs. Low THC: The Truth Behind Potency
When it comes to cannabis, there is a lot of talk about potency and many claims about famous strains boasting “high THC” versus “low THC.” While THC is an important factor in determining the effect of the plant, it isn’t the only thing you should consider when selecting the appropriate strain for you. Whether it’s for medicinal or recreational purposes, we will review what THC is, unpack some of the myths around potency, point out what to look for when choosing your next strain and how you can get the highest quality cannabis in Colorado!
What is THC?
If you are familiar with cannabis, you are probably no stranger to THC, but just in case, here’s a little review. There are a number of different components of the cannabis plant that interact with the psychoactive system, but the most well-known is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This is the agent that is responsible for the sensation of feeling high. THC binds with the cannabinoid 1 of CB1 neuroreceptors in your brain to induce a feeling of euphoria.
What Does “Potency” Mean?
When people discuss potency, they are referring to the strength of a particular strain’s effects or perception of how high you can get from the given plant.
What Determines Cannabis Potency?
High THC Strains vs. Low THC Strains
When you are in a dispensary, one of the statistics you will encounter is the THC percentage of a particular strain. THC is typically the main metric consulted when determining the potency of a particular strain. While this is good information to know, the percentage of THC isn’t the only factor you should consider when evaluating the potency of the plant. Some of the most potent strains only contain 10-15% THC. Additionally, many actually report higher effectiveness with a lower THC strain.
Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids
When determining the overall potency or effectiveness of a strain, it is crucial to consider the plant as a whole. THC is the most common active agent in cannabis, but it’s not the only one. There are many different compounds that have an effect on the endocannabinoid system: over 100 cannabinoids, including CBD, and the frequently overlooked power of terpenes and flavonoids.
Terpenes are responsible for the scent profile of cannabis, but they also produce beneficial effects, mainly on the body. Flavonoids also share a role in how we perceive cannabis with our senses. Their primary function is to provide color pigmentation to plants for the purpose of attracting pollinators, but they also affect the flavor or taste. Because the individual effects of terpenes and flavonoids are frequently overshadowed by the cannabinoids, there is still much to learn about the power of these compounds. Although, there is one thing that researchers and connoisseurs do know – when the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together, something special happens.
The Entourage Effect
The “Entourage Effect” refers to the phenomenon where the different chemical compounds available in cannabis work in tandem. THC and CBD function on their own to address a variety of health and mood concerns, but when these active compounds are stripped from each other, the resulting product might not be as effective. With full-spectrum cannabis products, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids remain fully intact. These compounds work in harmony or as an “entourage,” producing a synergistic effect. All of the benefits of the chemicals are recruited to produce an efficient and powerful response, thus determining the overall potency.
Which Cannabis Strain is Right?
Now that we know that each strain has its own unique level of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids which all work together to produce an effect, you can determine what strain may work best for you. Due to the specific combinations, strains will react differently with the endocannabinoid system.
In certain instances, strains with a higher THC level will be beneficial. Gogji OG, a strain with a famously high THC content known for its euphoric, energizing properties. This strain’s THC content might appeal to medicinal patients seeking relief from high levels of anxiety or stress.
Those seeking a happy yet chill effect may find themselves gravitating toward Strawberry Banana, a lower THC strain. This budtender favorite is an easygoing, mellow high.
Purchase Your Perfect Strain at the Best Dispensary in Colorado
Now that you know more about what determines the actual potency of cannabis, Green Sativa can help you find the most effective and holistically oriented strain that will optimize your experience. Connoisseurs from Denver to Federal Heights have trusted our budtenders to recommend the ideal strain for them. Green Sativa, Colorado’s trusted dispensary, has been assisting medical and recreational clients in finding their perfectly potent strain! Visit our experts at Green Sativa located in Federal Heights or online.
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