Before you light that joint or take that edible, you should know what you’re getting into. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels can tell you almost everything you need to know about a weed product. Find out how to read THC potency and choose the right buds for your high.
The Importance of Reading Cannabis Labels
THC is one of the most prominent cannabinoids in cannabis plants and is responsible for its intoxicating effects. In general, weed products with higher THC levels will be stronger than those with less THC. However, every product varies.
Understanding THC potency is crucial for planning a safe and comfortable high, especially if you’re still new to cannabis. Consuming higher levels of THC can heighten its effects, including negative ones like dizziness and impaired senses. On the other hand, frequent cannabis users may not get the same results from lower cannabinoid levels.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional cultivator to interpret a product’s THC levels. You can find the exact potency analysis on the product label. Plus, if you want to consider multiple options at once, most dispensaries list each product’s THC percentage on their website. Harbor House Collective lets you select specific potency ranges so you only see the products you’re interested in.
How To Read THC Potency
Reading cannabis labels is super easy once you know what to look for. Specifically, search for the sections labeled “THC” and “Total Cannabinoids.” These are usually written as percentages, though some products may only show the total size in milligrams (mg). A THC-to-MG converter can help you understand the units you don’t recognize.
You’ll primarily want to look at THC over total cannabinoids. However, other active cannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabinol), can alter the weed’s effects. While reading the label, you should also double-check the date. Weed decreases in THC potency over time, so don’t buy expired products.
Consider Each Product Type
Standard THC levels vary between different products. Buds and pre-roll joints tend to have lower THC percentages, between 10% and 30%. Meanwhile, vapes, edibles, and concentrates have much higher THC levels between 50% and 90%. These products are synthesized to have higher cannabinoid levels.
However, every consumption method is different, so you have to consider each product for what it is. A joint with 35% THC may give you wildly stronger effects than a vape pen with 60% THC because the consumption process for both differs. Potency numbers can be a great reference point, but you should only compare them between similar cannabis products.
Choosing the Right Potency For Your High
Consider the following factors when choosing your best weed potency:
- Goals: Are you looking for a quiet high or something that will have you on your feet?
- Experience: If you’re still new to THC or CBD, you may want to prioritize lower cannabinoid levels.
- Tolerance: Many frequent cannabis users prioritize products with higher potencies to feel their full effects.
- Preferences: Think about the strains, brands, and consumption methods you’ve liked in the past.
Learn More About Cannabis Products and Potency
Understanding how to read THC potency is important, but there’s a lot more to know about weed products. Different people prefer various strains, dosages, and consumption methods. Fortunately, learning about how each product differs can be a lot of fun!
At Harbor House Collective, our budtenders can answer your questions and help you find high-quality options in your potency range.
