When Is THC Potency Considered High?

THC Potency is usually listed on a product label or on the product packaging itself, especially if it's purchased from a dispensary. Although, almost every thc product comes with some sort of potency information these days, whether it's from a dispensary or not. Potency is measured by percentage or by milligrams, this tells you how much THC your product contains.

A higher percentage/mg generally indicates increased potency and stronger effect, but your personal experience can vary based on tolerance, consumption method, terpene content, and more. THC potency varies depending on the type of product, for example 20% thc is normal for flower, alternatively 80% thc is normal for concentrate!

What Does THC Potency Actually Measure?

THC Percentage Vs THC Milligrams

As mentioned, flower and concentrate potency is usually measured by a percentage. Here is a simple breakdown, a 20% THC potency label on flower means 20% of the plant materials total weight is THC. Concentrates follow the same percentage breakdown, if the label reads a 70% potency that means 70% of the concentrate weight is THC.

For edibles, tinctures, and beverages potency is usually measured in milligrams. This is either measured per serving or total mg content of the entire package. Edibles, like candy, will usually state the milligram in each piece. If it doesn't, you can always do the math yourself, for example 25mg per pack, with 5 pieces of candy will equal 5mg per piece!

The only exception to this are cartridges, carts usually have their THC content measured in percentage but sometimes they can be seen measured in milligrams. A 1 gram cart contains roughly 150-200 puffs, if you have an 800mg cart that should deliver around 4mg per puff. Keep this in mind, your lungs absorb about 10% of this, it will not be comparable to consuming 4mg of an edible!

Why THC Potency Matters

THC potency labels are made to keep you, the consumer, educated. This is especially useful for beginners and medical patients, since the potency information can help you dose your THC more intentionally and to match your experience to your comfort level. We have all been there, took too big of a dab, or ate too much of an edible, I don't think anyone likes that feeling of being totally incapacitated.

THC potency labels allow you to take control over your sessions and experience instead of just winging it hoping for the best outcome!

What Is Considered High THC in Different Product Types?

Potency Is Not The Only Indicator of Strength

Terpenes

Terpenes play a huge role in how strong or effective a product “feels”. Each terpene influences a different feeling like boosted energy, relaxation, calming anxiety, and some intensify the body “feeling” of THC.

This can increase your flower/concentrate’s effectiveness and your overall experience. When it comes to flower, a strain containing only 20% thc with a high terpene content might have a much more powerful effect, compared to flower with 30% thc with a lower terpene content. Terpenes don't directly increase potency but they work together with THC to elevate the effect.

Cannabinoids

Just like terpenes, certain cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, THCV, and CBN will shape your overall THC experience. THC on its own can sometimes create a less pleasant experience, cannabinoids help to even out your high, creating a calmer, more relaxing, uplifting feeling.

Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and THC all play off of each other, this is why terpenes and cannabinoids can influence the outcome of your experience!

Consumption Method

Dabbing will produce a more intense effect than smoking flower. Besides the glaring difference in THC content, dabbing is the act of vaporizing concentrates. While smoking flower is considered combustion (lighting something on fire to produce smoke). Dabbing is a different delivery method for faster absorption, flower is absorbed gradually.

When consuming edibles, the body converts thc into a stronger compound, producing a more intense, more potent effect even when the mg strength seems low!

Click Here to Read More on Edible Dosing!

Temperature

Higher temperatures make for hotter dab vapor, this will produce a dab that's generally more intense. Hotter dabs will most likely make you cough a lot more, this is because hot air expands in your lungs. Higher temps can obviously vaporize a larger dab for bigger rips, creating a sudden quick rush as the THC is rapidly absorbed!

Lower temperature dabs allow for proper vaporization of terpenes instead of burning them up straight away with high temps. As mentioned, terpenes facilitate a more impactful high that can feel more pleasant overall.

Lower temperature dabs that are terpene-rich are said to deliver a more “quality” high that is balanced and flavorful, while high temp dabs deliver a quick incisive high.

Tolerance

Tolerance is one of the biggest factors to consider when gauging the effects of a THC product. The effect from one single dab will be much greater and intense for someone that is not an everyday smoker compared to someone that dabs multiple times per day. Same goes for heavy and occasional flower smokers and those that regularly consume thc edibles as well!

Signs a Product Might Be Too Potent for You

Over consuming a THC product is totally possible especially for new users. Although the effects kind of suck, you should be totally back to normal within a few hours. There is no possible way to “overdose” on thc, so the trip to the emergency room is unnecessary even when things might feel overwhelming. The best thing to do is drink some water, eat a snack, sleep it off and try to relax.

Dosing your THC consumption might be a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of your own personal limits and desired effect you should be golden!

How to Choose the Right THC Potency