THC (we also refer to it as Delta 9), the primary psychoactive substance in a hemp plant, is also known for producing positive effects on the human body. But still, this major cannabinoid can get anyone high, which could impair one’s judgment and motor skills.
In this post, we will help you grasp “How much THC is considered to be high?” by explaining how it works and touching on the biggest topics surrounding marijuana and hemp consumption.
What is considered high THC?
Determining what qualifies as a high THC is a nuanced endeavor since a myriad of factors, such as individual tolerance levels to product types, influence it. For the newbies, this subject may be fairly confusing. While some may designate flowers of a cannabis plant containing over 15% THC percentage as high potency, this assessment is not universal.
For instance, a seasoned cannabis enthusiast might find a 20% Delta 9 (which some consider as the average THC percentage) flower to be moderate, while a mere 10% THC could induce pronounced intoxicating effects in a novice user. This example makes the question, “Does THC percentage matter?” relevant.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the relative nature of high THC, which hinges on a person’s familiarity and comfort with cannabis or hemp items. Experience and tolerance levels play pivotal roles in shaping individual responses to Delta 9-rich products. What might be considered high potency for one individual could be well within the comfort zone of another.
Even the desired results of the users may influence the level of THC they want to consume. Ingesting hemp products to attain benefits such as improved sleep quality, pain relief, improved focus, and enhanced relaxation will be different than consuming them for recreational uses only.
Furthermore, distinctions exist between flower and concentrate in terms of THC concentration and consumption experience. Concentrates, recognized for their potent THC percentages, often exceed the strength of even the most robust flower strains. Thus, what qualifies as high THC can vary significantly depending on the type of cannabis product being used.
THC concentrations display notable variation among various cannabis strains and product categories. For instance, while some strains exhibit minimal Delta 9 percentage levels, approximately 1% potent strains like Pineapple Express can boast Delta 9 concentrations of 20% or more.
How are THC levels measured?
Have you ever wondered how cannabis potency is accurately measured? Enter high-performance liquid chromatography, often abbreviated as HPLC, the primary method for evaluating Delta 9 levels in hemp and cannabis plants.
The advanced technique utilizes a liquid solvent to separate the various compounds systematically present in the cannabis plant’s natural elements, enabling lab technicians to determine cannabinoid content with remarkable precision, nearing 99%.
When browsing a dispensary’s selection, you will likely encounter labels indicating cannabinoid content ratings or a THC percentage chart. These figures, obtained from thorough HPLC analyses conducted by independent third-party laboratories, offer valuable insights into the potency of both cannabis and hemp products.
Delta 9 content levels integrated into the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) are crucial in regulatory compliance. This ensures consumers receive accurate and reliable product quality and safety information. Stirling CBD has updated CoAs on its website, which will give consumers a reliable average of THC and other cannabinoids present in their products.
Expression of THC Levels
But how exactly are THC levels expressed? Typically, the potency of a cannabis product is denoted as an average percentage, such as 18% or 20%. This figure signifies the proportion of Delta 9 present within the total plant material, illuminating the product’s psychoactive potential.
However, it’s essential to bear in mind that THC percentages drop significantly or may exhibit slight fluctuations from batch to batch. After all, natural plants are inherently diverse in their chemical composition, contributing to nuanced variations in potency.
Over recent decades, the landscape of legal cannabis has witnessed a notable evolution, marked by an upward trend in potency levels. This shift is attributed to advancements in genetic breeding techniques and an escalating demand for products boasting heightened THC content. However, amidst this progression, a paradigmatic shift is underway.
Research spotlighting the therapeutic significance of the entire cannabinoid profile has sparked a surge in interest in balanced ratio products. These formulations, harnessing synergistic interactions among other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, offer a holistic approach to identifying THC and CBD content.
As the cannabis sector continues to advance, driven by innovation and scientific inquiry, one fact remains evident: the quest to comprehend and leverage cannabis’s therapeutic potential is a multifaceted journey characterized by continual exploration and revelation. Through techniques like HPLC, we inch closer to unraveling the mysteries of this remarkable plant, forging paths toward safer, more effective products tailored to the diverse needs of consumers worldwide.
What is the Average THC Percentage?
THC percentage simply means the total amount of THC present in a certain product.
Over the past decades, the number for the average THC percentage has steadily risen. During the 1960s and 1970s, cannabis products would have total Delta 9 levels averaging around 1 – 3%. By the time we reached the late 1990s up to the early 2000s, the average percentage of THC increased somewhere between 5% and 8%.
Because our day is marked by technological advancements affecting extraction methods and breeding techniques, the average THC falls between 10% and 30%. As you would have noticed, this marked a significant increase. Add to this the fact that legalization paved the way for the introduction of different THC goods.
However, despite the prevalence of high total THC percentage, the current market still caters to a wide range of preferences that also affect average serving size. Also, every state has a set of guidelines surrounding edible production that also affects the total amount of THC present in any product.
THC Percentage Chart
This THC percentage chart is prepared to provide a guideline for your personalized THC dosage. In this THC percentage chart, you will know how much THC can be present in a specific dose.
It is essential to consume as much THC as your body can handle. If unsure, start with a low dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects kick in.
Does THC Percentage Matter?
The cannabis industry throws several terms that can make us confused; we typically forget what really matters. One term that makes many ask is “THC percentage” and its relevance.
In both hemp and cannabis use, we typically prefer products with the highest percentage of THC. Yet, let’s entertain a different perspective: Delta 9 content might not solely dictate a truly satisfying cannabis experience. Unconventional right? Let’s look at the intricacies:
Undoubtedly, THC wields influence in triggering psychoactive effects. The correct designation would be Delta 9 THC, but we typically refer to it as THC.
Now, THC is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Other active compounds await discovery within the hemp plant’s complex makeup. Terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and various other active ingredients combine to create a medley of effects and benefits distinctive to each strain.
Enter the entourage effect, where primary and secondary cannabinoids and terpenes collaborate to produce effects beyond mere intoxication. It’s this combined synergy that lends cannabis its diverse appeal, offering a richness of experience beyond THC alone.
However, in our quest for potency, we’ve fallen for the temptation of Delta 9 supremacy. We scour dispensary shelves for products with more potent strains, mistakenly equating potency with efficacy. Yet, here’s the reality: prioritizing maximum THC content may lead to rapid intoxication but risks overlooking other complexities and holistic benefits of a diverse cannabinoid profile.
So, if you’re in pursuit of a transient high with little concern for enduring effects, focusing on THC percentage may suffice. But if you yearn for a more profound cannabis journey – one transcending mere intoxication – consider expanding your horizons. Embrace the comprehensive testing profile, experiment with new combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids, and unlock cannabis’s true essence.
Factors Affecting THC Levels
Cannabis Strains
THC percentage based on genetic makeup is one way to determine the concentration of THC in any product. Each particular strain of a hemp or cannabis plant possesses unique genetic characteristics that impact its Delta 9 strength, leading to a diverse range of potency levels across various strains.
Genetic factors govern the synthesis and accumulation of Delta 9 in hemp and cannabis plants. Some strains inherit traits that promote high THC production, resulting in potent varieties. Conversely, others exhibit more moderate potency due to different genetic predispositions.
It is also important to emphasize that the parts used to extract Delta 9 also affect THC percentage. Suppose that you extract only cannabis trimmings and large leaves and expect lower THC levels. But if you extract from a hemp or cannabis flower, the levels would soar.
Cannabis Plant Growing Conditions and Extraction Methods
For this factor, soil quality, temperature, humidity, and light exposure profoundly impact THC levels in both cannabis and hemp plant materials. These optimal growing conditions enhance THC production. But this is just one component.
The extraction method also plays a crucial role in determining the potency of CBD and THC products. Many hemp and cannabis companies simply forget this, adopting extraction methods that incorporate harmful chemicals. Stirling sets itself apart by exclusively utilizing a unique solventless extraction that allows them to extract pure cannabinoids, explaining why their products are very effective.
Harvesting Practices
The timing of harvest also affects THC levels. Suppose you harvest too early; you may obtain low levels of total THC. This is because the cannabinoids have not fully developed. Thus, Harvesting at the peak of THC production ensures maximum potency.
On the other hand, curing refers to the process of drying and aging harvested hemp or a cannabis flower. This process also affects
Storage Methods
The storage conditions of cannabis products after harvesting can impact their THC levels as time passes. Factors like light, heat, air, and moisture exposure can lead to the degradation of Delta 9 and other cannabinoids. To maintain potency, it’s advisable to store cannabis in a cool, dark, and airtight setting, like a sealed glass jar in a cool, dry location.
Using appropriate packaging methods, such as vacuum-sealed bags or opaque containers, can provide added protection against the degradation of hemp products. Moreover, minimizing temperature fluctuations and reducing oxygen exposure can contribute to the preservation of total THC levels for extended periods.
