When you step into a dispensary and see the potency of THC listed on different flower strains, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. Most people are fascinated with high strains, such as Apple Fritter, Cake Bomb, and Golden lemons, all of which can have levels of 28-percent and above. However, if you’re looking for the best THC high, there may be more to look at than that magic number on the label. Below is a closer look.
So, Does More THC Make You Get Higher?
No, not necessarily. Even though most people assume that effects—as far as the level of intoxication—is all about the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC) in the flower, this is just an assumption. Recent research has shed a lot of light on the relationship between percentages in flowers and the THC high the flower could produce.
The University of Colorado set out on a mission to measure THC content and how “good” users found the cannabis or cannabis concentrates to be after using them. The researchers collected 121 participants, half of which regularly used concentrates with 70 to 90-percent, and the other half commonly used flowers with levels of between 16 and 24-percent.
All participants in the study were assessed for THC concentrations in the blood, before, during, and one hour after use, as well as for mood, intoxication levels, balance, and cognitive function at the same parameters. Among all users, intoxication levels, balance, and coordination were similar. In fact, balance was about 11-percent worse after all types of cannabis were used, no matter the THC levels. And, most explained and portrayed similar levels of intoxication. The only real difference was the fact that concentrations were higher in the blood.
How Could This Be?
Researchers are not exactly sure why THC effects don’t seem to change a great deal with higher potency cannabis products. Even with concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol higher in the blood, the intoxicating effects were similar. They wore off at about the same rate. There has been speculation that once cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system are affected to a point of intoxication, more THC doesn’t have higher impact.
Other Factors in THC Effects
Anyone who has used cannabis products regularly can tell you that different products indeed bring on different effects. Some strains seem to hit harder while others put you in a more relaxed state. The thing is, THC alone seems to not be the only thing that affects your high. The truer determinant may have a lot more to do with the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
All cannabis cultivars have their own biological makeup when it comes to cannabinoids beyond tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). For example, something like Critical Mass contains 14-percent cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other cannabinoids. We already know that cannabinoids work together in unique ways and potentially alter the effects of one another. Terpenes, too, have a lot to do with how a certain cannabis product affects you. For example, some strains are high in terpenes like myrcene, which in itself has sedative properties. Other strains are high in caryophyllene, which may potentially soothe anxiety and stress.
THC Effects Go Beyond the “High”
The next question is why would you opt for high level THC strains? After all, sometimes, products with higher levels are a bit more expensive because they are in high demand. There is still value in high THC strains and products. Even if this may not necessarily mean a greater level of intoxication. How?
If researchers are correct that you can only get so high before effects peak, you won’t need as much. For example, if you pick up some Apple Bomb flower with 28-percent THC, you may only need to smoke half a bowl instead of a full one to reach a peak state of euphoria. Likewise, a grain-sized dab of shatter may be all you need to experience optimal effects.
Find Quality THC Strains at Moss Crossing
Whether you are all about high THC strains and more bang for your buck, or just enjoy reliably good experiences with all things cannabis, we’ve got you covered at Moss Crossing. Our menu is chock-full of high, low, and mid-level strains, as well as highly potent concentrates. Our online and in-store menus will all provide details about the top terpenes in each strain. You can experiment with which ones give you the effects you are seeking, regardless of the potency. Take a look at our menu to get a look at what we have available at any given time. Don’t forget, you can make your selections and order ahead for pick-up, delivery, or curbside pickup.
