6 low-THC strains for relaxed smoking sessions

Although taxonomically indistinguishable, hemp and recreational cannabis exist on either side of a THC percentage of 0.03. Cannabis that contains less than 0.03% THC is called hemp, and anything with a higher percentage of THC retains the terminology of cannabis, weed, and cannabis.

And while low THC levels can and often do describe hemp, for our purposes it refers to a strain with 15% THC or less. High THC generally describes strains with a THC content of 25% or more, but strains with a THC content greater than 30% prove that “high THC” cannabis is a moving target.

Just as there is a wide variety of low-dose products to suit a wide variety of needs, there is a whole spectrum of strains bred to appeal to more than just the extra-potent THC-hunting faction of the cannabis community. In fact, strains with 10% THC or less represent some of the most carefully cultivated phenotypes on store shelves today.

There is a multitude of phenotypes between the two poles of mail-order hemp and intoxicating pharmacy varieties. These phenotypes were bred to cross the line between manageable poisoning and mild therapeutic efficacy, which is arguably as attractive as the many other potential benefits of cannabis, such as mental stimulation and pain relief.

Avid newcomers, less tolerant users, and even the cultured cannathusiast should consider reserving some stashbox real estate for some of these strains, often – if not exclusively – bred as low-THC strains.

Dre Hudson / Weedmaps

In the spruce trees

In The Pines is a hybrid of Pineapple Thai, Master Kush and Pineapple genetics. And while it’s usually bred with a high percentage of CBD, it still offers a robust cannabinoid tableau, including a relatively lower (5-7%) dose of THC to help harmonize its CBD (10-15%). Consumers celebrate this strain for its bright, creative high and electric body high, both of which are manageably invigorating, as well as its effectiveness in relieving anxiety and pain.

Expect frosty, light green nuggets and a crisp, pine-like perfume infused with citrus-like, tropical top notes. The exhale may be earthy, but a lingering citrus scent will keep the mouthfeel from becoming too heavy.

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Faygo Red Pop

Faygo Red Pop was developed in Detroit, Michigan and named after the area’s popular red soda pop. Faygo Red Pop is a hybrid with balanced genetics that consumers mostly describe as cerebral, euphoric and relaxing. Faygo Red Pop’s cannabinoid profile is led by a THC percentage that is typically found in the low teens and is backed up by a terpene profile sweet enough to bear the same name as the red carbonated drink.

Across the board, fans of the strain report that it is effective in relieving chronic pain, eye pressure, and high blood pressure. But beyond that, they report an all-round manageable good time. Expect a light, berry-sweet perfume, a suitably sweet exhale, and possibly a sudden nostalgia and / or craving for bright red lemonade.

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Blue dynamite

In its strongest form, Blue Dynamite’s THC levels can fluctuate around 19%, but more commonly and in flower form, it delivers a much milder dose of 10% THC. It can even be found with as little as 6% THC, depending on the breeder. The profile is usually supported by a 2: 1 ratio of CBD to THC, resulting in an even more therapeutic consumption experience. Consumers report that this strain relieves anxiety and pain, but also provides mild euphoria and restful sleep when used as part of a bedtime routine.

Expect dense, resinous buds, a horny botanical perfume, and a sweet, earthy mouthfeel. The primary terpene in Blue Dynamite is myrcene, but the lime and pinene notes linger significantly on the exhale.

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Pennywise

Pennywise is a high-CBD strain with a reputation for being an effective therapeutic, but it’s not entirely a CBD strain. In fact, many variations of this strain range between 5 – 10% THC in a 1: 1 THC: CBD capacity or a 2: 1 CBD: THC capacity. That’s all to say that this is both a super-smooth, easy-to-smoke strain that can provide a robust cannabis experience for newbies or low-tolerance aficionados, as well as a deeply therapeutic strain that is fixed in many dedicated stoner medicine cabinets .

Pennywise genetics hike in indica territory, and the strain’s most commonly reported effects are euphoric relaxation and insomnia relief. Heavy smokers heading for a tolerance break might use this strain as a bedtime crutch, while also withdrawing from strains with higher THC levels.

Expect a rich, earthy aroma with sweet and spicy notes of pepper and wood and a chewing gum-sweet exhale with a bitter coffee finish.

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CBD blue shark

Bred from a cross of Skunk # 1, Blueberry, Shark Shock and a CBD Shark, CBD Blue Shark has clear therapeutic ancestry and can often be found in 1: 1 strains or 2: 1 THC: CBD strains depending on the farm. In either case, the flower in its most potent form reaches 15% THC but can be found with percentages closer to the 10% mark.

Consumers reportedly praise this strain for its focused, crystalline head high and relaxing body high, both of which reportedly arrive with a manageable rush that turns into a slightly euphoric cerebral noise. Although the genetics of CBD Blue Shark are a lean indica, cannabis users report that it provides sufficiently responsive effects for both day and evening use.

Expect a funky and skunky nose with notes of berries and tropical fruits and an earthy, botanical exhale.

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Star tonic

Star Tonic is an exceptionally balanced hybrid of Cannatonic and Death Star with a CBD: THC ratio of 2: 1 that typically has a CBD percentage of 16-17% and a THC content of around 9%. This gentle onset, mildly psychoactive strain might be ideal for inexperienced cannabis users who are still fiddling with her ideal balance of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Star Tonic can be a potential panacea for depression, chronic anxiety, migraines, and inflammation, but on leisure, consumers report bubbly highs that are mild enough to be manageable for newbies while still producing a sheer, rosy euphoria, which is effective enough to target more experienced people toker.

Expect a light, citrus-like perfume with deep, underlying notes of sharp pine and raw skunk. The exhale is a less complex mouthfeel of tart lemon and sweet, overripe citrus fruits.

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