This is what is considered high-THC cannabis these days

Cannabis products sold in licensed and reputable pharmacies are always labeled with their THC content. The value is in bold on the packaging. Consumers visiting these establishments are already used to seeing THC percentages or milligrams.

What is THC?

Delta-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the main cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis plants. It is the main psychoactive compound. Molecules of this compound bind to brain receptors and almost immediately the neurotransmitter induces a “high.”

Photo by Animaflora/Getty Images

Cannabis breeders have been pushing the boundaries of THC content for the last 40 years. What stoners considered the highest THC levels at the time is just a starting point for the hybrid strains in circulation today. The growth of the cannabis industry can be compared to the rapid advances in the computer industry.

Breeders are now creating plants with either a high THC percentage or a low THC percentage. These plants are then processed by manufacturers into cannabis extracts, edibles, flower, etc. that are either high in THC or low in THC.

There is no specific amount of THC that can be used to describe what “high amount of THC” is. Scientific, personal and commercial factors all play a role in this area. For example, some smokers will get sky-high at 15% THC levels, while others will need up to 27% THC levels to feel a bigger effect.

High THC cannabis

Scientifically, the highest amount of THC that can be found in dried and cured bud of any weed strain is 30%. Modern breeders have been able to achieve this feat by crossing various premium strains that are originally high in THC. These breeders are still working hard to meet the demand for higher THC levels.

When high concentrations of THC are consumed, the user’s consciousness is greatly altered. Cannabis users from the 70’s are usually amazed at how much progress breeders have made. A few decades ago, it took lower THC levels like this to get stoned.

RELATED: New study just busted the myth that high-potency THC is bad

Ingesting high levels of THC for the first time can leave users frightened and confused, with some saying they were couch-locked the entire time while the drug remained active. Subsequent use helps build tolerance, and users can then enjoy the relaxation, euphoria, happiness, and pleasantly intense effects of the drug.

The advances in THC counts can also be credited to commercial growers. These farmers have and still rely on the genetic blueprint provided by modern breeders. They have also found amazing planting techniques that use knowledge of soil science and lighting technology to activate each seed’s genetic abilities. Thanks to this, the products are higher in concentrations of cannabinoids, terpenes and other important compounds

Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

As high-THC cannabis becomes more widely available, consumers will be able to get as high as possible without spending a lot. However, through frequent use, these consumers develop a high tolerance. This leads to quick cravings that need to be satisfied as soon as possible, meaning more money is spent on the Kong-Run chasing a high.

Breeders sometimes fabricate high levels of THC

This concept is known as THC inflation. At some point it was observed that the numbers written on the packages looked too good to be true. Shady companies, realizing that consumers are always buying high prices, have decided to change their numbers. To do this, they submit their product samples to several testing facilities and then decide on the highest percentage. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant when purchasing cannabis products. A trusted donor with a rock-solid reputation can guarantee the authenticity of the product label.

The consumption method determines the THC content

A product’s product labels give the consumer an idea of ​​what to expect, but the manner in which THC is delivered to the body affects those expectations. Bioavailability better explains this phenomenon.

RELATED: High-THC Weed: A New Form of Reefer Madness, or Worth the Panic?

Bioavailability determines the amount of THC that remains active once introduced into the body system. Depending on the consumption method, this percentage can be changed either greatly or slightly. Here are some intake methods and their THC bioavailability rates

Orally

This includes the consumption of oils, edibles and capsules and their passage through the gastrointestinal tract and liver. This delivery method delivers between 5% and 13% THC to the body. The THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC by the liver. This compound is much stronger and induces intense effects.

sublingual

Cannabis oils are placed under the tongue. Diffusion causes the cannabinoids to be released into the bloodstream in an uneven manner. The onset of action is shorter than if given orally, as it bypasses the liver and instead goes through the lining of the mouth. The expected bioavailability of THC can range from 4% to 41%.

inhalation

This refers to the consumption of cannabis either by smoking or vaping. The cannabinoids are introduced into the lungs, after which they enter the bloodstream with the help of diffusion. The best bioavailability is offered by inhalation. At least 30% THC remains active once it enters the bloodstream.

Photo by Nastasic/Getty Images

Last word

Displaying the THC percentage of cannabis products is important for consumers who probably want to know what they are getting into before making a purchase. Recently, some breeders have started working not only with THC, but with all of the available active cannabinoids present in a cannabis plant.

Total active cannabinoid gives consumers a better description of what to expect after using the drug, as opposed to THC levels, which only describe the expected potency of the product. Premium strains are available worldwide, and more emphasis should be placed on enhancing their diverse profile rather than just their THC levels.

For now, seed banks, breeders, and dispensaries can focus on meeting the demand for high-level THC, while breeders focus on getting the most out of the best strains.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.