Understanding THC and TAC on cannabis labels

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the information about cannabis labels like THC vs. TAC? After all, there are many acronyms, percentages, and methods of use to learn, and finding the right product might seem difficult at first. The good news is that with a little Canna 101 education, you’ll know exactly what your product label means.

While THC is perhaps the most well-known cannabinoid alongside CBD, the TAC number is perhaps the most important number on a cannabis label. What exactly does TAC stand for and why is it relevant? And does TAC get you higher?

What is TAC?

TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids, which refers to the concentration of active cannabinoids present when the cannabis was tested in a laboratory. Unlike drugs, which typically consist of just one active ingredient, cannabis is made up of a multitude of active molecules.

It is estimated that cannabis (hemp and marijuana) contains over 400 compounds, over 100 of which are cannabinoids. In general, they can be categorized as follows:

• cannabinoids
• terpenoids
• flavonoids
• alkaloids
• glycoproteins

Cannabis products are measured by their TAC, which measures the concentration of total active cannabinoids. Some of the main cannabinoids to consider include:

Photo by 3 Pelos/Getty Images

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Tetrahydrocannabinol is commonly referred to as THC, which is the main ingredient in marijuana. Scientifically it is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-9-THC in its active state. In addition, this produces the euphoria or “high” associated with marijuana use. It is commonly believed that a high produced by high levels of THC is more intense than one with low levels of the ingredient.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

In terms of popularity and demand, CBD is perhaps the best-known and most sought-after cannabinoid alongside THC. CBD has a number of potential health benefits, including relieving stress and inflammation. The TAC includes any CBD in your product. Most importantly, unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating.

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is generally considered a sleep cannabinoid. There is a wide range of therapeutic effects associated with non-intoxicating CBN. According to early research, cannabinol may reduce pain and improve sleep.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

As a non-intoxicating compound, CBG can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC similar to CBD. This allows cannabis users to enjoy the benefits of THC without being compromised by intense highs.

While this effect may be mediated through the endocannabinoid system, this effect could also be due to CBG’s action on the alpha-2-adrenergic receptors, which dampen the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

While this compound was first identified 50 years ago, its benefits remain unclear. Nevertheless, it is known that CBC, similar to THC and CBD, is also derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA). However, not much is known about how the less common cannabinoids affect human biology.

TAC is often mistakenly referred to as the Total Aerobic Count by beginners in the industry. It differs from Total Active Cannabinoids in that it relates to a different aspect of plant composition. Aerobic totals allow you to measure how many microbial cells are present in the cannabis sample.

Photo by Kirill Vasikev/EyeEm/Getty Images

THC vs. TAC: why are they different?

As the name suggests, TAC specifies the chemical makeup of any hemp or cannabis plant by providing a list of its active cannabinoids. Therefore, TAC represents the total cannabinoid content of the product. Unlike THC, which is just one compound, TAC takes into account the full spectrum of active cannabinoids present in the product.

How are THC and TAC related?

There is a significant interaction between THC and TAC components. For example, CBD can potentially reduce anxiety from THC and alter the overall psychoactive experience.

It’s also worth noting that certain TAC cannabinoids, such as CBGA, contribute to the production of THC. CBGA, a form of CBG that is acidic, breaks down into CBG and then further into other cannabinoids like THC.

How does TAC affect the entourage effect?

In theory, the entourage effect describes the synergistic interplay of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis. According to the theory, all components of the cannabis plant, including phytocannabinoids and terpenes, reinforce each other’s effects.

The TAC plays a major role in the entourage effect. In addition to cannabinoids, however, there are other important compounds, including fatty acids, terpenes, and flavonoids. And while the majority of the other connections are not well understood, the entourage effect rests on all of them.

Cannabis strains are characterized by their unique taste due to terpenes. Cannabis plants are not the only plants that produce terpenes, as every plant, fruit, and flower produces them. Some common terpenes are limonene, pinene, linalool, and eucalyptol. In addition, terpenes can exert psychoactive effects, which is why some terpenes are sedating.

Flavonoids, on the other hand, provide plant pigments and are particularly notable for their antioxidant properties. Having said that, the mechanism by which they contribute to the entourage effect remains to be explored.

Photo by AYEHAB/Getty Images

THC vs TAC: key takeaways

So what’s the verdict? Is THC better than TAC? As we mentioned, that’s not really the point of this comparison. The purpose of comparing TAC and THC is not to determine which is more beneficial or “better” in terms of purity or potency. Instead, this means that when looking for a cannabinoid product, whether for medicinal or recreational use, it’s important to consider the TAC percentage alongside the THC in order to make an informed decision.

RELATED: Is Smoking Weed Bad for Your Lungs?

The TAC percentage provides a more detailed picture of the overall cannabis product. However, if strength is your primary concern, you should look for a product with a higher THC percentage. Of course, it’s important to remember that everyone reacts differently to cannabinoids, so always start with a low dose and increase as needed.

Find best-in-class products for your goals

Jointly is a new app that makes it easy to discover the best cannabis and CBD products for your specific goals.

When you’re ready to discover your perfect cannabis experience, download the Jointly app on the App Store or Google Play Store today.

Are you curious about Jointly?

Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, reduce daily stress, or relieve pain, Jointly can offer you a cannabis or CBD product that can help. Jointly’s algorithm helps you discover top-notch products and brands that match your preferences, goals, and unique personality.