If you have ever bought a “32% THC” flower that felt oddly flat, or a “20% THC” strain that hit harder than expected, you have already discovered the secret most people learn the hard way.
THC potency matters. It just does not tell the whole story.
A better way to predict your experience is to think in two layers:
- THC potency – how much “engine” the product has
- Terpene profile – how that engine feels when it turns on, the steering wheel, the soundtrack, the vibe
This is not about choosing one over the other. The best experiences usually come from the right combination of both, plus freshness, genetics, and how your own body responds.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you pick better flower, vapes, and concentrates at Commencement Bay Cannabis.
What THC potency really tells you (and what it does not)
THC is the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. Higher THC usually means a stronger potential effect per puff, especially for people with low tolerance.
But here is the catch: potency is not the same as experience.
THC percentage is a single number, and cannabis is not a single-compound product. Even the same strain name can vary batch to batch. Growing environments can shift chemical profiles in meaningful ways, including cannabinoids and terpenes.
Why “high-THC only” shopping can backfire
1) Tolerance rises quickly with high-THC habits
If you stay on high-THC products all the time, many people find they need more to get the same effect. Consumer education sources regularly point out that chasing higher THC can become a treadmill.
2) Breeding for THC can narrow the profile
A lot of modern cultivation has pushed THC higher and higher, sometimes at the expense of aromatic complexity. That can mean a stronger “hit,” but less character, less nuance, and for many people, a less satisfying ride.
3) The number does not account for freshness or handling
Terpenes are volatile. They evaporate over time due to heat and poor storage. A high-THC flower that is old or over-dried can feel harsher and smell muted, even if the label looks impressive.
What terpenes are, and why they change how cannabis feels
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature. In cannabis, they are concentrated in the resinous trichomes, the same “frost” that also houses cannabinoids. Terpenes shape scent and flavor, and they may also contribute to effects in ways that matter to real consumers.
Think of terpenes like the difference between:
- Espresso and green tea
- A punchy seltzer and a creamy soda
- A loud concert and a quiet jazz bar
You can have caffeine in all of them. The experience still feels different.
Do terpenes get you high?
Not in the same direct way THC does, but terpenes can influence how a strain feels, at least according to a mix of consumer experience, preclinical research, and the emerging science around multi-compound cannabis preparations.
Some research has explored terpene activity in the body and whether certain terpenes can produce cannabinoid-like effects or interact with cannabinoid pathways. A widely cited 2021 Scientific Reports study investigated several cannabis terpenes and reported “cannabimimetic” behaviors in animal models, with additive effects alongside a cannabinoid agonist. That is interesting, but it is also not the same as proving a simple, predictable terpene-to-effect formula in humans.
So the most honest stance is this:
- Terpenes clearly shape aroma and flavor.
- They likely influence the overall experience for many people.
- The exact mechanisms and consistency in humans are still being studied.
The entourage effect: useful concept, still debated
You will hear people say, “It’s the entourage effect.” That phrase generally refers to the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than isolated THC alone.
But there is also a serious scientific debate about how strong the evidence is, and how often the term is used loosely in marketing. Reviews have noted that claims sometimes outpace the data, especially when people treat them as proven laws rather than working hypotheses.
Here is the practical way to use the concept without getting lost:
- If you want a fuller experience, many consumers prefer full-spectrum products (flower, live resin, rosin) over stripped-down THC-only formulations.
- If you want precision and consistency, some people still prefer distillate for predictable THC delivery, even if flavor and nuance are reduced.
The right choice depends on your goal.
Why a lower-THC strain can feel stronger
This is where terpene profiles and product quality show up in real life.
Terpenes can steer the direction of the high
Many consumer guides sum it up well: THC can provide the intensity, and terpenes can provide the character.
A “moderate THC, high-terp” flower often feels:
- more distinct
- more functional (for some people)
- less one-dimensional
Minor cannabinoids and the wider profile matter
Cannabis contains far more than just THC. There are many cannabinoids and terpenes, and researchers continue to investigate how these compounds may contribute to different outcomes.
Cure and storage can make lab numbers lie to your nose
One of the best realities from the ground comes from real consumers: you can see a high terpene number on a label and still get weak smell and taste if the cure is off or the product is old. Meanwhile, a lower terpene number can stink in the best way because it was handled well.
Numbers matter, but they do not replace your senses.
The modern potency landscape: why this conversation matters more now
THC levels in cannabis products have risen over time, and dispensary products can include very high THC concentrations, especially concentrates.
That has two practical consequences for shoppers:
- It is easier than ever to overdo it.
- A lot of people end up chasing intensity rather than the experience they actually want.
If your goal is to enjoy cannabis, not just survive it, terpene profile becomes a smarter filter.
How to shop smarter: a simple decision framework
Next time you are browsing menus, use this sequence:
Step 1: Decide what you want to feel
- Calm and unwind
- Sleepy and heavy
- Uplifted and social
- Focused and creative
- Body relief, less head buzz
Your goal determines how much THC you need and what terpene direction you might prefer.
Step 2: Choose the right THC range for your tolerance
Very rough guidance (not medical advice):
- New or low tolerance: start with lower THC flower or balanced products
- Moderate tolerance: mid-range THC can be plenty, especially with strong terpenes
- High tolerance: THC may need to be higher, but terpene richness becomes even more important to avoid the “flat” effect
Also, remember that concentrates can be extremely potent. NIDA notes that cannabis flower and concentrates can reach very high THC concentrations.
Step 3: Look at total terpenes and the top 2 to 4 terpenes
If a product has a terpene breakdown, focus on the biggest contributors. Many shoppers find the “top three” terpenes are more useful than staring at a long list.
As a loose, real-world shopping heuristic:
- 0.5% to 1.0% total terpenes: can be fine, but may be subtle
- 1.0% to 2.0%: often noticeably aromatic
- 2.0% and up: frequently loud, flavorful, and character-driven
Not universal, not guaranteed, but a helpful starting point.
Step 4: Prefer freshness and good handling
If you can, look for recent packaging dates and well-sealed storage. Terpenes fade. That is not philosophy; it is chemistry.
A terpene “translation guide” you can actually use
Effects vary person to person, and terpene science is still evolving, but shoppers consistently use these patterns as practical shorthand.
Myrcene
Often described as earthy, herbal, and sometimes musky. Many people associate it with a heavier, more relaxed vibe.
Limonene
Citrus peel, bright, sharp. Many people reach for limonene-heavy strains when they want a boost.
Pinene (alpha or beta)
Pine forest, crisp. Often described as clearer or more alert.
Linalool
Floral, lavender-like. Frequently associated with calming, wind-down energy.
Beta-caryophyllene
Peppery, spicy. Notably, it is often discussed for its interactions with specific receptors and is a common terpene used in studies of potential effects.
Humulene
Hoppy, woody. Commonly appears alongside caryophyllene in many cultivars.
Again, treat this like a compass, not a GPS. It helps you aim. It does not promise an exact destination.
Product type matters as much as THC and terpenes
Flower
If you want the most “whole plant” experience, flower is still the baseline. It naturally includes a broader mix of compounds, and many people find terpene-driven nuance shows up best here.
Distillate vapes
Distillate is often THC-dominant and can be very consistent, but it can also feel one-note compared with full-spectrum options. Some distillate carts reintroduce terpenes to enhance flavor, but it is not always the same as a naturally complex extract.
Live resin and rosin
These are popular among terpene-chasers because they aim to preserve more of the plant’s aromatic profile. If you have ever had a cart that tastes like the plant smells, this is often why.
How to read a label or COA without getting overwhelmed
When a product includes lab results, focus on the following.
THC vs THCa
Flower often lists THCa, which converts to THC with heat. Some labels show “total THC,” which estimates potential THC after conversion. If you are comparing products, compare like-for-like.
Total terpenes and dominant terpenes
If the terpene profile is included, use it. It can be more predictive of “how it feels” than a small difference in THC percentage.
Package date or harvest date
Freshness matters. Terpenes are fragile.
Don’t worship decimals
A lab result is a snapshot. Sampling, curing, and storage can all affect what you experience after you open the jar.
Reddit is full of people pointing out that lab numbers sometimes do not match smell or satisfaction, especially when the cure quality varies. That lived reality is worth remembering.
Common myths that keep people buying the wrong weed
Myth 1: “Highest THC equals best quality”
High THC can be great, but high THC can also be harsh, flat, or anxiety-provoking for some people. Many educational sources now actively push back on the “higher is always better” idea.
Myth 2: “Terpenes are just flavor”
Terpenes are definitely flavor drivers, but research interest extends beyond taste. NIH has funded and encouraged more studies into terpenes and minor cannabinoids, in part because THC is not the only compound worth understanding.
Myth 3: “If the terpene number is high, it will be loud”
Often true, not always. Cure, storage, and time can mute aroma regardless of what the COA once said.
Myth 4: “Entourage effect is proven, no questions”
The concept is useful, and many people report full-spectrum products feel better. At the same time, scientific reviews note the term is debated and sometimes used loosely. It is smarter to treat it as a working model, not a settled verdict.
What to ask your budtender (these questions get better recommendations)
If you want a better pick than “what’s the highest THC,” try:
- “What is your most terpene-rich flower right now?”
- “I want something calm but not sleepy. What terpene profile should I look for?”
- “Do you have anything with strong limonene and pinene?”
- “Which of these batches is freshest?”
- “Between these two strains, which one has more flavor and why?”
You will usually get a more dialed-in recommendation and learn faster.
A few quick shopping scenarios
Scenario 1: You want to relax without getting obliterated
Try moderate THC with a terpene-forward profile, often leaning toward linalool, myrcene, or caryophyllene. Start low, take your time.
Scenario 2: You want something social and bright
Look for terpene profiles that lean citrusy or piney, and do not assume you need the highest THC to feel it.
Scenario 3: You keep getting too high and anxious
Consider stepping down THC, choosing terpene-forward flower, and avoiding ultra-potent concentrates. NIDA notes modern products can reach very high THC levels, and higher concentration is associated with a higher risk of adverse effects for some users.
Scenario 4: Everything feels the same lately
That can be tolerance and routine. Rotate products, explore different terpene profiles, and consider taking breaks to reset sensitivity.
THC potency tells you how much potential force is in the product. The terpene profile tells you what that force feels like. If you shop by THC alone, you will sometimes win, but you will also buy a lot of “technically strong, practically disappointing” cannabis. If you shop by THC plus terpene profile, you start choosing products that match your goal, your mood, and your tolerance, and you usually get better flavor along the way.
What It All Means
Next time you are browsing the menu at Commencement Bay Cannabis, use THC as a guardrail, not a finish line. Let terpenes do what they do best: turning “strong” into “right.”
The next time you’re browsing the menu at Commencement Bay Cannabis, remember that THC should be your guide, not your ultimate goal. While THC levels can give you an idea of potency, they don’t tell the whole story. Instead, focus on terpenes, the compounds responsible for the aroma, flavor, and effects of each strain. Let terpenes do what they do best—turning “strong” into “right,” and helping you find the product that matches your desired experience. Take your time, explore, and discover what works best for you.
