One of the first things you learn when you start working in the cannabis industry is to ignore the THC% on the label. Why? Not only is there is no standardized way of testing for THC, there is also a THC variance within each plant. In short, it’s an unreliable number. Secondly, even if the number were reliable, the THC percentage is not an indicator of quality. Ever notice how the more budget friendly flowers are usually the highest in THC?
When someone comes into the shop looking for a great high and asks for the flower with the highest THC percentage, the first thing that comes to my mind is that I need to spend a little extra time educating this guest – for their benefit as well as the industry’s. A high THC number does no equal a good high. Also, if the public is chasing THC numbers, farmers will start adjusting their grow methods so they can more easily sell their product, and we are all going to miss out on the best cannabis. We should be looking for complex arrangements of compounds…not just THC.
THC is just one of over 400 compounds that contributes to your experience of cannabis. If cannabis were a car, THC would be the engine. But what good is an engine without the rest of the car? For a great ride, you want to make sure you have a solid frame and exterior. You will want the ability to turn and maybe open a few windows to catch a nice breeze. Without additional terpenes and cannabinoids, you are basically driving around on a very large engine with no brakes or ability to steer – talk about an anxiety provoking experience!
So even though it may seem counterintuitive to spend more money on a product that has a lower THC percentage, trust the science and give it a try. I promise you will enjoy the ride!
