Cannabis comes in a variety of strains - each of which have their own flavors, aromas and effects. For many consumers and growers, THC levels are a key determining factor when choosing the right strain.
What exactly is THC? Known fully as tetrahydrocannabinol (which is a bit of a mouthful, hence the acronym), THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes users feel ‘high’.
Consequently, stronger THC levels means a stronger high. Some users deliberately seek out these higher strength strains, while others prefer the more subtle strains or may even avoid it altogether to focus on the health benefits (such as pain relief and anxiety relief). In this post, we’ll explore some of the low, medium and high strains, so that you know exactly what stains to focus on.
Low THC strains
These strains typically contain less than 10% THC. They’re ideal for beginners, medical users or those seeking out a clear-headed high.
Low THC varieties often produce relaxing effects and a mild euphoria. There’s no risk of couch lock of paranoia, but seasoned smokers with a high tolerance may find the effects to be too subtle.
Strains like Harlequin, Charlotte’s Web and ACDC are known for their very high CBD content (the chemical compound that makes you relaxed and relieves pain), but typically have very low THC levels.
There are also pure hemp varieties that contain no THC at all. Hemp can be smoked or enjoyed as a herbal tea, and has a very high CBD content.
Medium THC strains
Moving up the scale, you have medium THC strains, which typically contain 10% to 20% THC. These strains deliver a more noticeable high, but don’t tip into extremes, making them one of the most popular choices for recreational and medical use.
Hybrid strains - which are a blend of indica and sativa - dominate this category. A famous example is Blue Dream, which hovers around 15% to 18%, and is excellent for both social settings or solo relaxation.
Some dispensaries class over 15% as high. Depending on how the strain is grown, THC levels can sometimes vary, and some traditional medium stains can be cultivated to deliver higher THC levels. For example, it’s possible to buy Northern Light seeds that deliver a more potent high.
High THC strains
Any strain containing over 20% THC is widely categorised as having ‘high THC levels’. These strains can deliver an intense euphoria, deep relaxation and even hallucinatory experiences. They’re recommended only for experienced users and may not be suitable in many settings.
Industrial breeding advancements escalated by legalization in many states have led to an increase in the availability of higher strains. Examples include Gorilla Glue #4 and Girl Scout Cookies, which can hit the 24% to 28% mark as a result of deliberately crossing high-THC parents.
Some cannabis enthusiasts love these stronger stains, but others find that they increase anxiety levels or lead to over-sedation. Build your way up to these strains and avoid them if you start to notice negative effects.
THC levels vary based on the types of plant used and how they are selectively bred. Beginners should start with low THC strains and work their way up to higher ones. It’s important to understand that high THC levels are not always better, and many users may find that they have a better time on low or medium strains.
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