The very first thing that marijuana consumers ask when buying weed is usually how much THC is in weed? Is the strain too potent or too weak? Recreational users base their choices on how high THC is in weed to get the best experience. Meanwhile, medicinal users prefer a very minimal or absent THC in weed to reap the therapeutic benefits of marijuana.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of marijuana. It is the reason why a strain can give you that “high” you’re looking for. THC is present in all strains, some very high, average, and some, very minimal. When THC is high, CBD, or cannabidiol, the therapeutic component in weed is low. When CBD is higher, THC levels are lower.
Now, telling how much THC is in the weed you want to consume can be very simple to complicate. Consider these methods.
Lab tests for THC levels
If you’ve just grown a strain and you’re wondering how much weed is in the buds you have just harvested, the only way to get an accurate, reliable answer is to have it professionally tested. You can use professional testing services offered online like https://pharma-lab.eu/, an actual laboratory that can test a sample of your weed. All you need to do is to mail a sample of your plant, around 2 grams would be enough, by mail. You will get the results in just 7 to 10 working days through a test certificate in PDF form.
You may also use home testing kits like THC/CBD/Hemp test kits from Cannalytics. You can get kits from https://www.cannalyticssupply.com/ or accredited sellers.
Check the breeder’s packaging
If you want to know the THC level of a strain that’s still inside its original breeder’s packaging then you’ll likely find the answers easily from the packaging. Proper weed packaging comes with clear information on the product’s total THC, total CBD, total CBG, CBC, CBN, the type of cannabis flower, and other important information. Some manufacturers use clear, large packaging details while some may only indicate the THC and CBD content but regardless, you can check the THC levels before you consume the strain.
What if your weed is not inside their original packaging? It would be very hard to tell the THC level with no packaging information therefore, the only way is to simply smoke it. But do this moderately, consuming only a bit of weed to test.
What if you’re consuming edibles? Most edible makers provide information about the amount of THC or CBD in their products. This way, consumers can easily dose up and avoid side effects. But if this is not available or if you’re eating homemade products, ask the manufacturer. Take note: consuming cannabis edibles is more potent than smoking or vaping weed so you must properly dose up by learning the amount of THC in the edible you want to consume.
Do your research
If you have weed inside a pack but with no information about its THC then you must be proactive and check the strain out first. There are many online sites dedicated to cannabis especially finding out how potent a strain is. And if you frequently encounter this problem (wondering how much THC is in weed products with incomplete packaging) download apps that can help you do this on the go. Some apps to consider are Leafly, Simleaf, and Tokr. These apps are available in Android and iPhone versions
Try out a sample
If you don’t have any choice, then you can take a small amount of weed and smoke it. THC can easily get to the bloodstream in just a few seconds of use. The peak is around 30 minutes and can wear off in around an hour for up to three hours. Effects vary from person to person and from strain to strain but usually, you will feel paranoia (slight or pronounced), improved or heightened senses, affect your motor skills, and reduce your inhibitions.
Of all the methods in this list, this is the least reliable as a person new to marijuana may have a different perception than a person who has consumed cannabis for many years. You can only become an expert and easily tell how potent a strain is or not when you have consumed many types of strains.
Ask a professional
You can take a mysterious stash of weed to a budtender and ask away. A budtender can easily tell what a strain is, how potent it is, or how therapeutic it is by a glance. Most on-site cannabis dispensaries have helpful shopkeepers and will readily assist you even if you’re just there to ask. If a local dispensary is not available in your area, you can go online to ask an expert.
How much THC is in weed? The highest THC strain in the planet
Now that you know how much THC is in weed, let’s check out the strains that can literally “rock your world” with their very high THC content.
Memory Loss
This is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain that comes with 26 to 31% THC levels. It is a very potent strain that can cause severe mental effects, literally causing memory loss. When used moderately, this strain can ease stress, depression, fatigue, and nausea.
Silver Haze
Silver Haze comes with a 23% THC and you can tell from its buds as these come with oozing resin almost covering the entire plant. Aside from being a very potent recreational strain, people use Silver Haze to deal with conditions like anxiety, stress, pain, lack of appetite, and depression.
Thai
Thai comes with 22% THC which makes you feel focused and uplifted. It can leave you energetic, relaxed, with a big smile on your face. It is also partly a medicinal strain as it can relieve pain such as headaches, migraines and muscle pains, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Hawaiian
If you want to feel very happy and very relaxed then you’ll love the effects of potent Hawaiian strain. This strain contains up to 22% THC with users reporting extreme relaxation and uplifting effects. With Hawaiian, you’ll experience happiness, relaxation, euphoria, and creativity. You can use this to treat depression, fatigue, and all kinds of pain.
Triangle Kush
Triangle Kush comes with a 23% THC and is popular among artists and creative users. When you take Triangle Kush, you’ll experience an increase in creativity, euphoria, and a “chilled out” experience right after the high has passed. People also use Triangle Kush to relieve conditions like stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Ghost OG
Ghost OG comes with very potent THC at 23% and you can tell from its various mind and body effects. This indica-dominant cannabis strain is also more than a recreational strain as it can also relieve all kinds of pain including headaches, migraines, muscle pain, and joint pains, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Ghost OG comes with calming and very sleepy effects.
GMO Cookies
Another very potent cannabis strain is indica-dominant GMO Cookies. THC levels for this strain can be as high as 24% and this creates a sedative effect to make you very relaxed and sleepy. Another name for GMO Cookies is Garlic Cookies. And aside from using this as a recreational strain, you can also consume this for its therapeutic qualities. It can help with chronic pain, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Banana OG
This is another indica-leaning hybrid strain that comes with a high 23% THC. This fruity strain is better known as a creeper strain as you can experience a couchlock effect together with intense hunger and sleepiness right after taking a dose. Banana OG comes with intense relaxation, hunger, and euphoria. It is also a medicinal strain able to help users deal with muscle pain and strain, lack of appetite, insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety and so many more.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue or GG is a balanced hybrid with a potent 23% THC. It is a strain with mental and physical effects that can take onset fast and take time to wear off compared to other cannabis strains. This very sticky strain has a relaxing and very sedating effect which may be used to relieve stress and insomnia. You may also use GG to deal with pain including menstrual pain.
Lemon Kush
Lemon Kush is also a balanced hybrid strain that comes with a high 22% THC. It is a strain with a euphoric effect that can make you very relaxed and calm, happy, creative, hungry, and stress-free. Lemon Kush can be used to deal with all kinds of pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and lack of appetite.
The White
The White is a very powerful strain that has 23% THC. This indica hybrid strain is very relaxing, highly-sedating, and will give you euphoria and happiness. It is also a medicinal strain as it can help with insomnia, nausea, stress, depression, and all kinds of pain including chronic pain, headaches, migraines, muscle pains, and joint pains.
Bruce Banner
One of the most potent high THC strains is Bruce Banner. This hybrid comes with a 25% THC content that can instantly take effect. It will take you to a euphoric state and improve your senses quickly based on the experience of different users. And just like all other high THC strains, you can also count on Bruce Banner to help you with conditions like stress, pain, and depression.
The risks of taking high THC weed
THC is not just recreational and medicinal but can also produce pronounced side effects especially when you take higher doses. You can also suffer from extreme side effects if you are new to consuming cannabis with high THC.
Overall, you may experience any of the following:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Dry mouth, dry eyes
- Problems with motor coordination ( you won’t be able to walk, stand up, etc.)
- Poor reaction times
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
Tips to deal with high THC weed
You can never deny that high THC strains are the best, BUT, you must take it moderately to fully enjoy its recreational and medicinal benefits. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Whether you’re consuming a familiar or a mysterious strain, ALWAYS start with the smallest dose. Once you think that you’re okay with this dose, you may work your way to a higher dose to prevent any side effects.
- Instead of vaping and smoking cannabis (using joints, blunts, or spliffs) use other methods to consume weed. This can help prevent very potent side effects and will further protect your respiratory system. Other ways are eating edibles, taking oils, and taking tablets or teas. As much as possible, avoid lung-damaging cannabis smoke.
- But if you prefer smoking cannabis, do not deeply inhale the smoke and holding your breath. This can fully expose your lungs to very dangerous components of cannabis smoke.
- As much as possible limit your intake of high THC strains to reduce your risk of suffering from health concerns as well as cannabis addiction.
- Right after taking a high THC strain, avoid driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities altogether if you are still feeling the effects of THC. If you want to take a new strain with high THC, do so during a day off so you can better evaluate its effects good or bad.
- If you’re pregnant or you’re currently breastfeeding, avoid consuming cannabis entirely. This goes for all kinds of strains including high or low THC strains.
- And even if you’re an expert or a seasoned cannabis user, it’s best to go slow when it comes to taking high THC weed.
Knowing how much THC is in weed can help you keep track of your dose. This is important no matter what marijuana strain you’re taking. And if you’re taking cannabis for the first time, start with low THC strains and start increasing your dose or using higher THC strains when you’re comfortable with its effects.
