What Percentage of THC Is Considered High for Flower?

THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, is known for its stress-relieving effects and other therapeutic benefits. But, how much THC is too much when it comes to your favorite cannabis strain?

Whether you are a frequent cannabis user or experimenting with THC for the first time, understanding THC percentages and what they mean can help you avoid any unpleasant side effects.

Let's take a look at the percentage of THC in various cannabis products and how these can affect your body and your overall experience with cannabis.

Key takeaways

• Measuring cannabis potency helps manufacturers provide consistent, quality cannabis products for consumers.
• The THC percentage in a particular strain is calculated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC).
• Different strains of cannabis flower and concentrates contain varying THC levels that can impact their effects.
• Optimal light intensity, moderate temperatures, proper nutrient levels, and balanced humidity combined can all yield strains with a higher THC percentage. 

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What is THC potency?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant.

When it comes to THC, potency plays as big a role as consumption method in determining cannabis’s psychoactive effects. Generally, the higher the THC percentage in certain marijuana strains, the more intense the psychoactive effects can be.

More potent strains of the cannabis plant carry a higher THC content, which can lead to intense psychoactive effects with potential risks and physical side effects, including increased heart rate, dry mouth, and other effects.

This is why understanding THC potency is so important for ensuring a pleasant experience with cannabis.

How is THC measured in cannabis flower and other products?

Measuring the THC percentage in weed strains is important for the cannabis industry, as it helps manufacturers produce consistent, quality products.

The levels of THC in cannabis flower are measured using chromatography techniques.

These include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). These methods are used to separate and quantify the amount of cannabinoids present in the cannabis flower. 

From here, the “total THC” of a substance can be calculated, which includes the potential for THCAs to be converted into active THC. These results are reported as a percentage of the dry weight of the substance. 

What is a high THC percentage in flower?

The percentage of THC in cannabis flower can vary dramatically between strains.

For context, the concentration of THC in cannabis flower harvested in the 1990s was approximately 5%. Research shows that, over time, THC content in cannabis flower has increased. With legalization, commercial manufacturing further contributed to this trend, making these products more readily available. 

Today, with new cannabis strains on the rise, some high THC strains now carry an average THC concentration of 15-20%. Some weed strains show a THC concentration of as high as 35%. 

And, while levels of THC in certain cannabis strains have dramatically increased over decades, other cannabis products, such as concentrates, can carry even higher levels.

For example, products like rosin, wax, hash oil, and shatter can contain upwards of 60%-90%. As such, the effects of these products can be felt more quickly and more intensely, raising risks of side effects. 

Categories of cannabis strains

Not all cannabis is created equal. In fact, there can be a world of difference between strains and their effects on the body.

Weed strains, which are different varieties of marijuana, are divided into three main categories:

• Indica
• Sativa
• Hybrid

Certain indica, sativa, and hybrid THC strains are well-known in the cannabis community for their high THC content. These may be beneficial for those dealing with certain health conditions or those in need of the plant's stress-relieving benefits.

Indica

Commonly known for its relaxing and sedative properties, resulting in what is dubbed a “body high,” this type of marijuana strain is often recommended for use at night. 

Characteristics: Short and bushy, containing broad leaves

Effects: Indica strains can cause common effects such as pain relief, deep relaxation, and sleepiness. 

Sativa

Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing “head high,” which can promote focus and creativity. These strains are typically recommended for daytime use.

Characteristics: Tall and thin, with long, narrow leaves.

Effects: Euphoria, enhanced mood, and increased energy. Some may experience anxiety when consumed in large amounts. 

Hybrid

These strains contain a combination of sativa and indica genetics, producing an effect that combines both parent strains. 

Characteristics: Hybrid strains can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced. 

Effects: Effects depend on the dominant strain, but many hybrids can provide a combination of physical relaxation and cerebral stimulation. 

Whether you prefer indica, sativa, or hybrid, high THC strains can produce more intense effects, making accurate dosing crucial.

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Factors that influence THC percentage

Multiple factors have the power to influence the percentage of THC in cannabis products.

From moderate THC levels to high THC levels, the following variables can significantly influence a product's effects on the body.

Cannabis strains

When consuming cannabis, it is helpful to understand that there are various strains that yield different effects.

Currently, there are over 700 different weed strains, each containing unique properties, compounds, and potency.

Different cannabis strains contain different THC concentrations, which can affect the body differently due to their interactions with the body's endocannabinoid system. Naturally, high-THC strains typically produce more intense effects.

Cannabinoid profiles

A cannabis profile offers a detailed analysis or the "full story" of a product’s chemical composition.

This typically includes its cannabinoid and terpene content, which can help users better predict the product’s effects, aroma, and flavor. 

Reputable dispensaries today use Certificates of Analysis (COA), which are generated by labs, to provide detailed cannabis profiles on their product lines. 

Cultivation techniques

How a weed strain is cultivated can have a significant effect on its THC percentage. 

This is because various environmental factors can greatly influence a particular THC strain’s genetics and cannabinoid production. These factors include:

• Light intensity
• Temperature
• Nutrient balance
• Humidity 

Light intensity

Buds exposed to higher light intensity typically contain a higher THC content. The type of light they are exposed to, as well as the spectrum of light, can play a role in THC concentrations. 

Plant density

According to some studies, a higher plant density can reduce yield and THC content per plant. However, when combined with higher temperatures, an increase in THC accumulation can occur. 

Humidity and airflow

Humidity, airflow, and other growing conditions can significantly alter how high THC percentage is. High humidity, for example, can slow transpiration and foster disease in certain THC strains, while adequate airflow can help in regulating cultivation techniques and growing environment. 

Environment

High THC strains thrive on minimal environmental stress. Extreme temperatures, flooding, drought, and nutrient imbalances can all result in reduced yield and inconsistency.  

Researching cannabis manufacturers and their growing practices can help ensure you are consuming products of the highest quality.

Average THC content in other cannabis products

How a cannabis product affects you depends on various factors, including individual tolerance.

THC levels can vary significantly between strains and products.

For example, dried flower typically contains a THC concentration of 15-30% while other more potent products, such as concentrates, can contain upwards of 60-90% THC content. 

Edibles typically contain 5-10 mg of THC per serving, while hemp products, including delta-9 THC, must remain below the federal limit of 0.3% by dry weight. 

Dried cannabis flower

• THC content: 15-30%
• Average potency: Moderate THC to high THC. Higher THC in high-THC strains produces stronger effects
• Measurement: Percentage by weight

Edibles (Gummies, Tinctures)

• THC content: Varies significantly by product, but usually around 5-10 mg per serving.
• Average potency: Effects of THC or CBD gummies can be delayed and longer-lasting than smoking cannabis flower. 
• Measurement: Milligrams (mg) of THC per serving

Concentrates (Wax, Hash Oil, Rosin, Kief)

• THC content: 60-90% and up
• Average potency: Extremely high THC content 
• Measurement: Percentage by weight

Hemp products

• THC content: Products designated as hemp must contain less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
• Average potency: Low potency with negligible intoxicating effects
• Measurement: Percentage by weight

Clean Remedies offers a wide variety of lab-tested cannabis products to help users feel confident in finding that perfect balance. Whether for rest, relaxation, or to help alleviate pain and symptoms associated with various health issues, browse Clean Remedies' growing selection of high-THC flower, edibles, THC oils and tinctures, and more.

Final thoughts

Understanding the THC levels in your favorite cannabis products can help you anticipate how different strains may affect you, but THC percentages alone don’t tell the whole story. Factors like strain type and consumption method also play a role in achieving a balanced, manageable high.

Whether you’re exploring new cannabis strains or trying cannabis for the first time, the more you understand about the products you consume, the more enjoyable your experience will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's a good THC percentage for buds?

A: This depends on your desired level of intoxication as well as your personal tolerance. Flower containing a THC content of more than 20% is considered strong. 

Q: Is 40% THC a lot?

A: Many strains of cannabis contain THC percentages of between 15-30%. 40% THC can produce intense effects. 

Q: What is considered high THC in flowers?

A: Cannabis flower with THC content ranging from 20-30% is considered “high THC.” 

Keep Reading: CBD Doseage: How Much Is Too Much?

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