Measuring THC strength: milligrams and percentages
If you look closely, you'll find that THC content is measured in two ways: as a percentage and as milligrams. This is to list the percentage of THC (milligrams of THC per gram of material) of the total THC content.
Both numbers give you a rough idea of how powerful the product is. However, no system is perfect, and no measurement guarantees a particular effect. Obviously strains with high concentrations of THC can get you very high, but that's not always the case.
First of all, the amount of substance you ingest is more important than the THC percentage of the strain. If you're cramming bowl after bowl (and you don't have a super high tolerance), you'll probably get very high. This also assumes that the strain primarily contains THC.
The strength of weed strongly depends on its overall composition, not just its THC content. CBD, CBG, trace cannabinoids, and even terpenes can mix together to create a variety of effects. This is why the so-called entourage effect has attracted so much attention.
Users regularly report that they get extremely high after consuming apparently less strong cannabis. Your own tolerance, physiology, health, and other factors can also affect the levels you get from a particular product.
THC percentage graph
Again, just because one strain has a higher THC percentage than another doesn't necessarily mean it's stronger. However, if you're torn between a weed strain with 10% delta-9 THC and a strain with 30%, it's reasonable to assume the latter is higher.
The amount of bud ingested can also dramatically change the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of a strain. Let's assume you're keeping your flowers under 1 gram.
% THC Total THC (per gram) Expected potency<2%<20 mg/g None to weak psychoactive effects 2% to 6.99%20 to 69.9 mg/g weak to moderate psychoactive effects 7% to 11.99% 70 to 119.9 mg/g Mild to moderate psychoactive effects 12% to 16.99%120 to 160.9 mg/g Moderate to strong psychoactive effects 17% to 19.99%170 to 190.9 mg/g Strong to very strong psychoactive effects Effect 20%+ 200+ mg/g Very strong psychoactive effect
Compared to edibles, vaping or smoking buds doesn't reach the same 20 mg of THC. Although gummies are less bioavailable (meaning less THC is absorbed), THC is metabolized much more slowly and produces long-lasting, potent effects for many users. For many people, the high from vaping or smoking looks very different from the high from food.
High CBD marijuana strains create another variable. CBD at least partially inhibits the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor, which is responsible for getting high. Therefore, if you are taking THC with CBD or using a strain with a high CBD content, it may be harder for the THC molecule to affect your nervous system. That often means less racy, edgy, and uplifting.
Average THC percentage in flower
Modern cannabis cultivation and breeding practices have created a “space race”, with growers seeking to maximize THC content. Cannabis flower contains up to 35% delta-9 THC, and many strains are bred to contain as close to this number as possible. Most legal flower contains 10% to 30% THC, with 20% being especially common.
The percentage of THC is also not completely consistent from batch to batch. Each batch is tested to determine cannabinoid (and sometimes terpene) content. Certain strains are cultivated to contain more THC or CBD, but the exact amount may vary.
Average THC percentage of concentrate
As you can probably guess from the name, concentrates are, well, concentrated. Contains a higher percentage of THC than extracted flower.
Many concentrates contain 60% to 90% THC, but that number can be as low as 40%. Even the most THC-rich flowers don't contain all that much.
Always check the packaging or COA of a concentrate before using it. The same goes for all THC products, but it's especially important here. Potency varies depending on the type of concentrate and manufacturer. Remember, a little goes a long way, and it's best to keep the dose small, at least until you have a good idea of what effect it will have.
Lastly, keep what I said about THC percentage not necessarily determining potency. Full-spectrum concentrates (such as live resin or live budder) can produce the most potent effects despite having lower THC content.
Average THC percentage for vape carts
THC or THCA vape carts have a lot in common with concentrates as far as the percentage of THC is concerned. However, the details vary depending on the type of oil (there's not just one), manufacturer, and other contents in your cart (such as CBD).
Distillate contains the highest percentage of THC, often over 90% as all other cannabinoids are filtered out. Terpenes are usually added back to provide flavor and aroma.
Distillate carts are easy to find, but full-spectrum options are also available. These have a low percentage of THC, but are known for their powerful and complex effects. A live rosin or live resin cart with 75% THC can feel more potent than a distillate with 95% THC.
