Beyond the Buzz: Why Less THC Might Be More

Are you on the search for strains with high THC? This post will explain why there might be a better strain for you.

High-THC cannabis strains could have some unpleasant side effects if you’ve never dealt with them before.

A safe, enjoyable cannabis experience is what we hope for when we offer products to cannabis users, and too much THC could be a negative thing. As they say, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

So, what percentage of THC is a good amount? What else do you need to know about your strain of cannabis, and how can you avoid any unpleasant side effects?

We’ll answer those questions and more in the following post.

Understanding THC

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the world’s most well-known and extensively studied compounds found in the cannabis plant. It belongs to a class of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system—a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters regulating various physiological processes such as pain, mood, appetite, and memory.

Key Characteristics of THC

Psychoactive Properties

THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, which is the sensation of being “high”. It works by binding cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly the CB1 receptors, altering the normal functioning of various neurotransmitter systems.

Therapeutic Benefits

Beyond its psychoactive effects, THC has several therapeutic properties. It has been found to help with pain relief, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation (which can be particularly beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals with certain eating disorders) and has some anti-inflammatory effects.

The Entourage Effect

We’ve talked about the entourage effect before, but it’s important to reiterate what it is and why it is so important in your cannabis experience.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is, for now anyway, a theory about cannabis compounds and how they work together synergistically to produce a greater effect than any single compound on its own. This concept implies that the medicinal and psychoactive effects of cannabis are not solely due to its components, such as THC or CBD, on their own. Instead, the terpenes, other cannabinoids, and phytochemicals all play a role in how you experience cannabis.

Let’s break that down a bit more.

Cannabinoids

There are literally hundreds of cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant, including high THC strains. The two most prominent are CBD and THC. Interestingly, though, CBD is non-psychoactive, and THC is psychoactive. This means when a strain has a balanced amount of both, the effects are milder and more enjoyable for your average cannabis user.

Terpenes

We’ve also written quite a bit about terpenes, but essentially, terpenes give cannabis its aromas. Some believe that they also play a role in the effects of cannabis. A good example of this is limonene, which is said to have mood-elevating properties.

Flavonoids

These phytonutrients contribute to the plant’s color, among other roles. Like terpenes, they may also have therapeutic effects.

Implications of the Entourage Effect

A product with a diverse cannabinoid and terpene profile, even one with a lower concentration of THC, might provide a more enjoyable and effective experience than a high-THC product.

For individuals looking for relief from anxiety or pain, understanding the way these compounds interact with one another can be extremely helpful.

More THC Isn’t Always Better

Even if you’re only interested in cannabis for recreational purposes, it’s important to know that strains with high THC aren’t always the best.

To have an enjoyable experience with your cannabis, we recommend strains with a THC concentration of no more than 10% to 20%.

For more mild experiences, look for low-THC strains of no more than 10%.

Our seasoned budtenders at Blue Oak Dispensary would be happy to help you make a selectionfor our dispensary but keep this percentage in mind when visiting us in person.

Personalized Cannabis Experience

Ultimately, however, finding the best balance for you when it comes to high THC strains is a very personal experience. A few things to consider include:

Starting with lower concentrations is best.

If you’re a newbie to cannabis, we always recommend starting low and going slow. Gradually increasing your THC percentage over time gives you the best results without the risk that comes from crashing from an uncomfortable THC high.

Think about cannabinoid ratios.

We highly recommend choosing cannabis strains that have evenly distributed cannabinoids, especially CBD and THC. CBD can offset THC and ensure a more relaxing, mild experience than higher THC strains.

Your body chemistry is unique.

It’s also important to understand that your body chemistry is unique, which means your experience with cannabis will be uniquely your own. Since the science of cannabis is ongoing, there is no way to predict what your experience will be with higher THC strains. The best way to find out is to work with your body and work your way up to higher concentrations of THC in your cannabis.

 

Find Your Balance with the Help of Experts

Whether you’re new to cannabis or learning how to make it work best with your body, it’s always helpful to have expert guidance.

When you visit our dispensary, we aim to give you the most up-to-date knowledge about cannabis and how it works with different compounds in the body.

We’ll help you identify strains that reduce the effect of THC and help you enjoy a mild, relaxing high.

So, visit us in person to learn more about how to enjoy cannabis responsibly in your own way.