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THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary cannabinoid in cannabis that is responsible for mind-altering effects after it interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The euphoric feeling one gets after inhaling cannabis is mainly because of the presence of THC. The effect varies depending on the percentage of THC present in the cannabis strain. While some individuals may prefer high-THC strains, some may opt for low-THC ones. But no matter which one you choose, you have to learn about the benefits and drawbacks to make an informed choice.
Let’s see how the percentage of THC in the cannabis strain can vary your experience.
What Is THC? A Quick Refresher
In every cannabis strain, you will find two types of cannabinoids – delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Among these two cannabinoids, THC is the one that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. THC tends to impact the mood, sleep, memory, appetite, and other biological functions.
However, CBD does not interact with the endocannabinoid system; rather, it prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids attached to the receptor. So, you might experience the effects of THC for longer.
The higher the THC percentage level in the cannabis, the stronger the impact you feel. With a lower percentage of THC, you might experience a mild impact.
**Endocannabinoids are the naturally occurring elements in the human body that help to regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions
High-THC Strains: Benefits and Drawbacks
Cannabis with high THC strains is the one that has a higher percentage of THC. It means, consumption of cannabis in smaller amounts will deliver an intense effect.
Consuming strains with high THC means you will experience:
- A quicker feeling of euphoria
- A heightened sense of creativity
- An altered perception of reality
If you are suffering from chronic pain, consuming cannabis with high THC will give an immediate soothing effect.
As you can experience a similar level of euphoria or pain-relieving effect by consuming a smaller dose of cannabis with a high THC strain, you will need to take it less frequently. Moreover, it lowers the risk of airway infection from frequent smoking of cannabis.
Cannabis with a high THC percentage is better for people with medical issues or someone going through a recreational phase. Or, if you want to enhance your creative thinking, you might want to try a high-potency THC strain.
Drawbacks to Consider: The latest research shows that there might be some health impacts of consuming strains with high THC. The high consumption of THC in one sitting might have an adverse impact on your health. You may experience:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
Moreover, the high level of cannabis consumption with high THC levels might increase the risk of psychosis. So, patients with mental issues should try to avoid the consumption of high THC strains.
If someone is planning to use cannabis for the first time, steer clear of high-THC strains and seek low-THC strains. Once you get habituated to cannabis consumption, it will be much easier to move towards strains with a higher THC percentage.
Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of High-THC strains.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong, fast-acting effects | It can be overwhelming for beginners |
| Effective for severe symptoms | Higher risk of anxiety/paranoia |
| Increased euphoria & creativity | Builds tolerance with frequent use |
Table 1: Pros and Cons of High-THC Strains
Low-THC Strains: Benefits and Drawbacks
A low THC strain is easier to consume for a beginner. When you consume a low THC weed strain, you slowly ease into the euphoric state instead of having a quick and strong mind-altering effect.
Cannabis with a low THC percentage is good for beginners and also excellent for those who want to experience everything that weed has to offer to human beings. Besides, these strains:
- Support focus
- Bring clarity
- Boost creativity
- Reduce anxiety
However, there might not be a perfect cannabis dose to soothe your anxiety, but you can start with a low dose
Sometimes, you can also inhale cannabis that includes both THC and CBD. Even though both compounds might have different effects on mood and health, separating them from each other might not be a good idea. THC, CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids make a cannabis strain more effective if consumed together. These elements give a unique experience, which is called the ‘entourage effect’.
To experience the full spectrum of cannabis effects, use a strain that has all the compounds in low percentages.
Drawbacks to Consider: One of the major drawbacks of low THC strains is their lower availability in the market. Cannabis with a high THC percentage has been widely used by users, so finding a wide range of low-THC cannabis is difficult. However, the trend is changing with the changing requirement of THC.
Another drawback of low THC weed strains is that they might not be as effective for someone used to high THC strains. A mild euphoric effect from a low THC strain may not be exciting for someone who is using cannabis for a long time.
Even if it is used for medical purposes (chronic pain management, insomnia), a lower dose might not be as effective as it should be.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for anxiety & clarity | Weaker effects for experienced users |
| Low risk of paranoia | May not relieve strong symptoms |
| Suitable for microdosing | Some find it underwhelming |
Table 2: Pros and Cons of Low-THC Strains
Comparing Effects: High-THC vs Low-THC
The high THC strains and low THC strains have different impacts on the users. Besides, your intended usage also demands specific strains.
If you are looking to use it for medical purposes (pain, insomnia) or to get a euphoric experience, a high THC strain will be the ideal one for you. On the other hand, if you are looking to improve focus, relieve anxiety, and get clarity, you will have to use a low-THC cannabis strain.
Ultimately, it depends on the user’s tolerance to choose between a high and low THC strain.
THC Tolerance & Personalisation
If you are just starting on cannabis, you might want to start with a low THC cannabis. The slow consumption of THC will allow you to experience the mild euphoric effect from cannabis.
However, someone with a higher tolerance will have to go for strains with high THC. Otherwise, you will not get the euphoric impact.
Use Cannabis Responsibly!
Both low and high-THC cannabis strains have benefits and drawbacks; you need to understand your requirement and use the right one. If you are a beginner, start with low-THC cannabis. But if your THC tolerance is high, you need to use a strain with a high THC percentage. However, if you are facing any side effects from using cannabis, you might want to consult a physician.
Check out the variety on our website to find the right strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Hope to Increase My Appetite With High THC Strains?
Yes. In fact, high THC strains are often prescribed to people who are diagnosed with anorexia or are undergoing chemotherapy.
Do Low THC Strains Have Therapeutic Potential?
Yes, there are some low-THC strains that have high CBD content, which results in anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects.
What Percentage of THC is Considered to Be Low and High?
THC percentage below 20% in the flower is considered to be low to moderate strength. On the other hand, cannabis with more than 20% THC is considered to be a high percentage.
Will a Cannabis Strain With Low THC Give Me the Feeling of Euphoria?
It depends on your THC tolerance. If you are a beginner, a low THC strain can let you experience you low to moderate excitement. On the other hand, if you have a higher THC tolerance, you might not get high with a low-THC strain.