The Definitive Guide to THC Percentage

The percentage of THC in a strain determines its potency, effects, and suitable usage.

Higher THC does not always mean a better experience. The entourage effect (interaction with other cannabinoids like CBD and terpenes) also plays a role in the high and medical benefits.

One of the advantages of modern day dispensaries is that most cannabis products undergo lab testing. These test results provide consumers with valuable information, allowing them to make informed decisions based on THC content and overall product quality.

THC Percentage Guide

The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) percentage indicates the concentration of this psychoactive compound in cannabis products.

High-THC strains are renowned for their strong effects and are typically defined as having a THC level of 20% or higher. But the way cannabis is consumed also affects the effects.

THC Percentage in Different Cannabis Products

• Flower (Bud): Typically ranges from 10-30% THC.
• Edibles: Dosed in milligrams (mg) rather than percentages; a common dose is 5-10 mg per serving.
• Concentrates (Wax, Shatter, Rosin, Distillate): Can range from 50-90% THC.
• Vape Cartridges: Typically contain 60-90% THC.
• Tinctures: Varies widely
• Pre-Rolls: Varies based on the strain, usually between 10-25% THC

THC is expressed as a percentage based on weight. THC levels in cannabis flowers can range from high (over 20%) to medium (10–20%). Cannabis concentrates, on the other hand, contain a lot more THC, usually between 65% and 90%, because of the amount of extracted cannabinoids in them.

Understanding elevated THC levels and your enjoyment of marijuana go hand in hand. Looking at a THC percentage chart can allow you to truly understand THC and how it impacts you personally.

High THC strains available on the market today:

• Gorilla Glue #4 is notorious for having high levels of THC that leave you glued to your couch. GG4 has been tested at up to 30 percent THC which is around 10 times stronger than marijuana was in the 1970s.
• Amnesia Haze tests at high levels regularly and can make you quite forgetful if the name delivers on its promise. This strain regularly tests between 20 and 25 percent THC.
• Girl Scout Cookies has tested up to 29 percent THC and has a plethora of awards to show for it. The strain originated in 2011 or 2012 with its grower remaining a mystery. This has been a source of hot debate but the one fact that is not debatable is the strain came from San Francisco.
• White Fire OG is one of the prettiest flowers on the market along with testing in up to 29 percent in THC levels. This is a hybrid of The White and Fire OG which is sure to pack a punch in your bowl.
• Chemdog is a phenotype of DogBud that a breeder picked up in the parking lot of a Grateful Dead show. The bud tests between 20 and 24 percent THC which is no surprise with a lineage including a Grateful Dead show.

Key Factors That Impact THC Levels in Cannabis Plants

The most significant factor in determining THC content is the plant's genetics. Some strains are naturally bred to have higher THC levels, while others are more balanced or CBD-dominant.

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and airflow all play a role in THC production. Cannabis thrives in warm, sunny conditions with controlled humidity.

Proper lighting, whether from natural sunlight or high-intensity grow lights, is crucial for maximizing THC production. More intense light exposure during the flowering stage can increase THC levels.

Certain growing methods, such as topping, super cropping, or low-stress training (LST), can increase THC production by promoting more bud sites and resin production.

How THC Levels Have Changed Over The Years

Today’s cannabis is not like that of the 1970s with THC percentages hovering between 5 and 7 percent for high-grade weed strains. Most cannabis had around 3 percent of THC which is seen tenfold in some strains currently. 

The THC levels of today are astronomical when compared to just a few decades ago. Marijuana growing has been taken to the next level and will continue to flourish as legal restrictions continue to be lifted. 

The 1980s and 1990s didn’t have any real reliable testing when it came to THC levels in marijuana.

Everything from the storage of the cannabis to other outside factors made the results of the tests unreliable at best. The tests that were done did show a small increase to around 5 percent when it came to the THC levels of cannabis on average.

The 2000s until the present-day have been the true Golden Age for cannabis THC percentages. Technology has made growing cannabis more convenient than ever.

Reasons for the jump in THC levels over the years:

• Hydroponic indoor grows allow for complete control of the growing environment.
• Seed genetics are improving in a variety of ways. The durability of a certain strain might be taken into account when being bred with a sensitive strain.
• Quality soil and nutrients can help increase THC levels and improve things like bud density come harvest time.
• Cannabis growing certification programs like those offered online at CTU puts expert advice at your disposal. The ability to post pictures online to ask others about your grow is also helpful. Being able to detect a mite infestation could potentially save an entire crop. Dealing with certain mites can be as easy as investing in some ladybugs that eat the mites.
• Legal restrictions being lifted in some states led to quite a bit of experimental growing to be done. The federal legalization could lead to even higher THC levels as long as government intervention is minimal.

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.