There’s more to a good high than just THC percentage. Discover the balance of flavors and effects that can elevate your cannabis experience.
Understanding the Issue: High THC Cannabis Dominating the Market
Walk into any dispensary in Michigan, and you’ll inevitably encounter THC chasers. These customers are fixated on finding cannabis strains with THC percentages that soar above 30%. While they sift through the menu, one can’t help but wonder: are they missing out on something more valuable? The demand for high THC cannabis has put immense pressure on dispensaries to stock 'super-potent' strains, often leading to inflated lab results and the neglect of more balanced, flavorful options.
Why Chasing THC Percentages is Misleading
The allure of high THC could be compared to a high-proof vodka—while it might deliver a quick buzz, it often lacks depth. The experience of cannabis transcends the numbers on the label. What truly makes a strain excellent is something called the entourage effect: the synergistic interaction of various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that enhance the overall experience.
Think of it like choosing a spirit. Would you really prefer a harsh liquor that burns your throat over a smooth, well-aged bourbon with complex flavors? A similar logic applies to cannabis. Chasing only high THC content can cause you to miss the nuances of a well-crafted strain.
The Hidden Costs of High THC Strains
Many strains that test consistently above 30% THC often fall short in cannabinoid diversity. Cannabis plants naturally cap the total cannabinoid content they can produce. When cultivators focus exclusively on breeding for high THC, they unintentionally limit other beneficial cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN.
Here’s why this matters
- Balanced Experience: Strains with a diverse cannabinoid profile can offer a smoother, longer-lasting high.
- Reduced Negative Effects: THC-heavy strains can lead to issues like paranoia or a crashing high.
- Flavor and Aroma: A richer cannabinoid profile often correlates with a more satisfying flavor.
Tyler Hall, COO of Michigrown, notes that being fixated on THC percentages may lead consumers to overlook how lower THC strains can provide a superior high through a more complex cannabinoid interaction.
The Importance of Terpenes in Cannabis
A crucial player often overlooked by THC chasers are terpenes, the aromatic compounds that shape both the flavor and effects of cannabis strains. Terpenes do more than just make weed smell pleasant; they significantly impact your high. Different terpenes come with unique effects that can complement or counterbalance the high from THC.
For example
- Myrcene: Found in strains like Granddaddy Purple and Heavy Hitters’ Permanent Marker, myrcene offers relaxing, almost sedative effects. Interestingly, it’s also found in mangoes, leading to the belief that consuming a mango before smoking amplifies the high.
- Limonene: Present in strains such as Pure Michigan and Gelonade, limonene unveils uplifting, mood-boosting properties, making it a great choice for an energizing high.
- Caryophyllene: Found in Runtz and Zoap, this terpene interacts directly with the body’s CB2 receptors, offering anti-inflammatory benefits along with a spicy kick.
This diversity in terpenes can transform an ordinary high into a deeply satisfying experience. Consumers focused solely on THC percentages miss out on the full spectrum of effects cannabis offers.
Don’t Overlook Flavor: The Best Tasting Weed in Michigan
For those truly seeking cannabis enjoyment, focusing on flavor can be more rewarding than pursuing high THC. Michigan is home to cultivators who are dedicated to perfecting strains, highlighting flavors that tantalize the palate. By concentrating on taste and aroma, these growers are pushing the boundaries of cannabis excellence.
- Michigrown’s Rainbow Belts: At 23% THC, this strain wonderfully blends Zkittlez and Moonbow, providing a complex experience of sweet candy-like aroma intermingled with herbal notes. You won’t find many strains that deliver such a distinctive high, emphasizing pleasure over just potency.
- Utopia Farms’ Cookie Breath: This strain brings together the best of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush Breath, and more, with 25% THC. Expect an earthy, doughy fragrance with hints of grape that provide a well-rounded, enjoyable experience without excessive THC.
- 710 Labs’ Donny Burger: This strain clocks in at 22.8% THC. Its unique flavors of garlic, onion, pine, and citrus create an appealing profile that results in a euphoric lift followed by full-body relaxation.
How to Transition Your Focus in Cannabis Consumption
The Michigan cannabis market boasts a plethora of incredible strains that go unnoticed due to an obsession with THC numbers. If you genuinely want to enrich your cannabis experience, it’s time to shift your focus. Prioritize the strains rich in terpenes, cannabinoids, and balanced effects. Ask your budtender about strains that are renowned for their complex flavor profiles and effects.
This shift could lead you to discover strains previously overlooked just because they didn’t flaunt high THC percentages.
Start Embracing Harmony in Cannabis
Even with all these insights, many consumers remain trapped in the pursuit of higher THC strains, which can dilute the quality of their experience. It’s important to recognize that when done right, a lower THC percentage doesn’t equate to a less potent high. Rather, it paves the way for a richer, fuller experience.
Educating consumers about cannabinoid interactions and the importance of terpenes is crucial. Knowledge can help individuals appreciate cannabis in its holistic form, focusing on everything that contributes to a great high—not just the numbers. The magic lies not solely in high THC, but in the intricate dance of all components contained in each incredible strain.