When it comes to flower, sometimes a little moderation is in order. It’s generally not a great idea to go to work after ingesting or inhaling too much cannabis. But at other times, like when you’re trying to get a handle on severe pain, only the strongest cannabis strains will do. For some, that means the highest level of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for cannabis’s “high.” But does finding the highest THC strain really mean the strongest high?
Like many things in cannabis, the answer is simple and also not so simple.
In general, yes: The strongest cannabis strains will also be the highest THC strains. But the cannabis plant is an incredibly complex ecosystem, containing hundreds of compounds: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, among others. And all those different “active ingredients” interact with each other to produce each strain’s specific effects.
Why Seek the Strongest Cannabis Strains?
A high-THC strain can help combat chronic pain and the pain that comes with certain cancer treatments. In fact, chronic pain is the most cited reason for using cannabis.
Is High-THC for You?
High-THC isn’t for everyone. It can lead some individuals to experience paranoia or increase anxiety. This is especially true for those who already live with anxiety.
If you think you may benefit from a high-THC strain, consider microdosing. By taking a small amount of your chosen product and working your way up, you will be able to find the ideal dose for your goals and reduce your chances of suffering negative side effects like paranoia, anxiety, or dry mouth.
Keep a CBD strain on hand in case you do feel the onset of negative side effects.
Other Variables to Consider
THC isn’t a stand-alone component of cannabis. It works in tandem with other cannabinoids and terpenes.
When considering the effects you want from cannabis, it’s often more beneficial to focus on the cannabinoid ratio and the terpenes present rather than just a high percentage of THC.
For example, if you’re looking to be productive while managing pain, you may want to seek out a strain with a reasonable amount of THC and plenty of pinene. Need help getting to sleep? Myrcene and linalool percentage can be a good indicator of a strain that will help you snooze. CBN, another cannabinoid, may also promote drowsiness and help you drift off at the end of a long day.
Be sure to share your goals with your cannabis consultant to find the strains and products that will get you what you want.
The Strongest Cannabis Strain: It Depends
Even if you do opt for a high-THC strain, that doesn’t mean that it will get you “too high.” In addition to the factors within cannabis that can affect how you experience a particular strain, what you eat, when you use cannabis, how much you take, and the consumption method you choose will all impact how a strain makes you feel.
When trying to find your ideal strain, ratio, or dose, we recommend using a cannabis journal to note down what you’re taking and when so you can pinpoint the strains and variables that give you your desired effect.
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