When it comes to cannabis, knowing the potency of your product is key. There are several different ways to measure the strength of marijuana. The most common metric used is THC—or tetrahydrocannabinol. In this article, we’ll explain what THC is, how you can calculate it from buds, and why you should care about it as a user or a grower.
What is THC?
As you likely know by now, THC is the compound in cannabis plants that gets users high. This is the compound responsible for the euphoric feeling that comes from using marijuana, as well as its medical benefits. THC levels in cannabis plants can vary but generally fall between 0.3% and 16%, with 8%-10% being the most common.
How to Calculate THC in Buds
Marijuana potency is measured in THC levels. To calculate the overall THC percentage of your buds, you’ll need to know three things: THC levels in flower tissue – The higher the THC levels, the higher the potency. If you have 6% THC in the bud but 99% CBD, then you have 0% THC.
THC levels in the CBD and CBG – CBD and CBG are cannabinoids found in cannabis plants alongside THC. CBD has anti-seizure, anti-psychotic, and anti-anxiety effects, while CBG is a cannabinoid with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. THC levels in the plant – THC levels in the plant can vary based on the strain of cannabis and growing conditions, so it’s important to know your starting point.
Why Should You Care about THC Levels?
If you’re a marijuana consumer, the amount of THC in your bud is important. You may be curious about how much THC is in your products to see if your favorite strain is strong enough for you. You may also be a medical marijuana patient looking for information about your treatment and how effective a particular strain is.
How to Calculate THC in Edibles
There are a few ways to measure the potency of cannabis edibles, but THC levels are one of the most common. The amount of THC in an edible product will depend on the strain and how it was made. The amount of THC in an edible product will depend on the strain and how it was made.
If it was made with an oil/extract that has THC in it, then the amount of THC per serving in that product will be higher than if it was just extracted, but did not have any THC. The type of oil used will also make a difference. For example, hemp oil, which is extracted from a strain of cannabis plants that has very little THC, will have less of an effect than CBG oil, which is extracted from a strain of cannabis that has moderate levels of THC.
How to Measure a Marijuana Strains THC Level
Because THC content can vary in various strains, and different parts of the plant have different levels of THC, it’s best to measure the THC level in the whole bud. To do this, you’ll need to extract the THC from the bud. There are several ways to do this, but one of the easiest is by using butane.
Bring enough butane to cover the buds to a rolling boil and let it sit for two minutes. Put the buds on a stove and add enough butane to cover them. Let the buds boil on the stove. After two minutes, take off the heat and let it sit for another two minutes. Put the buds in a jar with a fine strainer and let it sit overnight. The next day, take the buds out of the jar and strain out the plant matter and any leftover butane.
How to Calculate THC in Marijuana Strains
Marijuana strains are different varieties of cannabis with varying THC and CBD levels. You can find strain information online or in a book about marijuana strains, which will include information like the THC content, the effects, the smell and taste, the look of the plant, and more.
To calculate the THC level in your strain, you’ll need to know the cannabinoid profile of the strain, along with its THC content. If you’re a grower, you can find cannabinoid profiling services on sites like Leafly or Cannabist. You can also find cannabinoid profiling tools on many marijuana strain websites.
Differences Between Edible & Smoking Products
As with any legal product, it’s important to know the level of THC in your cannabis products. Knowing how much THC you’re consuming will allow you to take control of your cannabis experience, and avoid experiencing unwanted side effects. In addition to the fact that you’ll be able to calculate THC levels, it’s also important to understand the differences between how edible and smoking cannabis affect you.
Edibles are often closer to 300mg of THC per dose. While this is helpful for new users who want to slowly ease into consuming cannabis, it’s important to remember that edibles take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping products. As you can imagine, this can present a challenge for users who want to consume cannabis as soon as possible. Furthermore, edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, which is far too long for new or infrequent users.
How To Use This Information
Now that you know how to calculate THC levels in your cannabis, it’s time to get to work. After all, there’s no sense in consuming cannabis if you don’t get the most out of it. To begin, it’s important to understand that THC levels in cannabis products can vary significantly.
As such, it’s important to know the level of THC in your product so that you can take control of your experience. Next, you must understand how to use THC levels to your advantage. By consuming higher-quality cannabis, you can experience a more profound high, and get the most out of your purchase.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when trying to calculate the THC content in marijuana buds or edibles. Understanding these terms and concepts will make it easier to make informed decisions about the products you consume. From strain names and cannabinoid profiles to how they were made, knowing how potent your marijuana is will help you make better decisions about when and how often you use it.
