There is a myth in the cannabis industry that the higher the percentage of THC, for example THC percentage in cartridges, the more powerful the product. However, new research indicates that this is not always the case. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) analyzed the relationship between THC content and the effects of intoxication.
Surprisingly, they found that potent marijuana increases blood levels of THC, but it doesn’t necessarily make you more stoned. If this came as a surprise, you are not alone. Most consumers, whether chronic pain patients trying to manage it or recreational users looking to have a good time, are simply trying to get the most bang for their buck.
High THC strains dominate pharmacy shelves, and data shows that high THC plants account for almost half (45%) of sales. It seems logical, but the truth is that THC percentage is not a good indicator of effectiveness, and certainly not a quality indicator as well. Effectiveness, like most aspects of cannabis, is hard to calculate.
Why there’s more to consider
THC is the chemical that makes us feel high, but it’s not the only compound that works. In fact, THC is only one of the 100 known cannabinoids in marijuana. When we smoke, these cannabinoids, as well as hundreds of other plant compounds such as terpenes, enter our bodies. Each of them has unique properties and benefits that change and enhance our experience.
This synergistic relationship is known as the entourage effect and is what makes cannabis so complex. When certain cannabinoids are combined with each other, they can weaken each other’s effects, while other combinations can enhance them. This is one of the reasons THC percentage is not an effective indicator.
Each strain, regardless of THC content, has its own terpene and cannabinoid profile that changes your experience. For example, if someone is looking for a pain reliever, they can try the strongest flower available. However, instead of THC, the strain that will help them the most is likely to have a higher percentage of CBD, CBN, or anti-inflammatory terpenes like limonene.
Good weed depends on your ideal “high” level
Not every cannabis user is looking for a similar experience. Also, what makes a good “high” is generally subjective. A good experience for one user might be a mild, euphoric delight, while someone else might be looking for a soothing couch-crushing effect.
The same applies to alcohol. When you go for a bottle of alcohol, what is the first thing you think about? Do you choose based on the brand, the type of liquor or wine, its taste, or the surrounding in which you will be drinking? If people bought alcohol the same way they bought cannabis, then Everclear would be the perfect choice for all occasions.
When cannabis users buy based on THC content alone, they are not only ignoring the strain’s aromas and flavors, but also overlooking the beneficial effects that can be achieved from the strain’s specific terpene profile.
How to find the right cannabis products for your needs
Hemp is not suitable for everyone. Your preferences and individual body chemistry will ultimately determine which products best suit your needs, but there are a few steps you can take to find the perfect ones.
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Research high-quality manufacturers: Brands become known for consistent quality, taste, and effectiveness. If you don’t know where to start, your best bet is to learn what’s popular.
2. Know the experience you’re looking for: Are you looking for something to help with sleep, reduce anxiety, or boost creativity? Whether you prefer something discreet and odorless or you want something with effect? Understanding your preferences will greatly help you in finding the right products.
3. Understand how cannabis affects the body: The method of consumption, the cannabinoid profile, and the type of strain affect the body in different ways. If you are eager to learn, we have plenty of reading material.
Why Weed Makes Us Laugh
Cannabis and its effects affect the endocannabinoid system. This biological network is responsible for regulating most of the functions of our body, one of which is our mood. When we consume cannabis, which is made up of molecules incredibly similar to those found naturally in our body, it reacts to create a myriad of effects that we know and love. In short, cannabis interacts with the biological system responsible for regulating our moods. That’s why millions of people use it to treat anxiety and depression, and it’s also one of the reasons we laugh more easily when high.
Cannabis use, like laughter, causes our bodies to release endorphins that can send us into a state of euphoria. While euphoria does not cause laughter itself, it creates the ideal conditions for it. When we feel carefree, we are much more likely to laugh. On the other hand, research shows that when we feel stressed, the humor center of the brain decreases activity.
So while more research is needed, it’s possible that smoking increases activity in these parts of the brain, causing euphoria and making us more likely to laugh.
Another reason weed makes us laugh is because it’s a reflex. Although sometimes we can control it, it mostly happens involuntarily and can be triggered spontaneously. This is why we laugh even where there is no obvious stimulus, and why it is considered contagious.
When we are in altered states, such as after smoking marijuana, our threshold for the perception of humor is lowered, and our laughing reflex is much stronger. In addition, science tells us that we are 30 times more likely to laugh in company.
So, if you tend to smoke with your buddies, you’re already in a great position to joke around. So, that means cannabis makes everything funnier? Not necessary, it’s just that your mind and body are in the ideal conditions to lower your laugh threshold by making things that aren’t usually funny fun. Come on, laugh, science tells us it’s good for us!
What We Learned About Cannabis in 2022
Cannabis has been a topic on everyone’s mind in 2022. As you plan for the great year ahead, it is equally important to think about everything that has happened in the past year. From the James Webb Space Telescope capturing never-before-seen space views to the memory of Queen Elizabeth, 2022 is a memorable year with events that will define the decade ahead. The hemp industry is no exception. Our federal government has pardoned thousands of people for federal marijuana charges and even passed legislation to make it easier for scientists to research the benefits and potential side effects of medical marijuana.
It was also clear at the state level that many Americans wanted cannabis reform. Numerous states have voted in favor of recreational use of marijuana by adults, and there has been a dramatic push in states that legalize weed to change policies to help those affected by the war on drugs.
Summary
Today we raised a question that has worried many of us for a long time and provoked embarrassing situations when people struggled with unrealistic expectations.
As we found out today, there is no connection between the amount of THC content and the quality of your rest in a smoky state. It all depends on the manufacturer, the type of plant strain and just your individual tolerance. Roughly speaking, to choose a product that you really like, seek the help of professionals, or experiment by trial and error.
