What Is Considered High-THC Cannabis?

The cannabis of today is not the same as that of decades ago. In the 1980s, flower contained an average Tetrahydrocannabinol of 4%. Now it is not unusual to find cannabis strains that contain 25% or more THC. These strains are referred to as "high-THC." If you're in Minneapolis, a Minneapolis dispensary can provide more information on the THC content of various strains.Cannabis with high THC levels is controversial. These strains may offer greater relief for medical patients. However, new research shows that there are risks involved with using such potent products. Here's what you need to know about high-THC marijuana.

How THC levels are measured

HPLC is the most common method of measuring THC levels. The lab techs can measure the cannabinoid levels using a liquid solvent. This method uses a liquid to separate different compounds in cannabis plants. The label on cannabis flower purchased from a Minneapolis dispensary should indicate the cannabinoid level.

Cannabis flower THC levels

High-THC cannabis is usually cannabis flower that has a high THC level. However, edibles and concentrates of cannabis (like vaping or dabbing) are also potent products and should be consumed with caution. Concentrates may have THC levels as high as 50-80%, or even higher. Edibles typically contain 10-50 milligrams per serving. You can use the chart below to determine the strength of the cannabis flower.

• Very Low:0.1-9.9% THC
• Low:10-14% THC
• Medium: 15-24% THC
• High:25% and above THC

Cannabis High-THC: Side Effects and Risks

Consumption of high-THC marijuana comes with certain risks. You are more likely to experience adverse effects if you consume more THC in a single sitting. These side effects include:

• Dry Mouth
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue/lethargy
• Motor functions impaired
• Nausea
• Paranoia

Research into high-THC products has also revealed specific concerns. A 2022 systematic review of twenty observational human studies concluded high-potency marijuana is associated with increased risk of schizophrenia and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). has also linked highly potent cannabis to cannabis hyperemesis, or "scromiting," among young consumers. A 2020 study concluded that high THC consumption can lead to anxiety.For these reasons, some healthcare professionals discourage consumers--especially recreational cannabis users--from purchasing high-THC cannabis. It's important to know that these negative effects may not be experienced by all cannabis users. While the amount of cannabis a user can consume is not limited (read: THC does not kill you), too much THC can be uncomfortable.

High-THC Cannabis: Benefits

Cannabis high in THC can be beneficial for certain medical cannabis users, especially those with certain conditions. Medical-grade cannabis is typically stronger than recreational cannabis to provide relief. Patients suffering from chronic pain, chemotherapy side effects, muscle spasticity and nausea are often drawn to high-THC cannabis.Cannabis with high THC can be beneficial to some recreational users. High-THC cannabis can provide the psychoactive effects that some people are looking for, especially those who have a lot of experience with cannabis and/or high tolerance. Don't go straight for high-potency products if you're new at recreational cannabis. You can start with a flower with a THC content of 10-20% and work your way up to stronger products.

Strains with the highest THC levels

Are you interested in trying a high THC strain? Here are some cannabis strains with higher THC levels.High-THC Indica Strains:

• Grease Monkey (31% THCA)
• Pacman OG (29%THC)
• Bubba Fett (26% THC)
• Primus OG (22-27 THC%)
• 9 Lb Hammer (18-24% THC)

High-THC Sativa Strains

• Sativa 99 problems (28-30% THC).
• Sativa Blue Walker (27% THCA)
• Durban Poison (22-25 THC)
• Pineapple Express (18-24% THCA)
• Chocolope (20-26% THCA)

High-THC hybrid strains

• Mac Miracle Alien Cookies (25% THC)
• Ghost Train Hayes (28 THC)
• Ghost OG (29% THC).
• Light of Jah (24-26% THCA)
• Mother's milk (24-29% THC).

Takeaway:

Cannabis flowers with high THC levels (25 or more%) offer some benefits, but they should be consumed with caution. They carry a higher risk of experiencing intense side effects than low-THC products. There are many strains of high-THC marijuana available today.