What is the THC content of common weed today? Many of you are probably curious about this, and to give you the best answer it’s important to put things into perspective. The best way to proceed is to first look at the progression of weed before 2020. That way, if you are new to this and asking questions such as: what strains are the best for myself, is $20-$30 a gram too much, do I go with a $60 concentrate- this may be a good read for you.
Marijuana THC Levels: How Much THC Is in Weed?
According to credible sources, prior to the 1990s THC potency of common strains was completely different from what it is today. In the 90s the THC levels of common marijuana strains were approximately 4%. Five years later, between 1995 and 2015, there was a 212% increase. A 2017 report showed a state dispensary’s popular strain known as “Girl Scout Cookie” to have medical weed thc levels between 17-28%. Most likely, if you reviewed any kind of cannabis THC content chart today, it would probably show that common dispensary marijuana strains are testing with THC levels around 22% or higher. That may or may not be a good thing. We’ll leave this up to you.
As the number of states legalizing marijuana continues to increase, more people are buying and consuming weed. When comparing or measuring marijuana strains for the highest THC levels, it is important to know that just because a strain in one batch is tested with a certain THC percentage doesn’t mean the same strain grown in another state would be identical. There are multiple factors that go into growing, and every grower does things a little differently. I’ll save that for another time.
The two most well known compounds in marijuana are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both these cannabinoids are what people seem to look for when choosing marijuana products. Even when research has found that there are over 100 cannabinoids found in the medicinal plant, such as Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC), Cannabichromevarin (CBCV) and so on.
What Is THC Content in Weed?
The focus still remains on marijuana thc levels, and for the majority of people, is the most important factor when selecting a strain. Granted, THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid and the active compound responsible for the “stoner experience”. Not to mention when people are referring to a particular strain of weed being “strong”, they are usually implying that the percentage in the medical weed is found to be high. Usually when you have higher levels of THC found in the plant, the CBD percent will drop and the opposite can be said as well. Again, something for you to decide if it’s important or not.
Marijuana Strains THC Content
The general perception is that there are three categories of cannabis, which almost serve as levels of weed, and we could break them down into: sativas, indicas, and hybrids. Understanding the importance of cannabinoids & terpenes in each unique strain will help you pick your pot. There are hundreds of cannabinoids within a marjiuana plant, and here we will cover some personal favorites. We’ll include a brief description as well as approximate THC levels. Hopefully this points you in the right direction in finding what works best:
Green Crack (Green Kush)
In my opinion, this is one of the best strains you can get your hands on. Reviews say this strain hits you with a fruity and citrus aroma but can vary according to different sources. It’s one of the easier strains to grow but worth it. It’s THC levels are high, (average of 17%) with less than a 1% CBD. A majority of people report experiencing an uplifting, stimulating high.
Silver Haze
People have said they use Silver Haze for stress, anxiety, depression, pain, or poor appetite. Silver Haze is one to look for, or even try the more popular strain, Super Silver Haze, which is a related strain with slightly different effects. Super Silver Haze is a cross of Silver Haze and another potent weed strain.
Chemdawg (Chem Dawg)
Most consider this strain a “must try”. It usually has over 2% CBD. In fact, the legendary strain is considered to be a staple in the U.S. CBD market for its unique taste and effects. It usually has a THC potency of 20%.
Pineapple Express
This is a hybrid strain with 17-21% THC. It’s said to give off a unique tropical fruit aroma. Trainwreck was one of the genetics used when cross breeding Pineapple Express. While Trainwreck is not on this list, it is a strain one should try.
Lambsbread (Lamb’s Breath or Lamb’s Bread)
This plant takes 7-10 weeks to flower and is speculated to have it’s genetic origins from Jamaica. This strain has also been speculated as Bob Marley’s favorite. It THC levels between 10%-21%. It can give off an earthy, lemony, pungent, spicy, or dank aroma.
OG Kush
The Strain’s aroma is woodsy or piney, and pungent is the best way to describe it. OG Kush is one of the all-time favorites for most stoners – a true classic. It contains THC concentration levels of 19-24%.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
This foodie strain is both sweet and earthy. All sources indicate that THC levels are above 25%. This strain also contains low amounts of CBD- anywhere from 0.09%-0.2%. This is definitely a popular flavor to add to your list.
Dr. Who
According to reviews, it sounds like an amazing choice. Almost all of Dr. Who phenotypes show purple hues, which are the result of high concentrations of anthocyanin pigments stimulated by unusually cold weather during the growing process. Dr. Who always has high amounts of THC.
Sensi Star
Appearances are unknown to me, but sources indicate this strain could potentially contain Myrcene, Terpinolene, Linalool, B-Caryophyllene, and Limonene. Sensi Star contains low amounts of CBD, between 0.2%-1%, and has been speculated to have high levels of THC, ranging between 20 and 26%.
Sour Diesel
The aroma it produces is exactly what it sounds like: the smell of gasoline with a refreshing hint of lemon. Sour Diesel is heavy on the D-Limonene and Alpha-Pinene, providing an aroma that tingles your senses. This strain is said to be a difficult plant for master growers to properly cultivate. Reviews claim the chemical composition is 19-25% THC with CBD levels at or lower than 0.3%. Sour Diesel is an OG classic and a heavy hitter- another must try strain.
Here are some additional strains to consider: Trainwreck, GrandDaddy Purp, Gorilla Glue, Blue Dreams, Skywalker OG, Northern lights, Gelato, Jack Herer, and Durban poisons. These are all great strains we wholly recommend.
