Across the United States, cannabis laws are changing, but so is cannabis. A few decades ago, a typical cannabis flower had a THC content of about 4 percent, but today’s commercial cannabis strains can contain 15 percent or more, with some products boasting THC levels of more than 30 percent. That’s a considerable jump in potency from yesteryear!
Increasingly potent strains may delight advanced consumers, but they can also drive away many of today’s cannabis newbies – a rapidly growing group of new consumers. Now, the cannabis industry is responding with naturally low-THC cannabis strains and products that support effects like productivity, wellness, and health.
THC: A Medicinal and Recreational Cannabinoid
The cannabis Sativa plant contains over a hundred distinct cannabinoids and terpenes, all of which define the profile of a particular strain.
Science is still discovering the properties of many cannabis compounds, but of them all, THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most thoroughly studied for its unique psychoactive effect
– the ability to create a sense of euphoria and relaxation, creating the famous "high".
Delta-9 THC is the only cannabinoid with a molecular structure capable of producing its well-known psychoactive effects. That’s because THC binds to the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor in the brain, which triggers responses in the brain’s pathways for pleasure, reward, and pain signaling.
THC is responsible for the recreational enjoyment of cannabis, but it can also have some potential health benefits. THC can help to boost focus and concentration, relieve pain and reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy.
Some research suggests it can also protect neural pathways in the brain after trauma or injury and help to control seizures in certain forms of epilepsy.
THC may also reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis and other diseases of the central nervous system. In high amounts, though, THC can cause anxiety and paranoia, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat.
High or Low: Why THC Content Matters
The THC content
of a cannabis strain depends on many factors, including the THC levels of its parent strains and even the planting or harvesting time. Processing affects a product’s content of THC and other compounds, too, and so does the size of a specific dose. These and other variables can make it hard to determine whether a particular strain or product is high or low in THC.
As a rule, a strain or product is considered low THC when it is at 10 percent THC content or less. High-THC cannabis typically contains 20 to 30 percent, but very high THC products can include even more.
Because of the variation in strains and other factors, it’s not always easy to determine how much THC is in a typical joint, but it can range from as low as 4 percent to 20 percent or more. Cannabis edibles typically contain between 5 and 15 mg THC per serving, while tinctures can range between 2.5 mg and 20 mg or more per dose.
THC vs. CBD: A Balancing Act
Cannabis products that contain significant amounts of THC are the target of legislation that still considers cannabis a dangerous, addictive substance on par with heroin. But cannabis products derived from hemp contain negligible amounts of THC, at or below the federally established level of 0.3 percent.
Hemp products are high in CBD, or cannabidiol – a non-psychoactive cannabis compound with a long list of documented health benefits that include relief from pain, anxiety, and insomnia. CBD oil and other products contain virtually no THC, so they’re exempt from regulations on full-spectrum cannabis products and cannabis flower. Due to this, hemp may be sold nearly everywhere or even ordered online.
CBD can also work alongside THC to blunt its psychoactive properties. Because CBD can inhibit the effects of THC on the brain’s CB1 receptor, it can help to reduce the anxiety and paranoia that can come from taking in too much THC. High CBD, low THC products, or those that contain an equal measure of both, can offer the health benefits of THC without an intense high.
Why Go Low THC?
As the cannabis culture expands, people are discovering that THC can have benefits beyond that famous high – and lower amounts can work to boost mental and physical well-being without impairing normal functioning. At "sub-perceptual" levels, THC appears to increase mental clarity and focus, improve productivity and creativity, and even improve social skills.
One way to get those benefits is through microdosing – taking very small amounts for benefits, including better focus and concentration, relief from anxiety, and improved overall well-being.
With microdosing, the effects of THC are subtle and don’t interfere with daily activities.
Low-THC cannabis products can include tinctures, lozenges, and a variety of edibles such as candies, gummies, and beverages. But smokable cannabis flower and related products typically contain high levels of THC.
Visionary cannabis companies such as Country are now producing cannabis strains specially bred for low THC content. Leading the way is California-based Country Cannabis, which specializes in "light" cannabis flower products under its Good Neighbor label. Country is now being called the "Bud Lite of Weed."
By bucking the trend toward ever-higher THC strains, Country and similar companies are responding to a new and growing consumer base looking for a cannabis experience that enhances, rather than impairs, daily living.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online
It’s easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online Telehealth service HelloMD. Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don’t pay unless you’re approved!
