You can never have too much of a good thing, or so the saying goes. But the truth is, unless the crafter of this adage was referring to love or money, even good things in excess can go bad pretty quickly. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol which is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, is no exception to this rule. In this article, we’ll explore potency, dosage, tolerance, and the changes in strength of various strains compared to the ones you may have experienced in the past and how to avoid too much of a good thing in your medical marijuana products.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” that users experience when consuming marijuana. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and increased appetite.
Medical applications of THC include pain relief, nausea reduction (especially for chemotherapy patients), appetite stimulation, and help with conditions like multiple sclerosis and PTSD.
However, THC can also have side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, dizziness, and impaired memory or coordination. The effects of THC depend on factors like dosage, method of consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc.), and individual tolerance.
Potency refers to the strength or effectiveness of a substance, typically measuring how much of it is needed to produce a desired effect. In the context of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or other drugs, potency indicates how powerful a strain, product, or dose is in producing psychoactive or medicinal effects.
For THC, potency is usually measured as a percentage of the total product. For example:
• A cannabis flower with 20% THC means that 20% of its total weight is THC.
• A concentrate (like wax or oil) with 80% THC is much stronger.
• Edibles list THC potency in milligrams (mg) per dose.
Higher potency means stronger effects, but it also increases the risk of side effects like anxiety or dizziness, especially for new users.
Dosage refers to the amount of a substance taken at one time to achieve a desired effect. In the context of THC, dosage is usually measured in milligrams (mg) for edibles, tinctures, and concentrates, or by percentage (%) for flower and vape products.
THC Dosage Guidelines (for Edibles & Concentrates)
Microdose (1-2.5 mg THC) – Mild effects; suitable for beginners, light relaxation, and focus.
Low dose (2.5-5 mg THC) – Slight euphoria and relaxation; good for mild pain relief or sleep.
Moderate dose (5-10 mg THC) – Stronger euphoria and psychoactive effects; ideal for regular users.
High dose (10-25 mg THC) – Intense effects; recommended for experienced users or medical use.
Very high dose (25+ mg THC) – Potentially overwhelming for most users; strong medical use cases.
For smoking or vaping, dosage is harder to measure precisely, but beginners should start with one small puff and wait to gauge the effects before consuming more.
Be sure to consult your medical marijuana pharmacist or physician to ensure you’re starting with the right amount for you.
Tolerance refers to the body’s reduced response to a substance over time, meaning a person needs higher doses to achieve the same effects they once felt with lower doses. In the case of THC, frequent cannabis use can lead to THC tolerance, making the psychoactive and medicinal effects feel weaker.
Regular use (daily or frequent consumption) leads to the downregulation of CB1 receptors in the brain, making THC less effective.
Higher doses become necessary to achieve the same high or relief.
Tolerance varies by individual, depending on metabolism, frequency of use, and genetics.
Tolerance breaks (“T-breaks”) – Taking a break (often 2–4 weeks) can reset sensitivity to THC.
Lowering dosage – Reducing intake can help maintain effectiveness over time.
Switching strains/products – Different cannabinoid profiles (like CBD-rich strains) may reduce tolerance buildup.
THC potency has increased significantly since the 1970s due to advancements in cannabis cultivation, selective breeding, and extraction techniques.
THC Potency Over Time:
1970s–1980s: The average THC content in cannabis was around 1-3%. Most cannabis was imported and had lower potency.
1990s: Improved growing techniques raised THC levels to 4-6% on average.
2000s: Indoor cultivation and selective breeding pushed averages to 10-15%.
2010s–Present: Many modern cannabis strains now contain 20-30% THC, with some exceeding 35%. Concentrates like wax, shatter, and distillates can reach 60-90% THC.
Selective breeding – Growers have developed strains with higher THC content.
Advanced cultivation – Controlled environments optimize plant growth and potency.
Concentrates & extracts – New extraction methods allow for ultra-potent products.
This increase in potency means stronger effects and a higher risk of side effects, especially for inexperienced users.
Talk to your medical marijuana pharmacist about what product is best for you. Be sure to let them know if you have been consuming recreational marijuana before becoming a part of the medical marijuana program. They also need to know how long it’s been since you last consumed, what type of delivery method you used (flower, vape, edibles, etc), and other medications you might be consuming. Even some over-the-counter medications can affect the results of medical marijuana. Work with your doctor and pharmacist to achieve the perfect potency, dose, delivery method, and strain for you.
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