Marijuana Potency is determined by the amount of THC contained in the product. Anything over 20% is considered high potency. The level of potency in marijuana is based on the strain and the methods of cultivation used. If the condition being treated requires a higher level of potency to be treated effectively, high-potency medical marijuana products are available for those in the Louisiana Medical Marijuana program. In this article, we’ll explore what marijuana potency means, how it’s achieved, the names of some of the products, and how tolerance plays a part.
Marijuana Potency is the amount of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) found in marijuana. THC is one of many cannabinoids found in marijuana. The type of cannabinoid is determined by the strain and by the methods used to cultivate the plant. For example, typical THC levels are between .3 and 4%. But high-potency marijuana can contain as high as 25% THC.
Marijuana Potency can be affected by growing climate and conditions, plant genetics, and the way the plant is harvested and processed. Medical marijuana production requires a more rigorous and precise method of cultivation and processing as compared to recreational or individual grows, which maximizes effectiveness and eliminates unwanted pesticides and chemicals. The time at which the plant is harvested affects the level of THC. Additionally, female varieties have higher levels of THC than male varieties.
The strains where THC is found are normally in the Sativa plants. Here are some of the high potency products available at Louisiana Medical Marijuana Pharmacies:
Strawberry Diesel (up to 87% THC, AYO Cartridge)
Blue Dream – (87% THC, Vape) Sativa strain to help you focus
Super Sour Diesel – (86% Vape) Famous Sativa hybrid strain
Chiesel – (71.5% THC Vape, 24% Flower) Full spectrum Hybrid.
Coka– (24.1% Flower) Full spectrum Hybrid.
True Grit – (80.4% THC, Tank Vape)
Pineapple Express – (87% THC, AYO Vape) Sativa leaning hybrid strain. Said to increase focus and clarity.
There are a number of other high-potency medical marijuana products that have different effects for a variety of conditions. Ask your medical marijuana pharmacist which products would be most effective for you.
Tolerance is completely dependent on how the individual reacts to THC. For someone who has never used any marijuana, the tolerance level is likely to be low. While someone who has consistently used any kind of marijuana and titrated up the levels of THC over time, tolerance may be much higher. Individual body chemistry also determines what impact THC might have.
To find out what your tolerance level is, most medical marijuana physicians and pharmacists will recommend that you “start low and go slow”. In other words, get started with a low dose of THC and titrate up while monitoring the effects. Eventually, you’ll find the right dose that is best tolerated by your body.
A study that analyzed over 38,000 illicit marijuana samples provided by the DEA from 1995 to 2014 determined that marijuana potency had approximately tripled in that period. In 1995, the average concentration of THC was about 4%, but in 2014 it was around 12%.
With medical marijuana legalization becoming more and more common in the United States, growers, cultivators, and processors are held to a higher standard of quality and purity, including using only credentialed labs and conducting multiple tests across several labs to ensure maximum quality control.
While illicit marijuana can vary tremendously in levels of THC and other cannabinoids, and even contain unwanted pesticides and additional drugs like Fentanyl, medical marijuana is under strict oversight and is dependable in what levels of THC and other cannabinoids it contains. Being able to choose a product based on reliable production and cultivation creates a predictable method for measuring THC.
Good Day Farm, one of the two official growers in Louisiana, explained that they test every bud for safety, purity, and consistency. Each batch has a detailed lab report for each product Certificates of Analysis (COA) can be requested for any product from Good Day Farm at your local pharmacy.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, which oversees the Medical Marijuana Program in Louisiana, all laboratories involved in testing medical marijuana must meet the following qualifications:
Laboratories must provide proof of accreditation by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference, the International Organization for Standardization, or other accrediting entity approved by the department.
Laboratories are required to utilize the Louisiana Medical Marijuana Tracking System (LMMTS). This is the seed-to-sale tracking system that follows every plant and product until it’s sold or destroyed.
Laboratories must meet all requirements for a therapeutic marijuana laboratory set forth in ACT 491 and ACT 492 of the 2022 Regular Louisiana Legislative session and La. R.S. 40:1046 (or successor legislation).
All medical marijuana products available at Louisiana pharmacies are required to have a label listing the ingredients. To ensure you’re getting the strain and the amount of cannabinoids you need, check the label.
All medical marijuana pharmacies in Louisiana also offer online shopping with search options for finding the strain you want.
If you tried medical marijuana before and were disappointed or if you are currently a patient in the medical marijuana program but haven’t tried any of the products, you should know that the product availability, potency, and forms of consumption have improved radically. Take a look at the variety of products and talk to your pharmacist about giving medical marijuana in Louisiana another try! If you’re ready to get started, click the button below or contact The Healing Clinics.
