THC and CBD are the two best-known substances in cannabis, but they do something very different. Do you want to know the difference, what the THC content means, and which strains are the strongest? In this article, we explain it calmly. Afterward, you will know what THC and CBD do and how strong the different strains are.
What is THC?
THC is the substance responsible for the psychoactive effect of weed: the high you feel. The higher the THC content, the stronger that effect generally is. For most strains, the percentage is between 15 and 25 percent.
So , THC largely determines how strong a strain feels. If you aren't used to it, start with a milder strain.
What is CBD?
CBD is the counterpart to THC and is not psychoactive. Therefore, it does not produce a high. CBD is actually known for its calming and soothing effect and is often mentioned in connection with relaxation.
In most classic cannabis strains, the CBD content is low. The ratio of THC to CBD partly determines how a strain comes across to you.
What does the THC content mean?
The THC content, expressed as a percentage, indicates how potent a strain is. A strain with 20 percent THC is stronger than one with 15 percent. The exact content varies per harvest.
Use the percentage as a guideline, not as an absolute measure. Taste, terpenes, and your own experience also play a role in how strong something feels.
The strongest weed strains
Are you really looking for something powerful? Then you end up with premium buds and concentrates. With 25 percent or more, Cali weed is one of the strongest regular strains
Moonrock goes a step further , a cannabis bud covered in hash oil and kief, with a THC content far exceeding that of regular weed. Both are intended for the experienced user.
Stronger is not always better
It is a misconception that a higher THC content automatically provides a better experience. For those who are not used to it, a very strong strain can actually be too intense.
Choose a strength that suits you and build up gradually. A milder strain that is tasty and pleasant is often better than the strongest one available.
Which strength do you choose?
If you are just starting out, choose a strain with a moderate THC content. If you have experience and are looking for a strong effect, stronger strains and concentrates are a better fit for you.
View the THC content and effect per strain in our weed shop, or compare in the overview of weed strains and in our specials.
THC and CBD together with terpenes
THC and CBD are not the only substances that determine the effect. Terpenes, the compounds responsible for the aroma and taste, also play a role. Together, they influence how a strain affects you, something often referred to as the interplay or the entourage effect.
That is why two strains with the same THC content can still feel very different. So, do not just look at the percentage, but also at the description of the taste and effect for each strain.
What does a high THC content do?
A high THC content results in a stronger and more quickly felt effect. For experienced users, this can be pleasant, but those unaccustomed to it may feel restless or dizzy. Therefore, more is not always better.
Therefore, start with a small amount of a type with a moderate percentage and calmly wait to see how it feels. You can always take a little more, but taking too much is irreversible.
Above all, remember: THC determines the potency, CBD provides calmness, and together with the terpenes, they form the character of a strain. Choose based on what you are looking for and how much experience you already have. Feel free to start with a moderate percentage, as you can always build up later. A conscious choice is ultimately better than just grabbing the strongest one, and that way you will almost always find a strain that feels pleasant and right for you.
Frequently asked questions about THC and CBD
THC is psychoactive and causes the high, CBD is not. CBD is actually known for its calming effect. The ratio partly determines the effect of a strain.
The percentage indicates how potent a strain is. Higher generally means stronger. For most strains, it lies between 15 and 25 percent.
Premium strains like Cali Weed (25 percent or more) and concentrates like Moonrock (far above regular weed) are among the strongest. They are intended for experienced users.
Not necessarily. For those who are not used to it, a very strong strain can be too intense. Choose a strength that suits you and build up gradually.
No, CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause a high. It is actually mentioned for its calming, soothing effect.
