If you are choosing your cannabis based on THC percentages, then you are doing it wrong. Or some would say, you could do so much better. THC content only tells one part of the story, and is frequently inflated to be more appealing to the consumer. I’ve often found products with 14% that was better quality than stuff that claims to be 30%. Labs falsify these numbers all the time, like here and here.
Don’t just look at the THC, because those numbers you’re chasing aren’t dependable.
- Look at the pesticides used. Every customer in the state of Washington has the right to see test results for any product in the retail stores.
- Look at the extraction method used. Some methods are better than others, and some people are more successful purging those residual solvents than others. The law allows more butane and propane in products than I’m comfortable putting in my body. Solvent levels should be listed in those test results.
- Look for the Department of Health stamp of approval. Not many brands have gone through the process to certify their products as medical.
- Look at the brands track record. Do they have a history of accountability or do they regularly displace blame? Do they get put on blast for wrongdoings regularly?
- Look at the flower itself. Is it covered in crystals? Is it brown, dingy, and dry? You can often see when a product has had that extra little love and care.
- Look at the genetics/terpene profile of the plant. This will shape your experience more than any fabricated number.
It can be hard to identify what is quality and what is not.
Please don’t use THC content as your indicator anymore.
And stay tuned for more of my cannabis wisdom, tips, and stories.
Neil Lequia is a cannabis activist and the Founder of the first LGBTQ organization within the cannabis industry. The Full Spectrum is dedicated to the improvement of diversity awareness and inclusion within the cannabis industry. The Full Spectrum’s priorities are as follows:
1. Creating competent human resources for the cannabis industry.
2. Volunteer opportunities to impact the LGBTQ and cannabis communities.
3. Educational opportunity for industry professionals and the greater community alike.
4. Social events to strengthen our relationships with each other.
