As the cannabis industry continues to grow, the number of products continues to increase. There are more than 700 strains of cannabis flowers, with growers cultivating new hybrids regularly. There are also countless edibles, topicals, tinctures, and concentrates. Concentrates are some of the most potent products on the market, rivaling even the strongest buds. Just how different are they, though? Here, we’ll compare the THC percentage in cannabis flowers versus cannabis concentrates.
THC Percentage In Cannabis Flowers
The amount of THC in a cannabis flower depends on the specific strain. Some strains are high THC, while others contain very little. Generally speaking, THC-dominant strains with low levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid sit at around 8% to 10% THC. The most potent strains, on the other hand, can reach as high as 30%.
Some strains feature a balanced ratio of THC and CBD. These strains can’t produce as much THC as a THC-dominant strain, but they can still feature percentages between 6% and 12%.
One thing to keep in mind with flowers is that the amount of CBD present can impact your overall experience. You may choose a high THC strain, but if it also has a significant amount of CBD too, your high may not be as intense as it would with a high THC low CBD strain.
Why Are Concentrates So Much Stronger?
The term “concentrates” encompasses various products, including:
- Shatter
- Budder
- Crumble
- Sap
- Oil
- Resin
These names refer to the concentrate’s consistency. What they all have in common is they’re all made by extracting cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable compounds from the cannabis plant. The processes concentrate the cannabinoids, leading to products with much higher THC contents. In most cases, their potencies range from 50% to 90%. As such, you need only a very small amount to achieve the desired results.
While concentrates are significantly more potent, they’re generally not as flavorful as flowers. The reason for this is that certain extraction methods require heat, which destroys these volatile compounds. One notable exception is live resin, which is made specifically to preserve terpenes. For other products, some manufacturers choose to add terpenes back into the final product to improve the taste experience.
Ways to Enjoy Cannabis Flowers and Concentrates
You can enjoy cannabis flowers and concentrates in a few different ways. The most common way to consume flowers is to grind them up and roll them into a joint. Some use a pipe, while others choose to use a dry herb vaporizer or bong.
One of the most common ways to enjoy cannabis concentrates is with a dab rig. Some opt for a concentrate vaporizer. Others still add a small amount of concentrate to their joints, pipe, or bong hit for a kicked up THC experience.
The choice to use cannabis flowers or concentrates is a personal one. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks. You don’t need to decide between the two. You can choose to smoke buds for one session and dab a concentrate the next. In some cases, you may even choose to add a bit of concentrate to your joint. A little experimentation can help you figure out what works best.