THC Levels Chart: Crunching the Numbers

Anyone who’s shopped for cannabis flower is familiar with the concept of THC percentage. While it doesn’t tell the whole story of a certain strain, it gives the user a good general idea of how strong the effects are likely to be. 

A high THC percentage is one of the key features that makes cannabis products popular. It’s a selling point for retailers.

First, a note about THC and THCA

Before we get into it, remember that retailers selling THCA flower or other THCA products may list a THCA percentage alongside the delta 9 THC content, with a THC percentage below the legal delta 9 THC threshold of 0.3%. This doesn’t mean that the product won’t get you high. The seller does this to follow the letter of the law; any product containing more than 0.3% delta 9 THC is considered federally illegal marijuana.

Nearly all marijuana flower contains more THCA than THC at the time of purchase. THCA converts instantly to THC when heat is applied (by vaping or smoking). So, when looking at a THCA product’s certificate of analysis (COA), just add the THCA and THC percentages together to calculate the effective THC percentage. 

Measuring THC strength: milligrams vs. percentages

Shopping around, you’ll find that THC content is measured in two ways: percentage and milligrams. It’s a matter of listing the THC percentage (milligrams of THC per gram of material) versus the total THC content. 

Both numbers will give you a general sense of how potent the product is. It’s not a flawless system, however, and neither measurement guarantees specific effects. While strains with apparently high concentrations of THC could get you very high, that’s not necessarily the case.

First of all, the amount of material you consume matters more than the strain’s THC percentage. If you’re packing bowl after bowl (and don’t have a sky-high tolerance), you’ll probably get extremely high. That’s also assuming that the strain contains primarily THC. 

Weed’s intensity is strongly dependent on its overall composition, not just THC content. CBD, CBG, trace cannabinoids, and even terpenes can intermingle to create a wide variety of effects. It’s why the so-called entourage effect gets so much attention. 

Users regularly report getting very high from apparently low-strength cannabis. Your own tolerance, physiology, health, and other factors, may also affect how high you get from any particular product.

THC percentage chart

We’ll repeat it here: just because one strain has a higher THC percentage than another doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be stronger. But if you’re torn between a weed strain with 10% delta 9 THC and another with 30%, it’s reasonable to assume that the latter will get you higher. 

The amount of bud you’re consuming can dramatically change how effective (or ineffective) a strain is, too. We’ll assume here that you’re keeping it at a gram of flower or less. 

Compared to edibles, 20 mg of THC doesn’t hit the same when you’re vaping or smoking bud. Gummies are less bioavailable (so you absorb less THC), but that THC is metabolized much more slowly, leading to prolonged, intense effects for many users. For many people, highs from vaping or smoking and those from edibles seem entirely different.

High-CBD marijuana strains create another variable. CBD at least partially inhibits the CB1 endocannabinoid receptor, which is the one responsible for getting you high. So, if you’re consuming THC alongside CBD—or using a strain with significant CBD content—it may be harder for the THC molecules to influence your nervous system. That often means a less racy or edgy high.

Average THC percentage of flower

Modern cannabis growing and breeding practices have led to a “space race,” with cultivators trying to maximize THC content. Cannabis flower contains 35% delta 9 THC at max, and a number of strains are bred to contain THC in amounts as close to this number as possible. Most legal flower contains between 10% and 30% THC, with 20% being especially common. 

THC percentage isn’t fully consistent from batch to batch, either. Each batch is tested to determine cannabinoid (and sometimes terpene) content. Certain strains are cultivated to contain higher amounts of THC or CBD, but the exact amounts can vary.

Average THC percentage of concentrates

You probably guessed it from the name, but concentrates are, well, concentrated. They contain a higher percentage of THC than the flower they’re extracted from. 

Many concentrates contain between 60% and 90% THC, though that number can dip as low as 40%. Even the most THC-rich flower doesn’t contain that much. 

Always check a concentrate’s packaging or COA before using it; the same can be said about all THC products, but it’s especially important here. Potency varies depending on the type of concentrate and who’s manufacturing it. Remember, a little goes and long way and it’s best to keep the dose small, at least until you have a good idea of how it affects you. 

Lastly, keep what we said about THC percentage not necessarily determining effects. Full-spectrum concentrates (such as live resin or live badder) contain a lower percentage of THC yet can produce some of the strongest effects. 

Average THC percentage of vape carts

THC or THCA vape carts have a great deal in common with concentrates, as far as THC percentage goes. Still, the specifics depend on the type of oil (there’s not just one), the manufacturer, and the cart’s other contents (like CBD). 

Distillates contain the highest percentage of THC, often over 90% due to all other cannabinoids being filtered out. Terpenes are usually added back in to provide flavor and aroma.

While distillate carts are easy to find, full-spectrum options are also available. These have a lower THC percentage, but are famous for their powerful, complex effects. A live rosin or live resin cart containing 75% THC might feel more powerful than a distillate with 95% THC.

Average THC percentage of edibles

Edibles tend to tout total THC content over percentage—if anything, concentration is misleading when we’re dosing dense products like gummies. It’s better to pay attention to the total milligrams of THC they contain. 

Hemp sellers sell gummies packed with THC, believing that if the concentration stays under 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight (of candy) they are legally allowed. This is why you can buy hemp-derived delta 9 gummies. 

Which strains have the highest percentage of THC?

If you’re specifically seeking a high-THC weed strain, you have lots of options. Just a few of them are:

• Brownie Scout
• Wedding Cake
• OG Kush
• GMO Cookies
• Modified Bananas

Ultimately, check in with your budtender (or search the THCA seller’s site) to learn more about the most THC-rich strains on their menu. Everyone’s supply is unique, and strain names aren’t really reliable. Depending on where you live and the store you're shopping at, strains with over 30% delta 9 THC may be limited. 

One last thing: while the exact THC percentage differs between batches, certain strains are intended to contain higher THC levels than others. 

What is the best THC percentage for beginners?

THC percentage is only one piece of the puzzle. If you’re an occasional user or a complete rookie, you’ll also want to stay extra mindful of:

• How much of the product you’re ingesting
• Delivery method (whether you’re inhaling, eating, or going the sublingual route)
• How you’re pacing yourself

For bud, you shouldn’t jump in with the highest THC strain on the menu. Keep it reasonable (under 15%), and if possible, find a strain that contains at least 1% CBD. This will make pacing yourself simpler. When the effects come on slower, it’s easier to keep tabs on how you’re feeling—and to take a step back if you get overwhelmed. 

It’s possible that a strain with 10% THC will be extremely effective. Don’t consume too much too quickly just because the number is lower. As always, experimentation and patience are the key to finding your sweet spot.