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With 500+ chemical compounds and over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds, you could say the cannabis plant is complex. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are just two of these compounds that you’ve probably heard of. In case you haven’t, the main thing to note is that CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel “high”. THC is psychoactive, so can be behind that “high” feeling when used recreationally.
Both, when used responsibly and prescribed by a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf, can have a number of health benefits. Many elements of the plant can be altered and combined genetically to change the taste, effects, and even the smell. It’s also worth noting that CBD and THC can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Factors That Influence THC Levels
Genetics and Strain Type
Although there's been a recent shift towards focusing on hybrid strains and their effects, it's still useful to consider high-THC sativa strains and the most potent indica strains in their purest forms, as different strains can naturally produce varying levels of THC. However, THC content can vary even within the same strain, and we'll explore that in more detail!
Sativa plants:
- Have long, thin leaves
- Grow up to two metres tall
- Take longer to mature than other types of cannabis
- Thrive in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions
Indica plants:
- Are short and bushy with broad leaves
- Typically growing up to two metres
- Grow in cooler, mountainous regions
Ruderalis plants:
- Most resilient cannabis sub-species
- Goes from seed to harvest in 30 days
- Can grow in extreme climates
Hybrid
Before the modern era of hybrid strains, sativa was known for their higher THC and lower CBD content. Indica was historically known for their higher CBD, lower THC content. Ruderalis wasn’t something you would typically see in medical or recreational markets, as it doesn’t boast much THC or CBD.
But hybrid strains, which are cross-bred varieties that mix traits of indica, sativa and ruderalis, are increasing in popularity. And this is amazing, because growers can help medical cannabis patients treat their conditions with greater efficiency. This also means that we’re moving away from the outdated idea of “sativa by day, indica by night”, and “THC for mind, CBD for body.”
Growing conditions
The environment cannabis is grown in can affect THC levels. This is because too much heat could cause not only THC levels but terpenes (the part of any plant that produces its smell, that also massively affects how cannabis reacts with the body) to deteriorate. Humidity levels and air circulation are also monitored as cannabis grows to prevent mold.
Harvesting techniques and curing process.
THC needs to be harvested at just the right time. If it’s harvested too early, the THC levels will be underdeveloped. If it’s harvested too late, the THC could start to degrade. The final step to preserve THC and ensure it’s at the right level is curing. The buds are dried after harvest, then cured in a controlled environment. This allows the remaining moisture to evenly distribute throughout the buds.
Phenotype Vs Genotype
Planting a seed of a certain strain, may not always result in the same outcome. And this happens due to the genotype and phenotype of cannabis plants.
Like we mentioned above, the cannabis plant starts as a seed. Within this seed is the genetic makeup and chemical structure of the plant. Also known as the genotype. Essentially, the genotype is like a framework for what the seed could eventually become. It can influence the way the plant grows, in terms of taste, smell and effects.
The reason two of the same seeds can be planted, but the end result can be completely different is because the genotype doesn’t contain one specific set of qualities for certain strains. For example one seed of the same strain may grow to be a brighter green than another, or taller than another.
But it’s not just the genotype that can affect the growth. The seed can also react to growing conditions. And when qualities of the plant are manifested as a result of the genotype interacting with its environment, this is known as phenotype, or the physical manifestation.
The genotype cannot be controlled or changed, but the phenotype can. For example if the cannabis plant is grown in a small space, it’s more likely to sprout short plants.
So, in a nutshell, two different strains can come from the same genetics (genotype), and the growing environment (phenotype) could be the reason behind why they developed differently.
So many people still believe that all strains are born equal, but it's not the case at all. For example, planting 20 of the same seed could result in 20 different 'phenos' (phenotypes) of. All of these phenos will have different traits. This happens because, even though the seeds come from the same strain, there's genetic variation between them, which can result in different traits being expressed in each plant.
When cannabis breeders create a new strain, they’ll often 'pheno hunt', planting loads of seeds until they find the perfect traits (potency, taste, yield, and growth habits). When those traits are found, the plant can be kept as a 'mother', and clones are taken to ensure that a more consistent product can be replicated each time it's sold/given to somebody.
Why THC isn’t everything
Whilst high-THC strains for pain relief, anxiety, depression and more can be effective, they’re not the only part of the cannabis plant that we can benefit from. Other cannabinoids like CBD are actually thought to be more effective when they work together with THC. This is due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Terpenes are also becoming increasingly important. They’re the compounds naturally found in all plants that give them their individual aromas and flavours. Over 150 have been identified in cannabis, and although their effects are still being studied, research so far suggests they may offer a vast array of therapeutic properties. This includes the ability to alter and boost the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) in the body.
Overall, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, due to individual differences in biology and needs. The effects of top THC hybrid strains can vary widely from person to person, regardless of their THC, CBD and terpene composition.
This is why it’s crucial to feedback to your doctor about what is and isn’t working for you. They can use this information to tailor future prescriptions to better suit your unique needs.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of High-THC Strains
Just like with any other medication, both the weakest and strongest cannabis strains could cause you to experience side effects. It’s likely they’ll vary from person to person, and you may not experience any at all. The best thing you can do is take your medication as prescribed. But some common side effects to be aware of include:
- Decreased appetite
- Feeling sick
- Weakness
- A behavioural or mood change
- Dizziness
- Feeling very tired
- Feeling high
- Dry mouth
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
If you experience any of the above, it’s important not to panic as they should subside after a few hours. If you are concerned, speak to your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible. The solution may be as simple as adjusting your dosage - this is why we always recommend starting low.
Summary
Cannabis (also known as marijuana) strains may feel more intense when they have higher levels of THC. So, if you’re completely new to medical cannabis, it may be a good idea to ask your doctor for lower THC levels to begin with. It’s likely they’ll advise you to start low and go slow anyway. And you should always follow the advice of your specialist doctor.
It’s also important to remember that, like with all medicine, your body might react to cannabis differently than someone else you know. For more information, or to discuss your own health needs, contact Alternaleaf today. There’s lots of help and information on our website, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.