THC, TRENDS & RANGES, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! By: NovaCannLabs

Globally, numerous reliable platforms and forums provide information on the known THC and terpene levels in different strains of medicinal cannabis worldwide. These levels range from a low of 14% to a high of 35%. Of these, 70% of the flowers fall within the 12% to 25% THC range.

Currently, laboratory results are translated into the percentage of THC in the product. While THC is important, we must recognize that there are other components of equal or greater importance to consider. Having said this, we've seen that, for some reason, patients have been led to believe they need to consume flowers or products with high THC levels, neglecting terpene indicators and other components, which ultimately determine how effective a strain can be in treating specific conditions or ailments.

As a laboratory, we understand the urgency of reporting reliable values for the benefit of medical cannabis patients in Puerto Rico, and along the way we have received many questions regarding the flowers and their THC content.

Is a high THC flower the best option to buy?

While THC content is important, other indicators, such as terpenes, determine how effectively the flower can address specific conditions and modulate the patient's experience while medicating. That said, it's important to clarify that a strain with a high THC content will not typically have a high terpene content, and vice versa. The presence of these components is based on the flower's moisture content. To obtain a high THC content, the flower should have a relatively low moisture content, and for a high terpene content, the flower should have a high moisture percentage. It's not normal for a flower to have high levels of both THC and terpenes simultaneously.

Why do we see differences in THC values in flowers with the same name or from the same strain?

It's possible for each grow to have different phenotypes of the same strain. This variation in phenotypes is the reason we see some variation in THC and terpene values. However, this variation shouldn't result in drastic differences in THC levels. For example, differences in phenotypes can have values fluctuating between 18% and 22%. But the most drastic changes will be seen in terpenes, as the abundance of each terpene can change from one phenotype to another. It's not normal for flowers of the same strain to show huge differences in THC levels. For example, we can have several phenotypes of a flower like Dream Catcher, and the potencies can fluctuate between 24% and 26%—that's its nature. It's not normal to have drastic differences in the known THC value of the strain, as long as they were grown under similar conditions and without any problems during the process.

Are there any preparation or extraction processes that increase or raise the percentages of THC?

Laboratory extraction processes are already standardized and certified by an external validation body, "Third Party Validation." This means that every laboratory must be able to report similar and reliable values. Uncertainties are established within the processes to ensure that percentage differences are minimal and that each laboratory can report comparable values.

We understand that different phenotypes exist and that this can lead to slight variations in results. Product quality is not determined solely by THC content; other components, such as terpenes, ultimately determine the product's quality and complexity. Under no circumstances can an extraction process or instrumentation inflate or increase the THC or terpene levels in the flower; and currently, no process or instrumentation exists that can increase THC or terpene levels beyond what the product actually contains.

It is extremely important to educate ourselves so that we can make the right decision when buying and using our medication. Laboratories have an ethical, moral, and professional obligation to offer reliable, defect-free results, always ensuring the integrity of the medicinal cannabis industry and prioritizing the health of patients and guaranteeing their well-being.