Have you ever noticed how everyone always asks, “What’s the highest THC strain you’ve got?”
I get it. It sounds logical, right? More THC must mean more buzz. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t always work like that.
Here’s what I think: chasing THC or THCA numbers is kind of like buying wine based on the alcohol percentage. Sure, it’ll get the job done, but you might miss out on the good stuff that actually makes it taste and feel great.
THC and THCA Aren’t the Whole Story
When you see a jar labeled with “THC %” or “THCA %,” that’s just measuring how much of those cannabinoids are in your flower. THCA is the non-psychoactive version that turns into THC when you heat it up.
The thing is, your body doesn’t just respond to one number on a label. Cannabis is full of hundreds of little molecules like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that all work together to create the overall experience.
You could have two strains that both test at 25% THCA and end up feeling completely different. One might be smooth, relaxing, and creative while the other just makes you feel flat or edgy.
Pretty wild, right? But it all comes down to the terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids that give you that good good feeling.
Terpenes Are the Vibe Makers
You won’t believe this, but terpenes, the compounds that make your bud smell and taste the way it does, are actually what shape the entire vibe.
That skunky, fruity, lemony, or gassy smell? That’s terpenes. And each one gives your high a unique twist.
Here’s a quick example:
- Limonene gives that happy, sunny, “let’s get things done” kind of energy. This is the citrus smell you get found in most sativa buds.
- Myrcene is your chill-out, couch-lock terp. This terpene has earthy, musky, and herbal scents.
- Caryophyllene adds that peppery spice and helps with body comfort.
- Pinene keeps you focused and clear-headed and gives you a pine smell.
- Humulene brings a woody, hoppy aroma that feels earthy and grounding. It’s often found in strains that promote calm and balance without making you feel heavy.
Learn more about Terpenes and effects here.
So yeah, THC or THCA might be the fuel, but terpenes are the steering wheel. Without them, it’s just raw power without direction.
High THC or THCA Doesn’t Always Mean High Quality
Here’s something I’ve noticed after trying a ton of different strains (for science, of course). The ones that really stand out usually aren’t the 30 percent THCA heavy hitters. They’re the ones with that loud, rich smell that fills the room before you even open the bag, and they’re often sitting in that 15 to 25 percent range.
Some growers chase high THC or THCA numbers because that’s what everyone thinks they want. But when they do, they can lose out on flavor, aroma, and smoothness, all the things that make the experience enjoyable.
You’ve probably smoked something that tested sky-high and just felt kind of meh. That’s because the numbers looked good on paper, but the terpenes weren’t there to round it out.
Good flower has depth. You’ll smell it, taste it, and feel it. That’s because the terpenes are alive and balanced, usually sitting in that sweet 2 to 5 percent range.
Find What You Like
The best part is that once you figure out what terpene profiles you enjoy, shopping gets way easier.
Love that fruity, tropical vibe? You might be into strains with limonene and myrcene like Papaya Power or Champu.
If you’re more into sweet and creamy, look for caryophyllene and linalool like Wedding Cake or Cake Face.
Basically, follow your nose. Smell it first. If it makes you smile before you even light it, there’s a good chance you’ll love the experience.
Makes sense, right? The more you try different strains, the more you’ll start to notice patterns. Before long, you’ll know what works for your body without even glancing at the THC or THCA label.
The Bottom Line
Next time you’re shopping for flower, skip the high THC race. Don’t let big numbers fool you.
Go with your nose, not the label. Look for strains that smell amazing, look good, feel balanced, and match the mood you’re after. That’s where the real magic happens.
At Steve’s Hemp, we test and label our flower for both cannabinoid and terpene content because we want you to actually enjoy your smoke, not just chase numbers on a jar.
Trust your nose, trust your body, and let your experience be your guide. You’ll be surprised how much better your sessions get when you focus on terpenes instead of just THC or THCA percent.
Stop In and Smell for Yourself
If you’re in the Eau Claire, Wisconsin area, come by our downtown flagship store and smell the strains yourself. Talk with our team and see which profiles actually speak to you.
Once you start shopping with your nose instead of the label, you’ll never go back, I promise!
