“ The Dutch coffee shop system has been established for several decades with many coffee shops being supplied by skilled professional growers using reliable genetics. Yet many people would perhaps have expected the best coffee shop strains to contain well over 20%. Cannabis consumers are often mislead into thinking that any cannabis strain with under 25% THC must be noticeably less potent than average. With so much buzz about 30%+ THC strains it may surprise you to know that the average THC levels of the most popular cannabis seed varieties grown and consumed in Dutch coffee shops is around 16%.“
Surveys Debunk the More THC is Better Myth
The Trimbos Institute conducts an annual survey of cannabis/hash potency. In 2019 the 20th annual survey measured THC and CBD in the strongest and most popular varieties from 49 different coffee shops. “The THC levels in the very best ‘premium’ coffee shop weed varieties was 18.4%. So you could say that around 18% THC is considered a high amount of THC. The most popular/best-selling coffee shop varieties had THC levels of 16.7%. The difference between the popular coffee shop strains and the premium strains was just 1.7% THC. Hash lovers may be surprised to find that the average THC levels found in Dutch coffeeshop hash was just 26%. That’s just 7.4% stronger than the premium weed strains. These THC values from the Trimbos Institute are very similar to those found in the UK. A survey from the UK Home Office showed median THC levels of 15.0% in samples seized by the police. Virtually all UK cannabis is UK grown, very little is imported. The 15% average THC levels found in the UK are similar to the 16.7% levels seen in popular Dutch coffee shop strains. That suggests that high amounts of THC in UK weed would also be likely in the range 16-18% THC”.
Why HIGH TAC Doesn’t Really Determine the HIGH
Research has shown that other factors than the amount of THC in marijuana can affect the type and intensity of the high experienced. According to Dutch Passion “many cannabis connoisseurs enjoy strains with a cannabinoid profile which contains more than just THC”. The response of our unique Endocannabinoid Systems to the many major and minor cannabinoids other than THC, as well as the various aromatic terpenes, and flavonoids helps to determines the high. In addition, the Synergy of all these compounds together “The Entourage Effect” amplifies the effects/pleasure of the high. It is also thought that the Terpene profile plays a major role in modulating or steering the type of high experienced. As Dutch Passion says” That’s why cannabis connoisseurs place such a large emphasis on the harvesting, drying, and curing of their cannabis”. Here at ACS we do the same and that’s why we’re sure you will find a new “not so high TAC” strain that will not only ease your symptoms but will provide an enjoyable medicating experience.
https://dutch-passion.com/en/blog/what-is-a-high-amount-of-thc-for-cannabis-n969