Flower, waxes, and edibles, oh my! With the legalization of marijuana, many different strains and types of cannabis have become available to the public. Everyone’s looking for something unique, something different. Some people want to blast off while others just take a little edge off. Is higher % THC better? Here’s what we say...

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical responsible for the psychological effects of marijuana. THC acts like the cannabinoid chemicals that your body creates.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that marijuana is the most commonly used psychotropic drug. THC is the component responsible for its effect.

THC attaches itself to the body’s cannabinoid receptors. These are the parts of the brain associated with such perceptions as thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination, and time.

THC Concentrations

THC concentration is measured in weight compared to the product. THC concentration depends on several factors. Exposure to air degrades THC. Its concentration also is affected by the cultivation of the marijuana plant, the soil, and the plants.

The hemp plant has a minimal amount of THC. It is used for industrial and medical purposes—not for recreational use. Hemp THC could be only 0.5 percent. 

Some cannabis strains can have as little as 0.3 percent THC by weight. Other strains may have as high as 20 percent THC by the weight in a sample. Some unusual varieties have tested over 30 percent THC!

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average % THC concentration in marijuana is between one and five percent. THC in recreational marijuana is widely variable.

How Has % THC Increased?

A new study by Alice Walton sheds light on changes in THC concentration.

Part of this increased THC concentration is the result of a shift in the production of cannabis plant material away from marijuana to sinsemilla. Sinsemilla is the female cannabis plant that has not been pollinated. Sinsemilla plants are grown from cuttings or seed. 

The History of % THC Rise

Marijuana plants have been around for the past several hundred years. They were first grown in Asia in 500 BC for medicinal purposes. The THC percentage wasn’t even a consideration in those days. However, some ancient cultures knew about the psychoactive properties of cannabis. They grew these specific varieties because of their higher levels of THC. These were used in both religious ceremonies and healing rituals.

The cultivation of marijuana in America dates back to the early colonists. They grew hemp for ropes, sails, and clothing. Early hemp plants had low levels of THC. The psychotropic properties of the plant were not a consideration in the cultivation of hemp.

By the early 1900s, scientists discovered that THC was what gave cannabis its medicinal properties. Researchers learned that THC interacted with areas of the brain to lessen nausea and promote appetite.

Between 1960 and 1980, marijuana’s THC content was less than 2%. There were no clear governmental guidelines or regulations over the cannabis industry. So, producers took a page from the tobacco and alcohol industries. Through improved production and plant generation, they developed strains of marijuana with a significantly higher concentration of THC.

As American Mary notes there has been a concerted effort to increase the THC percentage. Since the early 1980s, the average THC content has shown an increase from a modest two percent to between ten and twelve percent. Some even tested as high as twenty to thirty percent THC by weight! 

Is Higher % THC Better?

Is a higher concentration of THC in marijuana better? Some would argue that the more potent the product the better value for your expenditure. Others disagree.

Pros

Those who use marijuana with a higher concentration of THC are convinced that they get a greater rush with a smaller amount of products. They also argue that they need less to get the desired effect. Hence, they think they get better value for their cannabis dollar.

Cons

But, the writers of American Mary disagree. Their point is that it doesn’t take much THC to get most people feeling high. So why seek marijuana with astronomical amounts of THC? It’s like bringing a cannon to a duel. 

Others contend that THC isn’t the only consideration. When you purchase wine, you look for one whose taste you like. You don’t shop for the one with the highest alcohol content. Writer Mike Pizzo suggests that is how marijuana purchasers should choose the product they want.

Researcher Dr. Elizabeth Stuyt points out the dangers of high potency marijuana. Her study indicates that the psychoactive component of marijuana with higher concentrations of THC causes higher levels of addiction. The higher potency of any drug raises the possibility of addiction. It also increases return buyer frequency and his purchasing amounts.

Why Some Prefer a Lesser % THC

Substance contends that not all buyers make high THC a priority. For some, looking only at high THC overlooks other important factors. Searching for high THC fails to take into consideration other traits that enhance the experience.

Further, the writer contends that higher THC concentration does not translate to the most potent experience. He cites smoking Jamaican marijuana with a concentration of only 12% as being his ultimate euphoria. The THC content alone cannot explain the experience.

Other factors are worth considering! Writers of American Mary encourage buyers to try different strains of cannabis with a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In doing so, buyers will discover the flavor profiles and experiences they will enjoy the most.

 Just like with fine Scotch, choosing the best product for you is a matter of trial and error. There are over four hundred and thirty compounds in a cannabis plant. The way in which these components interact will result in a wide range of reactions from the user. Add to that the wide range of user traits and the number of expected reactions is mind-boggling.

So how do you choose? Like with any other product, consider THC as only one of the many factors in your favorite cannabis. 

It’s not just the THC content that’s important. Rather, it is how the THC combines with other characteristics of the whole plant.

So, is higher % THC better?

The answer is not necessarily.

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Everyone experiences stress throughout their lifetime, it comes with the challenges we face daily. Whether it’s from a hectic commute, an upcoming project, or the simple annoyances from the people surrounding you, it’s nothing a little toking up can’t fix.

A little stress can be healthy, but when it becomes too consuming - that’s when it becomes a  problem. Many people have turned to cannabis to help them reduce feelings of stress. For some, smoking a joint after a long day can help them unwind and release built-up tension accumulated from earlier in the day. 

When smoking to reduce stress, it’s important to know which strains are best for doing so. Choosing the right strain can elevate your experience, here are the best and widely available strains to reduce stress levels.

Best Strains for Stress

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is one of the most popular cannabis strains in America. It’s known for its balanced and full-body effect. The hybrid strain has a sweet aroma with a THC content high enough to provide relief to stress and body tension. 

Blue Dream is also known to provide relief from symptoms correlated with pain, nausea, and depression and has a minimal sedative effect, making it a great daytime strain.

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a Sativa dominant hybrid that is known to give feelings of happiness, energy, and euphoria. This strain is great for reducing stress while keeping you productive, thanks to its adequate Sativa levels. The pungent smell of this strain is what gives this beloved strain its name. Many people turn to this strain to help alleviate symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. 

AK-47

AK-47 is a hybrid strain that is known for relaxing the mind and body. It’s said to produce a ‘mellow’ feeling despite its somewhat violent name. This strain is less potent than others, but it is enough to help the mind and body relax. AK-47 delivers a long-lasting high that’ll keep you alert and engaged while also producing feelings of relaxation and happiness.

You can expect to feel uplifted, at peace, and mellowed out with this strain. It is especially great for those who have trouble falling asleep. A couple of hits before bed can help induce the relaxation needed to help you fall asleep.

Jack Herrer

This Sativa dominant strain was originally a medical-grade strain. However, it rose to popularity with recreational users because it’s known to provide feelings of optimism and euphoria. It’s also known for provided adequate pain and stress relief. 

This strain is loved by many because it can relax you while keeping you focused. Some say it even promotes creativity. Other common usages for this strain include reducing symptoms of depression such as loss of appetite and anxiety. 

Grandaddy Purple

‘Grandaddy Purp’ is an Indica dominant strain. The strain is ideal for creating a calming effect on the body and mind. The buds of this very powerful Indica strain can sometimes look purple (hence its name) and is used to treat pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, and other symptoms related to stress.

Be careful when consuming this strain as it can produce a heavy body high and leave you couch-locked. We recommend using this strain at night or during days you have no plans or commitments to take care of. 

Cannatonic

The high CBD content of this strain will relax you without too much of the psychoactive effects of THC. The strain produces a relatively short but powerfully relaxing high. Many medical marijuana patients choose this strain to alleviate pain, anxiety, migraines, and muscle pain. 

Strains with higher CBD content are great for those who tend to get more anxious when dealing with higher THC levels.

Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies or ‘GSC’ is loved by stoners everywhere. Additionally, it’s one of the most potent and popular strains available. The THC content is typically above 20% THC, so a little bit will do its job. It’s an Indica dominant strain that can make users feel powerful, happy and euphoric, and can help with stress and pain relief, anxiety, and insomnia. 

This strain can come with heavy body effects and can stimulate the appetite. So get comfortable and maybe keep a healthy snack handy.

Reduce Stress with Cannasaver

Finding a good deal is now easier than ever with Cannasaver. We have teamed up with the best dispensaries in Colorado to provide you with the best deals on all types of products. Use our search bar to find deals for your favorite strains.

Make sure you check out Cannasaver for the latest daily deals on many kinds of stress-reducing strains before heading out to your local dispensary. 

Happy toking and remember, chill vibes only! 

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When people think of stoners, the stereotype is usually that we sleep, eat and laugh…. A lot! While cannabis can be very sedating and relaxing, the reality is that not all strains have these ‘stoney’ attributes. 

There are countless reasons why people love and use Cannabis. While some people use it to help themselves relax, others use it to boost focus, creativity, and mental clarity -- like a cup of coffee.

A misconception about weed is that it makes people lazy. Sure, some strains are more sedating than others, but there is also a plethora of strains known to increase focus, energy, and creativity.

It all depends on how you pair your strains with particular activities.

If you’re unsure about which strains will help with your day-to-day productivity, seek the help of your budtender and they might just point you to the perfect strain for your needs.

Here are some of our favorite strains known to boost productivity:

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is known to produce a fast-acting and energizing cerebral high. Its uplifting effects make it popular for daytime use. Additionally, Sour Diesel can help relieve symptoms of depression and pain without the sedating side effects. You can rely on this strain to keep you productive and spark creativity.

Green Crack

Green Crack is a Sativa-dominant strain that is famous for its upbeat and energizing effects. This strain won’t leave you burning out and can instead be a little boost to help keep you afloat. It’s a great strain with strong Sativa effects and can help relieve symptoms of fatigue. 

Jack Herrer

Jack Herrer is loved for its ability to produce mental clarity. It’s a good Sativa that won’t leave you spacing out. Aside from helping with stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue… Jack Herrer is also known to produce a euphoric and uplifting mood, users even report a boost in creativity when using this strain.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is known for its uplifting effects and is great for when you need to get things done. The pure Sativa strain has a sweet smell and users report feeling focused and energetic, without the stress when using this strain.

Chemdawg

Chemdawg is a potent strain known for its strong cerebral effects. It’s also known to increase focus and can make you feel more social. The hybrid strain is rich in THC (15-20%) and low in CBD, it’s also known to be fast-acting, so be ready to get hit with that energizing high.

Sativa vs. Indica

If you feel like it’s hard for you to focus or remain productive after a smoke sesh, try switching strains, or saving that specific strain for the nighttime. Some people like to smoke Sativa dominant strains during the day and Indica strains at night. This is because Sativa-dominant strains usually contain higher percentages of THC compared to CBD, whereas Indica-dominant strains are the opposite. 

Typically, Sativa strains are more stimulating and are known for producing a “head high,” that increases creativity and focus, while Indica strains are more sedative, producing more of a body high with increased feelings of relaxation.

Productive Deals at Cannasaver!

At Cannasaver, we want to help you save while giving you access to a variety of Cannabis products in your area. We have new deals every day and continue to work with some of the best dispensaries in the country!

Type your favorite strain into our search bar to find the closest deal to you.

Boost your focus, enjoy your weed and save money all at once with Cannasaver.

Doesn’t that sound productive?

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When it comes to consuming cannabis there are many routes one can choose from. There is the tried and true tradition of rolling up a joint, or maybe even cracking a “Backwoods” or “Swisher” down the middle and loading that bad boy up with some tasty, ground flower. Or maybe you’d like to try some of those “fire extracts” your buddy has been raving about. Brownies, cookies, Rice Crispy treats; sometimes it seems like more choices than someone may want to make when all you really want is to unwind after a long day and smoke some jazz cabbage. Well, fear not, friends! We here at Cannasaver are here to sift through scientific reporting and many, many smoke sessions to bring you a guide to THC potency and give you our recommendations on what we’ve been puffing on. Here’s our take on the most potent forms of THC for you big doobie dawgs out there.

The Testing

If you’ve ever been to a dispensary, I’m sure you’ve seen those percentage numbers on every different strain at the counter.  

What those numbers mean is that the entire crop of whichever strain you are looking at had to be tested by a Colorado Marijuana approved lab before it is able to be sold at a recreational store.  

• The first things a lab always tests for are residual pesticides, heavy metals, or other contaminants that may have been left behind during the buds growing period.  

This is fantastic for us as cannabis consumers because we know coming from a reputable source that it is clean, green weed!  

• The second thing a lab will test for is the potency of the cannabis, extract, or edible that the grower wants to sell. 

In most cases, flowers will typically range from 15% THC to as high as 35% in some strains. 

That’s some chronic weed, man.  

Wax, shatter, distillate, and rosin can range from the mid-70s to mid-90s in the percentage of THC.  

Blast off, baby!! These are your most potent forms of THC. 

Edibles are measured a bit differently in the sense that it’s not a percentage of THC per edible, it is milligrams of THC per serving.

The Flower

Just like you and I, every cannabis plant has its own set of genetics that gives it the physical characteristics and potency that it possesses.  

Some strains come in with much higher and potent THC levels than others. 

Here are some of our favorites:

Here's a deal for one of our favorite strains, Cherry Lime Haze -  $59.99 oz of Cherry Lime Haze 20% THC

This strain is a hybrid blend of Sativa and Indica.  

While it’s not one of the most potent forms of THC, it’s a great choice for a midday smoke break because it only has 20% THC levels.  

It gives a great heady high and tastes great!  

This is a great strain for encouraging creativity and relaxing the body. 

One of our favorite stores, Herbs4you, always stocks a great mix of sativas and indicas at great prices.  

Here, you can talk to a trained "bud-ologist" about the different strains they have for sale.

The Extracts

When it comes to weed and its potency, some have taken the method of getting a “high score” to a new level.  

There are several different ways to consume weed extracts whether it be through shatter, wax, dabs, rosin, distillate, or cartridges.  

All of these products tend to have a much higher level of THC than the flower your grandad used to puff on.  

Wax or shatter is usually made through a hydrocarbon method of extraction giving it a very pure and clean taste.  The rosin is made through a pressure and heat extraction giving it a very terpene-filled earthy taste, and the distillate and cartridges people smoke are a very convenient and tasty way to puff on the go.

Our friends over at The Stone Dispensary have you covered on your wax and shatter needs. 

Right now they have a deal on grams of extract so you can sample a few different flavors and pick your favorite.  

We recommend their ever-potent Wedding Cake.  

As for distillate, one of our favorite, most potent deals is from La Bodega.

They are offering two carts right now for $30.  Cartridges are one of the most potent forms of THC. They’re a great way to smoke high percentage THC on the go.  

They smell great, are discreet, and get you super ripped.

Edibles

The edibles available today have come a long way since making a double boiler out of a mixing bowl and pot in your friend's kitchen to make some dank cannabutter.  There was always the one batch of cookies that came out way stronger than anyone expected and got everyone catatonically stoned for the night.  There are some great bakers out there who specialize in getting you baked. 

Edible dosage is measured in milligrams per serving instead of THC percentage.  In general, edibles will keep you high longer but creep up slower than taking a bong rip or smoking a joint.  Your body is able to uptake the THC and cannabinoids through the digestive system giving a great body high along with the head high. 

Check out our friends over at AMCH Denver for a smoking mix and match deal. 

They allow you to pick 4 different edibles for $60!  It's a great way to eat and get the munchies at the same time.  The more you eat, the hungrier you get. 

Gummies are a great way to dose out THC in manageable amounts if you need to be productive.  We love to mix CBD with THC in one tasty treat.  Check out Stone Dispensary for some dank deals on some dank gummies.  These aren't quite the same as the old Flintstones gummies we had as kids but they do pack 50 mg of vitamin THC (not actually a vitamin, don’t come at us). 

Thanks for reading our guide to the most potent forms of THC and have fun testing them out for yourselves. 

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There are many health benefits of THCV, but for those wanting to consume cannabis in other ways, edibles are a good option. Here, we break down what THCV is and we talk about how THCV edibles might be the perfect option you're looking for.

What is THCV?

THCV is a cannabinoid. 

THC and CBD are also cannabinoids but if you’re like most people, you may have never heard of this specific cannabinoid. 

While it is similar in chemical structure to THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, the effects it can have on the body are much different. 

THCV has a less psychoactive release in the brain than THC. 

People who use THCV report having more energy, less appetite, and feeling less lethargic than consuming something with higher THC. 

This is because the way our bodies are able to process cannabinoids is through our own Endocannabinoid system or (ECS). 

THCV, THC, and CBD all innervate with receptors in the ECS differently which produces the different reactions we have to consume them.  The ECS helps to regulate our physical and mental well-being, appetites, sleep schedules, even hormones can be affected.

Where is THCV Found?

Certain strains have more THCV than others. 

Most of those strains that possess this unique Cannabinoid come from long-grown, native or landrace, sativa strains found near and around Africa and the Middle East. 

Through strain selective breeding and more advanced growing techniques, growers today have been able to isolate and enhance the levels of THCV in plants today. 

This is great news for weed science and those that can use THCV for health benefits!! 

By being able to isolate individual compounds such as THCV we are able to better explore the different health benefits they can offer from one another.

Here's a list of some strains to check out with potent levels of THCV:

• Durban Poison
• Doug’s Varin
• Pineapple Purps
• Durban Cheese
• Skunk #1

What Are the Health Benefits of THCV?

THCV is being explored to help treat many different treatments for different health issues. 

THCV has different effects on the body than those of other members of the cannabinoid family.

Decreased Appetite

Unlike THC, THCV is proven to suppress one's appetite. When taken in small doses (5-10 mg) THCV has been shown to decrease the want to eat food.

In one study by the Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology the results showed a consistent decrease in appetite.  This could be used for people trying to lose weight or control urges to eat.

Diabetes and Glucose Control

THCV has also been shown in early tests to help with the body’s ability to control and manage glucose absorption through a study done on mice with Type Diabetes 2. 

Seizures and Epilepsy

With the wider acceptance of Cannabis use to treat serious medical issues in the recent decades, one prominent use has been the treatment of tremors and seizures due to diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. 

THCV has also been shown to help reduce and control seizures associated with epilepsy.  In this study THCV was looked at independently to treat seizures. There has been much promising research in the field in the past 10 years. 

Here is another study on cannabinoids that looks at multiple cannabinoids working together to treat seizures and uncontrolled tremors.

Inflammation

The list just keeps growing in positive medical benefits with THCV.  This study shows how THCV can be effective in relieving inflammation in mice. 

With the health benefits of THCV, add those to some of the healthiest ways to consume marijuana and you're set!

Options for Consuming THCV 

As mentioned earlier in the blog, there are certain strains that have higher levels of THCV than others. 

But what if you aren’t able to find those stains at your local dispensary or your local grower decided to grow a different crop this run than your favorite THCV strain? 

Fear not! There are other methods for consuming THCV!

One of our favorites is through edibles. Yes, THCV EDIBLES!

We love this method because the effects you’ll experience will last longer and be more sustained than just smoking. 

Check out our deals on edibles in your area on our homepage.  

If you want to check out THCV in its purest form, we recommend a full THCV exclusive extract.  

While THCV is much more expensive to extract due to lower levels of it found in plant biomass, the process is largely the same.

Like other cannabinoids, THCV is extracted through a chromatography process that uses superfluid liquid solvents such as CO2 or ethanol to separate the compounds from the plant.

The solution is then evaporated with heat under a vacuum to remove all the gas and leave a high-purity THCV concentrate behind. Once extracted, THCV products should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight to preserve potency.

THCV Edibles

While it may take more flower to extract a good amount of THCV, the process of isolating this cannabinoid for edibles has a great perk. 

The boiling point of THCV is 428 degrees F with the boiling point of THC being 315 degrees F.  That’s a full 113 degrees F difference between the two cannabinoids. 

Essentially, you just have to boil off your unwanted THC and you’ll be left with a higher THCV end result. 

The downside to this is that most terpenes are boiled off at far lower levels than either THC or THCV so you won’t really be left with any of those tasty treats. 

If what you’re after is pure THCV though, you’re in luck.

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