You walk into a dispensary, check the flower jars or scroll through the menu online, and there it is: every label stamped with a THC percentage. Twenty-two percent. Twenty-eight percent. Even over thirty in some cases. It is easy to assume the higher that number goes, the stronger the product must be. The natural conclusion is that the highest percentage on the shelf should get you the highest. For years, that belief has shaped how people shop for cannabis. But that assumption has led many customers down the wrong path.
At Torches NYC, we meet a lot of curious minds. Some are just starting their cannabis journey, others have been smoking for years. One thing they often have in common is the idea that THC percentage tells the whole story. In reality, that number only scratches the surface. The actual experience of smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis depends on a range of factors, including the unique chemistry of your body, how the product was grown and stored, what terpenes are present, and how you choose to consume it. This post breaks down why high THC is not a reliable way to judge how strong or enjoyable your cannabis will be, and what to pay attention to instead.
What THC Percentage Measures
Let’s start with what that number on the label actually means. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound in cannabis responsible for most of its psychoactive effects. When a flower or vape cartridge shows 20 percent THC, it means 200 milligrams of THC for every gram of product. It is a straightforward measurement by weight, not a promise of intensity.
What the number does not measure is freshness, aroma, how the flower was cured, or how THC will interact with other compounds in the product. It is one small part of a much bigger story. While THC plays a major role in how cannabis feels, it works in tandem with dozens of other compounds inside the plant.
Why Higher THC Does Not Guarantee a Stronger High
Your Body Is a Factor
Cannabis affects each person differently. Some people can take two puffs from a joint with 15 percent THC and feel totally relaxed, while others may need multiple pulls from a vape to feel anything at all. This is because your experience depends on tolerance, metabolism, and how your endocannabinoid system responds.
That system controls a range of processes in your body, including mood, sleep, and appetite. Your personal biology will determine how much THC is needed to activate that system and what happens when it does. People with a high tolerance from regular use may not notice a big difference between 20 percent and 30 percent. For someone new to cannabis, even a lower percentage can be overwhelming.
The Entourage Effect
Cannabis is not just about THC. The plant contains more than one hundred cannabinoids, including CBD, CBG, and CBN, each with their own effect on the body. It also contains terpenes, which give each strain its aroma, flavor, and additional effects. When all of these compounds are present in a well-grown product, they interact with each other to shape the overall experience. This is known as the entourage effect.
For example, a strain with moderate THC and high levels of myrcene might leave you deeply relaxed. Another with similar THC but lots of limonene might feel more energizing. A high-THC product with almost no terpene content could feel flat or harsh by comparison. Without these supporting players, THC has a harder time producing a smooth, well-rounded effect.
Lab Testing Is Not Always Consistent
THC percentages are often treated as absolute facts, but lab results vary. Studies have shown that the same sample tested by different labs can return different results. Some labs have been accused of inflating numbers to meet consumer expectations or boost product prices. This means that a jar labeled as 31 percent THC might really be 27 or less.
That number should not be the sole basis for your decision. It is a reference point, not a promise. If it looks dry, smells bland, or lacks trichome coverage, that high number on the label will not change the experience.
Diminishing Returns
There is a limit to how much THC your body can absorb at one time. Once the receptors in your brain are activated, adding more THC does not necessarily make the experience more intense. It can lead to a plateau or even an uncomfortable reaction. Pushing too far can increase anxiety, reduce focus, or cause dizziness. A better approach is to look for balance.
Many experienced users report that products with 17 to 22 percent THC often provide a more enjoyable high than those with higher levels. That sweet spot tends to offer good intensity while still preserving flavor, clarity, and comfort.
Consumption Method Matters
How you use cannabis changes how it feels. Smoking and vaping provide a fast onset, usually within minutes. The effects can peak quickly and fade within a few hours. Edibles, on the other hand, pass through the digestive system and are processed by the liver. This leads to a slower onset, a longer high, and sometimes a more intense body effect.
That means a product labeled with the same THC content can feel very different depending on how it is consumed. A 10 milligram gummy and a 10 milligram vape cartridge hit very differently. The delivery method, timing, and duration all shape the outcome.
Rethinking the Way You Shop
Here are a few better questions to ask yourself the next time you browse a menu:
- How do I want to feel? Uplifted, relaxed, creative, sleepy?
- What terpenes are dominant in this strain?
- When was this harvested? How fresh is it?
- Does the bud look healthy and well-trimmed?
- Is there a strong scent when I open the jar?
Let aroma be your guide. If a strain smells sharp, fruity, earthy, or gassy in a way that excites your senses, it may be a better choice than one that tests higher but lacks character. Your nose knows. That aroma comes from the terpenes, and those terpenes tell you a lot more than the percentage on the label ever could.
When THC Percentage Does Matter
There are a few situations where THC levels are more useful. For edibles, knowing the exact milligram content helps with dosing. Most people start with 2 to 5 milligrams and work their way up. For medical patients using cannabis for pain or other chronic symptoms, higher doses may be necessary. But even then, it is best to pair higher THC with other cannabinoids like CBD to balance the effect.
For casual or recreational use, the better question is not “how strong is this,” but “how does this make me feel?” Because cannabis is not one-size-fits-all. It is a personal experience. The strongest product is not always the best one.
The Industry Perspective
Inside the cannabis industry, this is not a secret. In competitions like the Emerald Cup, the best flower rarely has the highest THC. Judges look for smell, taste, smoothness, and how the high feels. Flavor and experience matter more than numbers. Yet, because customers keep chasing higher percentages, many growers focus on potency over balance.
This has led to fewer options for people who want lower THC with rich terpene content. It also encourages labs and brands to push limits, sometimes at the expense of quality. The more people understand what really matters in cannabis, the more pressure there will be on the market to prioritize flavor, balance, and transparency.
Final Thoughts from Torches NYC
You deserve more than just a number. The next time you shop for flower or vapes, do not let the THC percentage be the only thing you consider. Pay attention to how the product looks, smells, and makes you feel. Ask about the terpene profile. Try strains that offer a balanced experience, not just the ones that boast high test results.
At Torches NYC, we carry a selection of cannabis chosen for more than just numbers. We prioritize aroma, flavor, effect, and freshness. Whether you are new to cannabis or have been a regular for years, our team is here to help you find what works for your body and your goals.
High THC might grab attention, but great cannabis is about how it all comes together. Start with your senses. Trust your experience. And always feel free to ask our team for guidance.