THC: Quantity vs. Qualty - is there a difference?

[poker909]

Is some THC stronger than others?

What sparks this question is that a friend recently harvested from his first grow, and while the bud (after fully drying but not curing) looked like it was packed with trichomes, the end result left much to be desired. Thinking back, I have had strains that left "sugar" behind in my rolling tray that were just okay, and I have had others where the trichomes were not as pronounced, but the high was incredibly strong. Is it possible to have one strain with a high THC% that is weak, while another with a lower THC% could be stronger? or is the claim of "weak THC" bogus?

 

[doc111]

Is some THC stronger than others?

What sparks this question is that a friend recently harvested from his first grow, and while the bud (after fully drying but not curing) looked like it was packed with trichomes, the end result left much to be desired. Thinking back, I have had strains that left "sugar" behind in my rolling tray that were just okay, and I have had others where the trichomes were not as pronounced, but the high was incredibly strong. Is it possible to have one strain with a high THC% that is weak, while another with a lower THC% could be stronger? or is the claim of "weak THC" bogus?

The trichomes are the resin filled glands that the plant produces. These typically contain most of the THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. It is possible to have a very resinous plant with very little THC. Chemically speaking, THC is THC. There isn't better quality THC just better quantity. However, the type of high is dictated by the different cannabinoids working in concert. I'm not familiar with what all the different cannabinoids are without looking them up but I know there is CBD, THCV, CBN and some others. Each cannabinoid has a different effect and the differing concentrations give different types of highs. Hope this helps.

 

[RickWhite]

The trichomes are the resin filled glands that the plant produces. These typically contain most of the THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. It is possible to have a very resinous plant with very little THC. Chemically speaking, THC is THC. There isn't better quality THC just better quantity. However, the type of high is dictated by the different cannabinoids working in concert. I'm not familiar with what all the different cannabinoids are without looking them up but I know there is CBD, THCV, CBN and some others. Each cannabinoid has a different effect and the differing concentrations give different types of highs. Hope this helps.

IDK if all THC is the same. Logic would hold that if you have weed that is half as potent as another and take twice the hits you will be equally stoned - but this is not the case. Many strains only get you so high regardless of how much is smoked.

Also, I have noticed some things like caffine produce similarly different results depending on the source. Coffee gives a distinct rush and then drops off, where as cola does give a rush not but will keep me up all night. I know the biochemistry of how these things work but I just suspect there is more to it than science currently understands.

But as far as trichmes I agree, trichomes don't necessarily indicate high THC.

 

[doc111]

IDK if all THC is the same. Logic would hold that if you have weed that is half as potent as another and take twice the hits you will be equally stoned - but this is not the case. Many strains only get you so high regardless of how much is smoked.

Also, I have noticed some things like caffine produce similarly different results depending on the source. Coffee gives a distinct rush and then drops off, where as cola does give a rush not but will keep me up all night. I know the biochemistry of how these things work but I just suspect there is more to it than science currently understands.

But as far as trichmes I agree, trichomes don't necessarily indicate high THC.

Trust me. The Delta 9-tetrahydrocannibinol molecule is exactly the same. There are other cannabinoids and their varying quantities are what gives you the different highs. Many different molecules contribute to the overall high, not just THC. THC is THC. It's how the plant synthesizes all of the other psychoactive cannabinoids along with the THC and their differing quantities that gives the high it's unique qualities. It's like saying there are different kinds of water. Water is the same no matter what. It's all the other molecules in the water that make it have different colors, tastes, and smells. Hope this explains it.

 

[RickWhite]

Trust me. The Delta 9-tetrahydrocannibinol molecule is exactly the same. There are other cannabinoids and their varying quantities are what gives you the different highs. Many different molecules contribute to the overall high, not just THC. THC is THC. It's how the plant synthesizes all of the other psychoactive cannabinoids along with the THC and their differing quantities that gives the high it's unique qualities. It's like saying there are different kinds of water. Water is the same no matter what. It's all the other molecules in the water that make it have different colors, tastes, and smells. Hope this explains it.

After 5 semesters of majors level chemistry with 2 being organic chemistry I think I kind of understand how it works. I'm just not convinced that it is quite that cut and dry. Although there could be other compounds that act as protagonist or antagonist along with it. I've just noticed many things, like caffeine can produce different effects depending on the source. And I know this is contrary to the literature but I have observed it none the less.

 

[doc111]

After 5 semesters of majors level chemistry with 2 being organic chemistry I think I kind of understand how it works. I'm just not convinced that it is quite that cut and dry. Although there could be other compounds that act as protagonist or antagonist along with it. I've just noticed many things, like caffeine can produce different effects depending on the source. And I know this is contrary to the literature but I have observed it none the less.

Everyone reacts differently to different things. (BTW, I have a masters in chemistry).
I'm not going to argue with you. You are welcome to think whatever you want. If you honestly believe that a THC molecule is different just because you get a different buzz from different pot...........Well, I can't help you. That's like saying a water molecule is different because this glass of water tastes different than that glass of water. Think about what you are saying. Different concentrations of THC will have a different effect. Also you have to take into account the other cannabinoids. Think about it...........

 

[TheNatural]

And I know this is contrary to the literature but I have observed it none the less.

And these are ALWAYS the best obsevances....the ones we make by experiance......our own.

Blessings,

Rev. TheNatural

 

[doc111]

Here is a link which explains the different cannabinoids pretty well...........Enjoy.

http://www.sky.org/data/grow/c2.html

 

[RickWhite]

Everyone reacts differently to different things. (BTW, I have a masters in chemistry).
I'm not going to argue with you. You are welcome to think whatever you want. If you honestly believe that a THC molecule is different just because you get a different buzz from different pot...........Well, I can't help you. That's like saying a water molecule is different because this glass of water tastes different than that glass of water. Think about what you are saying. Different concentrations of THC will have a different effect. Also you have to take into account the other cannabinoids. Think about it...........

I think this is the case with many compounds. Many, many people insist that some generic drugs just don't work as good as name brands and if you drink Red Bull, you will probably notice that other e-drinks just don't produce the same zing even when the ingredients are the same.

I do believe there are subtle differences in certain compounds that are not yet detectable in a lab but do slightly alter the compounds pharmacological effect.

Now, it could be the case that there are other compounds in every case that affect this, but that just proves that there is uncertainty as to the components potency when taken alone. So as to the OP's original question, the THC quantity in and of itself is not necessarily the sole determinant of how high you get. The rest is just parsing words.

 

[reeferMaster]

strain has 2 do with potency how well u grow it will give u your rezin production, i think al the hybrids being made has droped the potencey in some strains and increased it in others, also different phenos have different resin production, so if it has more resin it should get u higher, mj must be mature 2 have proper potency.