High but not
high high A Cannabis Blog

For most of its history, cannabis has offered users mild intoxicating effects. The rapid rise of THC potency in cannabis over the last couple decades has created a far more potent product. While many customers love this, it can overwhelm other customers. Some people prefer to be high but not high high.

The Rise of THC

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound in the cannabis plant that is largely responsible for its intoxicating effects. 

In the 1990s, the average THC potency of cannabis ranged from an estimated 3% to 5% THC. Most people could smoke a whole joint and only feel a mild high.

As the legal cannabis market has developed around the country, cannabis THC strength has steadily climbed due to consumer demand. Most regular consumers develop a tolerance to THC and desire stronger products. Also, the high price of cannabis encourages consumers to shop for the highest THC per dollar, with higher THC products selling better than lower THC products.

As customers demanded higher THC, growers responded in-kind, with improving genetics and better cultivation techniques that saw THC potencies increase.

Today, your average cannabis flower in cannabis stores in California has a THC potency more than 20%. This is 5x stronger than cannabis was in the previous generation. It’s hard to find cannabis flower in California below 15% THC.

For many regular cannabis users, this high potency is great and meets their needs. But for people who dont smoke often or dont develop a tolerance, this high THC cannabis can cause anxiety, paranoia and create bad experiences. Many people dont understand the science of cannabis and how to look for THC, and decide that cannabis just isnt for them.

The CBD Balance

The chase for high THC has often left other cannabinoids ignored. There are over 100 different cannabinoids, or cannabis compounds, in the plant that cause various types of effects. Most cannabinoids only appear in very small quantities, making them hard to produce and study. Due to cannabis research restrictions, we are only beginning to understand the various cannabinoids and their impact on the body.

A common theory in cannabis is the entourage effect, which states that coming THC with other cannabinoids create synergies that alter the overall experience, i.e. 1+1=3. The second most common cannabinoid is CBD (Cannabidiol). Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive and does not get you “high”, but it can provide numerous therapeutic benefits.

In flower with THC and CBD, the CBD can help offset some of the anxiety or paranoia that THC can cause, creating a more balanced high. The Birdies team believes the 2:1 CBD:THC ratio provides an excellent balanced experience, allowing customers to get high, but not high high. Thats why we chose it for Birdies Lights. Consumers can find a variety of CBD:THC ratios, allowing them to find the ideal experience for them.