Frequent cannabis consumers with high tolerance levels often deem low THC as less appealing. It’s a fact that individuals who have been indulging in cannabis for an extended period may not significantly feel the influence of a strain with lower THC content. Yet, these individuals are not the majority.
Those who are not daily users of cannabis or those who utilize it solely for health reasons might actually favor low THC strains. The reason being, the uplifting effects of these strains are more gentle and less intense.
For newcomers to cannabis or those who haven’t yet grasped its widespread appeal, a strain with lower THC could be a more appropriate introduction. If you have any questions or are looking for a Florida medical marijuana doctor, please feel free to reach out to us!
Why Use Low THC Strains
Strains of cannabis with a low THC content are often the best choice for those who are new to marijuana or who consume it only sporadically. If your consumption is limited to, say, one weekend each month, being confronted by a strain with 25% THC can be quite intense. This might lead to feelings of paranoia or anxiety, or leave you feeling lethargic and couch-bound. Such potent THC effects may not align with your tolerance level, leading to an unpleasant experience.
If you’re someone who tends to be more susceptible to the adverse effects of THC, such as “greening out,” opting for a strain with lower THC content would be a wise move. This will allow you to unwind and enjoy the moment, without the overwhelming intensity, enabling you to engage in social or creative activities happening around you.
Low-THC strains also hold tremendous appeal for medical cannabis patients. While they may appreciate the occasional uplifting effects of THC, their primary motivation for using cannabis lies elsewhere. They are seeking mental or physical health benefits from the plant. Some medical cannabis patients are completely uninterested in the recreational aspects of marijuana. Their goal is simply to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Using Marijuana to Sleep
The sleep-inducing benefits of cannabis stem from the way its cannabinoids interact with the brain’s ECS receptors. The compounds in marijuana latch onto these receptors, triggering the nervous system to elevate levels of a hormone linked to sleepiness (adenosine).
Cannabis is composed of multiple active elements. While THC generally slows down brain activity, when paired with certain terpenes, it can produce a stimulating or invigorating effect, especially for those unfamiliar with cannabis. Therefore, cannabis novices may wish to steer clear of THC prior to heading to bed.
Anxiety Reduction
One of the most prevalent reasons individuals turn to cannabis products is their ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. Cannabis with low THC content can soothe both body and mind, without the potential anxiety-inducing effects often associated with strains high in THC.
Numerous research studies have highlighted the powerful anti-anxiety properties of medical marijuana, which are further corroborated by consumer testimonials. CBD and low THC strains help mitigate stress by preventing the reabsorption of naturally occurring endocannabinoids like anandamide. Known as the “bliss molecule” among scientists, anandamide is recognized for inducing the euphoric sensations typically experienced post-exercise. Additionally, CBD and low THC strains can help curb feelings of anxiety by calming the amygdala, the brain region that governs our fear response or fight-or-flight reaction.
Tolerance Breaks
Frequent users of high-THC cannabis, particularly concentrates, may sometimes experience a need for increased consumption to achieve the same effects over time. This phenomenon often prompts users to take a hiatus in an effort to restore their body’s THC tolerance. During this respite, low-THC cannabis can serve as a flavorful substitute for their preferred herb. Concurrently, those abstaining from high-THC cannabis can benefit from the soothing effects of CBD to help manage any cravings for THC.
Best Low THC Cannabis Strains
Blue Dynamite
Blue Dynamite’s THC content can reach a high of around 19% at its peak potency, but it usually provides a gentler dose of around 10% THC when in flower form. Depending on cultivation methods, THC levels can even dip to as low as 6%. The strain’s profile is usually enhanced by a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC, which contributes to a more therapeutic consumption experience. Users have noted that this strain helps alleviate anxiety and pain, while also inducing mild euphoria and promoting a good night’s sleep when included in a pre-sleep regimen.
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is a well-balanced strain featuring mild to moderate THC concentrations. It is rich in myrcene, a tranquilizing terpene that is ideal for relaxation prior to sleep.
Red Pop
Red Pop is a hybrid strain with evenly distributed genetics, which users predominantly characterize as joy-inducing and calming. Its cannabinoid composition is dominated by a THC content that usually falls in the lower teens.
The strain has garnered widespread acclaim for its effectiveness in mitigating chronic pain, alleviating eye pressure, and reducing hypertension. Beyond its therapeutic benefits, users consistently describe it as an overall enjoyable and manageable experience.
ACDC
ACDC is a strain rich in CBD, known to soothe individuals dealing with issues like anxiety and chronic pain. Its distinct pine-like aroma is a result of elevated levels of alpha and beta-pinene, terpenes recognized for their tranquilizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Star Tonic
typically presents a CBD content of around 16 – 17% and THC levels close to 9%. This strain’s gentle onset and subtly psychoactive effects make it an excellent choice for novice cannabis users who are still discovering their preferred mix of cannabinoids and terpenes.
As a potential remedy, Star Tonic may help alleviate depression, chronic anxiety, migraines, and inflammation. Recreational users have reported light, bubbly highs that are mild enough for beginners but also provide a sheer, joyful euphoria that appeals to more experienced users.
Ringo’s Gift
This is a strain rich in CBD, containing approximately 1% THC and exhibiting a CBD:THC ratio of 3:1. This strain is said to offer a calming relaxation that is physically perceptible, yet devoid of the intoxicating impact common to strains high in THC. The most prevalent terpenes found in Ringo’s Gift are myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, and limonene.
Pennywise
Pennywise is renowned as a high-CBD strain known for its effective therapeutic properties, but it’s not strictly a CBD-only strain. Many variations of this cultivar boast THC content ranging from 5 – 10%, either in a balanced 1:1 THC:CBD ratio or a dominant 2:1 CBD:THC ratio. This means that Pennywise offers a very smooth and gentle smoking experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those with low tolerance.
Harle-Tsu
Rich in CBD content that can reach up to 24% per weight, Harle-Tsu is an ideal option for managing persistent pain or inflammation. It comprises beta-caryophyllene, a terpene that works synergistically with the strain’s CBD to alleviate inflammation.
Critical Kush
Critical Kush is one of the highest on this list in terms of THC content, and it’s said to have substantial mood-enhancing and physical relaxation effects. Many users report that it induces a sense of happiness and relaxation, making it ideal for calming overactive minds that may lead to sleeplessness. The two most prevalent terpenes in Critical Kush are myrcene and beta-caryophyllene.
CBD Blue Shark
CBD Blue Shark is well-known for its therapeutic heritage, and depending on the cultivator, it often comes in either 1:1 or 2:1 THC:CBD ratios. At its peak potency, the flower’s THC content caps at 15%, but it’s usually closer to around 10%.
Users of this strain have praised it for delivering a concentrated and clear-headed high, coupled with a calming body sensation. Both effects are said to come on in a manageable wave that gradually transitions into a subtly blissful cerebral buzz.
In The Pines
In The Pines is a genetic mix of Pineapple Thai, Master Kush, and Pineapple strains. Although it’s usually cultivated to have a high CBD content, it also boasts a strong spectrum of cannabinoids including a relatively modest dose of THC (5 – 7%) to complement its CBD content (10 – 15%).
Cannatonic
While Cannatonic does possess a slightly elevated THC content compared to other CBD-rich strains on this list, it is commonly used for its reputed efficacy in alleviating physical discomfort or pain. In addition, it contains abundant amounts of beta-caryophyllene and limonene, which collaboratively offer anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety advantages.
