🌿 How to Choose Quality Cannabis: Why THC Percentage Isn’t Enough & How to Read a Label Correctly
For a long time, cannabis shopping revolved around a single question:
“What’s the highest THC you have?”
But as legal cannabis evolves and more people learn how it actually works, one thing is becoming very clear:
THC percentage does NOT determine how strong a cannabis product will feel.
Two strains with the same THC percentage can produce completely different experiences. Why? Because THC is only one component of cannabis potency. Terpenes, minor cannabinoids, freshness, and even the method of consumption all drastically change how a product hits.
This guide explains exactly why THC % is misleading, what you should focus on instead, and how to read a New York state cannabis label so you always choose the right product for your body and your goals.
🌿 Why THC Percentage Doesn’t Predict Strength
1. THC Changes After Heat (Decarboxylation)
Flower labels usually list THCA, not active THC.
Once heated, THCA converts into THC:
⭐ Total THC = (THCA × 0.877) + THC
The “THC %” on the front of the package does not reflect the actual potency after smoking or vaping.
2. Terpenes Determine the Actual Effects
Terpenes are the compounds that give cannabis its smell, but they also shape your high.
Myrcene → relaxation, couch-lock
Limonene → mood boost, stress relief
Caryophyllene → warm body effect, tension relief
Pinene → mental clarity
Linalool → calming, soothing
A 22% THC strain with 3% terpenes will often feel more potent than a 30% THC strain with little to no terpene content.
3. Total Cannabinoids Matter More Than THC Alone
Cannabis contains dozens of cannabinoids:
THC
THCA
CBD
CBG
CBN
THCV
Together, these influence:
Duration
Intensity
Energy vs relaxation
Body high vs head high
Euphoric vs grounding effects
A strain with high total cannabinoid content and a balanced terpene profile almost always produces a richer, stronger experience.
4. Freshness Dramatically Changes Potency
Old cannabis loses terpenes quickly. Even if the THC % stays the same, the effects get weaker.
Signs of older flower:
Dry, crumbly feel
Little to no smell
Harsh smoke
Packaged 6+ months ago
Freshness > THC %.
5. Lab Results Can Vary Between Facilities
Different labs test differently, leading to variations that mislead customers into thinking one product is “stronger.”
Shopping by effect, terpenes, and total cannabinoids is far more reliable than chasing high THC numbers.
🏷️ How to Read a New York Cannabis Label
New York has one of the strictest and most detailed cannabis labeling systems. Here is how to decode each part so you know EXACTLY what you’re buying.
1. Total THC
The most meaningful potency number.
If you only look at THC %, you’re missing context. Always read:
THC
THCA
Total THC (converted)
This tells you the actual amount of THC available after heating.
2. Total Cannabinoids
This number matters for strength and experience.
A label may show:
THC / THCA
CBD / CBDA
CBG
CBN
CBC
Etc.
A product with 28–32% total cannabinoids and rich terpenes can feel dramatically stronger than a “high THC” strain with no supporting cannabinoids.
3. Terpene Percentages
This section is critical and often overlooked. You’ll see terpenes like:
Myrcene
Caryophyllene
Limonene
Pinene
Linalool
Terpinolene
Humulene
What matters:
⭐ Total Terpenes: 2–5% = Excellent
⭐ Dominant Terpenes: Top 3 predict the effect
This is the BEST indicator of how the product will make you feel.
4. Strain Type (Indica / Sativa / Hybrid)
NY still lists this, but it’s only a basic guideline. Terpenes usually tell the real story.
Example:
A “sativa” high in myrcene can still make you sleepy
An “indica” high in limonene or pinene can feel uplifting
Terpenes > strain category.
5. Harvest Date vs Packaging Date
These dates tell you whether the product is still fresh.
Harvest date: when the flower was cut (most important)
Packaging date: when it was sealed
Freshly harvested → fresher aroma, stronger effects.
6. Batch Number
Useful for checking consistency.
If you love a strain and want the same experience again, note the batch.
7. For Edibles, Drinks, and Vapes
Always check:
mg per serving
mg per package
type of oil (distillate vs rosin vs live resin)
added terpenes
allergen info
ingredient quality
These influence:
Onset speed
Duration
Intensity
Flavor
Overall experience
🧪 A Realistic Label Example (Explained)
Flower Example
THCA: 25.2%
THC: 0.7%
Total THC: 22.4%
Total Cannabinoids: 29.6%
Total Terpenes: 3.1%
Dominant: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene
Harvested: August
Packaged: September
Expected Effects:
Strong relaxation, heavy body feel, long-lasting calm. Likely stronger than a “30% THC” strain with low terpene content.
🧭 How to Choose the Right Cannabis at Dank716
When browsing, consider asking:
“What are the dominant terpenes in this strain?”
“Is this from a recent harvest?”
“What’s the total cannabinoid percentage?”
“Is this product distillate, live resin, or rosin?”
“What effects do customers report with this batch?”
Our budtenders are trained to explain every product clearly — no pressure, no confusion, and no need to rely on THC % alone.
🔗 Helpful Related Blogs
Explore these next to learn even more:
👉 Edibles vs. Smoking: Which Is Better?
👉 Edibles in New York: What You Need to Know
👉 Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid
👉 THC Beverages & Fast-Acting Edibles Guide
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