THC Concentration Explained

When dabbling in recreational cannabis use or selecting a cannabis-based product for therapeutic purposes, you might wonder about the concentration of THC and how long it will take to clear from the body. In reality, THC concentration varies greatly from strain to strain and product to product. Here is a brief overview of common THC percentages and how they might affect your detoxing journey.

THC: The “High” Factor in the Cannabis Plant

Cannabis, or Cannabis sativa, is an herbaceous flowering plant that is thought to have originated in Asia and is now grown throughout the world. While cannabis has been used medicinally since ancient times, it is only in the last century that the chemicals or cannabinoids responsible for its effects have become known to scientists and the medical community.

Of more than 100 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most plentiful and also the most studied by researchers. The CBD and THC concentration present in the raw flower material can vary between approximately 0.03% and more than 25%—resulting in huge variations between the effects of one strain and another. Cannabis plants with less than 0.03% THC are classified as hemp.

Know Your Strains

Cannabis strains with more CBD than THC, such as ‘Remedy’ are referred to as being CBD-dominant and tend to have more calming effects without the anxiety and paranoia associated with THC. THC-dominant strains like ‘Ghost Train Haze’ have a higher concentration of THC than CBD—bringing on a stronger “high” feeling and potentially leading to couch-lock at high doses. Balanced strains of cannabis such as ‘Harlequin’ have equal percentages of CBD and THC and are thought to have the most well-rounded cannabinoid effects. The levels of CBD and THC in a given batch of bud material are achieved through a combination of:

• Plant genetics
• Plant maturity
• Climate and humidity
• Cultivation and breeding practices
• Harvesting and processing techniques

THC Concentration in Derivative Products and Extracts



Of course, not everyone who uses cannabis today smokes bud. Today, a wide range of cannabis-derived products are available in dispensaries and online, including:

• Concentrates
• Extracts
• Oils
• Isolates
• Edibles
• Aerosols

Depending on the manufacturer, products such as oils, isolates, and aerosols may contain upwards of 95% THC and this may or may not be reflected accurately on the label.

Detox THC Safely and Effectively

What’s the big deal about levels of cannabinoids in products and their effects? Firstly, regularly consuming products with a high THC concentration can lead to a build-up of tolerance and a reduction in the effects. Secondly, consuming products like oils, edibles, and aerosols can mean that it will take a much longer time for your body to break down and eliminate the THC from your system for returning to work or preparing for the next season of sport.

To work out how long it will take you to cleanse the THC from your body, we recommend using our free THC calculator and reading about our different THC detox kits. At Green Gone Detox, we are here to help you reach your goals in life by getting you in the all-clear more quickly after using cannabis. Contact us to talk with a representative today!