Low-THC cannabis strains

Not everyone can tolerate the same amount of alcohol. Similarly, everyone reacts differently to THC, and not everyone enjoys getting high all day long. Excessive cannabis use, although it is never fatal, can be unpleasant: rapid heartbeat, mild paranoia, anxiety, etc. For those who’d like to avoid these unpleasant effects or who know their tolerance level is on the low side, here are a few tips to help you avoid repeating bad experiences.

Find a cannabis strain with a high CBD content

Unlike THC, the cannabidiol (CBD) is the main non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, with relaxing and medicinal properties. CBD actually helps counteract the anxiety associated with THC. It is therefore a good starting point for people looking for cannabis strains with low THC content.

You'll often find cannabis strains with equivalent levels of THC and CBD (a 1:1 ratio), but some contain very little THC—between 1 and 5%. The best-known of these strains are the Harlequin, theACDC, the Pennywise, the Sour Tsunami, the Charlotte's Web and all the CBD Crew Strains.

Take it slow with low-THC cannabis strains

The most obvious advice we can give: take it easy with THC-dominant strains. People who are less comfortable with it will feel the negative effects even more if they get tense or are afraid of the anxiety/paranoia that may be caused by a high unexpected. Ideally, you should be in a comfortable place and start with a low dose. It’s like wading into the English Channel—one toe at a time—and be sure not to try to swim all the way to England on your first attempt.

While many cannabis strains today tend to have THC levels ranging from 20 to 25%, those with less than 15% will produce milder effects. If you’re looking for a specific THC level, the easiest thing to do is visit Amsterdam’s coffeeshops, such as the Special Price who test cannabinoids and post the results for their weed and hash on demand.

That said, in general, here are a few cannabis strains with low THC levels that might be suitable for people looking for mild weed: Jack Herer, AK-47, Chernobyl, White Widow, Permafrost, etc… These days, it’s easier to find strains with high THC content than cannabis with low THC content, except on the black market, where, in any case, you don’t know what you’re buying.

The effects also depend on the method of consumption

Our final tip for future champions: pay attention to how you consume it. Strain is only half the story. Smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis can affect the overall experience in different ways. No one method is better than the others, but there are some nuances to consider.

Smoking

Most people who use cannabis in France do so in the form of joints. The advantage is that you can control the amount you put in. It’s easy to use just a little weed or hash and feel the effects 20 to 30 minutes later. The main drawback is the combustion and the mixing with tobacco, which make this the least healthy method of consumption of all.

Spray

Vaping also allows you to control the amount of cannabis you consume, with the added benefits of being gentle on the throat and lungs and better preserving the flavors. People living in a a country or state where cannabis is legal may want to opt for pen-style vaporizers with oil cartridges that let you know exactly what percentage of THC they contain and allow you to take puffs one at a time without worrying about wasting any, which could happen with a tabletop vaporizer like the Volcano. And if you don't know How to Choose a Vaporizer, follow our guide.

Eating

The famous space cookies. They can be just as amazing as they are dangerous. If you’re new to the game, start with just one small dose. The effects can take an hour to kick in, so there’s no need to eat another one 20 minutes after your first serving. They also last longer and are more intense than a joint—enough to bridge the distance between Earth and the Moon.

As a cream

The creams have no psychotropic effects, but we felt it was important to mention them. Very effective at relieving inflammation, pain, eczema, or localized symptoms; they are increasingly recommended for people who want to enjoy the therapeutic effects of cannabis without the high that goes with it.