Glossary · Cannabinoid
THC
THC is tetrahydrocannabinol, the main intoxicating compound in cannabis. In its common delta-9 form, it produces the euphoric "high" by acting on the body's endocannabinoid system. On a label, it appears as a percentage in flower or as milligrams in edibles, and it is what drives a product's potency.
Also known as: Tetrahydrocannabinol, Delta-9 THC, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Δ9-THC
- Type
- Cannabinoid (intoxicating)
- Main form
- Delta-9 THC
- Flower potency
- Shown as % of dry weight
- Edible potency
- Shown in mg per serving
What THC is
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the cannabinoid most responsible for the high that people associate with cannabis. The form you see most often is delta-9 THC, the version that is naturally most abundant in the plant. THC works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, the network of receptors that helps influence mood, appetite, and perception. Effects may vary. Please consume responsibly.
Why it matters when you shop
THC is the number most shoppers check first, because it tracks with how strong a product tends to feel. Higher is not automatically better. A high-THC product can be intense for someone new or for anyone with low tolerance. Many people prefer to match the dose to their experience level rather than chase the biggest number on the jar.
- ·New to cannabis: start low and go slow, especially with edibles
- ·Flower potency is listed as a percentage of dry weight
- ·Edibles and drinks are listed in milligrams (mg)
- ·More THC does not always mean a better experience
How potency shows up on a label
Flower is labeled as a THC percentage, like 22% THC, which is roughly 220 mg of THC per gram. You may also see THCA and Total THC. THCA is the raw, non-intoxicating acid in unheated flower that converts to active THC when you smoke or vape it. Total THC accounts for that conversion, so it is the most useful number for flower. Edibles, tinctures, and drinks list THC in milligrams per serving and per package, which makes dosing easier to control.
Does a higher THC percentage mean a stronger product?
Usually, yes, a higher THC percentage points to a more potent product. But your actual experience depends on your tolerance, the format, how much you take, and other compounds in the product. A moderate-THC item taken mindfully can feel better than a high one taken too fast. Effects may vary.
THC in New York
Under New York's Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), adults 21 and over can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrate outside the home. Every legal product sold at a licensed dispensary like The Highline carries lab-tested THC totals and the New York universal cannabis symbol on the label, so you always know what you are buying.
FAQ · THC
What is the difference between THC and THCA?
THCA is the raw, non-intoxicating acid found in unheated cannabis flower. When you smoke, vape, or cook it, heat converts THCA into active delta-9 THC, the form that produces a high. That is why labels often list a separate Total THC number for flower.
How much THC is in a typical edible dose?
Edibles are measured in milligrams. Many people treat about 5 mg of THC as one standard serving, while 2 mg is often considered a microdose. New users frequently start low, wait at least an hour, and then decide. Effects may vary. Please consume responsibly.
Is delta-9 THC legal in New York?
Yes. Adults 21 and over can buy delta-9 THC products from state-licensed dispensaries. Under the MRTA you may possess up to 3 ounces of flower or 24 grams of concentrate outside the home, with separate limits for each product type.
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