The Secrets of Increasing Your Cannabis THC Content

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Before we get to the question of what is THC, it is essential to state that every cannabis strain contains THC but in different proportions. You probably know this as a grower. However, if you are looking to up the THC content in your cannabis as a grower, then this article is for you. Read on to learn what increased THC cannabis content means and how to achieve it.

What is THC in Cannabis?

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, is one of the psychoactive components present in marijuana. It is a member of the cannabinoid family of chemicals, which often interact with the endocannabinoid system of the body.

Every time you consume marijuana, the THC binds with the cannabinoid receptors in your brain, activating the neurons that coordinate pleasure, thinking, time perception, and memory.So, whenever you feel high as a result of marijuana, it is THC at work.

Do not confuse cannabis THC for CBD – the latter does not activate the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Instead, it alters the receptors’ reactions to THC, so it does not get you high. Both compounds have found a wide range of medicinal and recreational applications.

Why Should You Increase the THC Content in Cannabis?

It is no news that cannabis THC content has consistently increased over time.  For example, research has shown that THC content in a gram of cannabis has increased by 2.9 milligrams annually for all herbal cannabis and 5.7 milligrams for cannabis resin. This translates to a total of 28.5% increase between 1970 and 2020.  Cannabidiol (CBD), on the other hand, has not increased or decreased within the same period.

This systematic increase is due to a few reasons. For example, users want more potent marijuana strains. And since THC is one of the compounds responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, increasing its amount automatically increases the psychotropic effects of marijuana. In addition, cannabis strains with higher THC levels are more effective at relieving the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, nausea, and other medical conditions like nausea and pain relief.  In terms of productivity, increasing the amount of THC cannabis using any acceptable method improves the overall yield, helping growers get more out of their cultivations. 

Having identified why growers may want to achieve increased THC cannabis content, let’s discuss how they achieve that.

6 Ways to Increase THC in Cannabis

Growers are not limited when it comes to how to increase cannabis THC, considering there are several ways to achieve that. THC percentage in cannabis can range from 1% to more than 30% in some cases.

According to Ethos Cannabis, the THC cannabis content can be classified as follows:  

• Less than 10% = Low
• 10% to 20% = Medium
• 20% to 30% = High
• More than 30% = Very High

Essentially, these methods are only applicable if your current strains have less than 20% THC and you want to improve this number.

1. Strain and Plant Genetics

Plant genetics is the most critical determinant of THC and other cannabinoid content in your marijuana plant. While your growing methods can maximize the THC content, genetics will not allow you to go beyond the limit that strain is known for.

It is best to choose plants with high-potency and high-THC genes. For example, strains that can accumulate over 20% THC are highly recommended. You may need adequate research to identify these breeds, and you can get them from highly reputable breeders.

A few strains with high THC cannabis content include Girl Scout Cookies from the Cookie Family (28% THC), Critical Neville Haze from Delicious Seeds (23.5% THC), and Strawberry Cough (>28% THC). 

Considering how vital this stage is, you must get it right.

2. Choose the Right Light

Lighting is one of the significant contributory factors to optimal growth conditions. Light controls bud growth during the flowering stage and the amount of THC and cannabinoids present in these buds. A proven way of getting optimal and well-controlled light levels for your marijuana plants is the use of LED grow lights.

Unlike the natural UV light outdoor plants rely on, you will need strong, bright grow lights to provide adequate light that helps your plants grow and produce to their fullest. A 2017 study presented at the Cannabinoid Conference in Cologne showed that LED grow lights could increase THC content by 26-36% more than HPS lighting.

You can check out the Mars Hydro catalog for the best-performing LED grow lights suitable for indoor cannabis cultivation to boost the cannabis THC of your strains.

3. Reduce the Temperature

Still on how to increase THC in cannabis, decreasing the temperature in your grow room, when your cannabis plants are at the ripening phase, can increase THC content. When the temperature drops to below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the plants assume winter is close by. Therefore, they hasten their flowering phase to complete their cycle before the freezing temperatures arrive. In doing this, they focus more on resin production, which also improves the THC and terpene content of the already-produced resin. This method also enhances the buds’ aroma.

4. Lower Humidity Levels

Depriving your cannabis plants of water during the flowering stage causes thirst and stress. The drop in humidity levels leading to thirst and stress also forces the plants to activate their defensive mechanism. Therefore, more resin is produced to protect them against the artificial dry weather conditions you have created. The more the resinous material produced, the higher the cannabis THC levels in the developing buds.

5. Proper Harvest Timing

Harvesting at the right time preserves the THC content in your cannabis plants. How do you know the right time? Observe the trichomes at maturity using a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope. Once they become clear, increase your frequency of checks to every other day. Once the trichomes become somewhat milky or opaque white, your plants are ready for harvest. Leaving it unharvested at this point may break down the cannabis THC into CBN, indicated by light brown trichomes.

6. Curing

Lastly, on how to increase THC in cannabis, the way you handle your harvested cannabis plants also determines the THC content. Studies have suggested that the chemical changes due to curing can increase the intensity of the cannabinoids in marijuana, including THC.  In addition, proper curing practices can improve the buds’ quality and preserve them for up to six months.

Mars Hydro LED Grow Lights- Your growing assistant

Mars Hydro provides the best set of commercially viable LED lights in the current market. Over the last thirteen years, the company has helped indoor growers, newbies, and professionals, improve crop performance, yield, and marketability.

The high-quality components of Mars Hydro LED grow lights create precisely-controlled light levels for your cannabis plants, ensuring they produce the highest cannabis THC content possible. From the Full Spectrum to the Samsung diodes, Mars Hydro has something for every grower.

Wrapping things up

The question of how to increase THC in cannabis has several answers, as this article has shown. The methods mentioned in this article will increase THC cannabis if adequately applied and get you a considerable increase over time. Remember, it is essential to pick the right strain for cultivation. Otherwise, you may struggle to arrive at a relatively high THC content after cultivation. In addition, create an optimal growing environment by switching to LED lights, altering the temperature and humidity levels to create artificial stress, harvesting at the perfect time, and ensuring excellent curing practices. 

With all of these in place, you are on your way to cultivating healthy, potent, and high-yielding cannabis with high THC content.If you have any other questions about cannabis or LED grow light, please feel free to contact us, we will always provide the most professional service and guidance for you!