When you initially start shopping for cannabis at a legal dispensary, you get to experience something new: Cannabis flower is well-labeled with an explanation of what active compounds are found in the strain. Two of the most noteworthy things you will see on cannabis flower are a TAC percentage and a THC percentage, which means two different things. What is TAC vs THC? Does it matter when it comes to shopping for cannabis or the effects? Take a look at a detailed explanation of the differences between TAC and THC below.
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Shop NowTHC vs TAC – A Closer Look
THC and TAC are both given on most cannabis flower packages, and they are easily confused because of their similarities. However, these two measurements are completely different from one another. Take a closer look at TAC and THC below.
What is TAC?
TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It’s the combined percentage of all the “good stuff” in a strain of cannabis flower, including THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. It gives you a general idea of the product’s potency as far as THC, but it provides a more robust understanding of how many cannabinoids total are in the strain.
What is THC?
THC percentage of cannabis flower is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, typically measured as a percentage of the total weight. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for its intoxicating effects. A higher THC percentage suggests a greater potency of the product, meaning it may produce stronger psychoactive effects when consumed. Conversely, a lower THC percentage indicates a milder potency.
Which is most important: TAC vs THC?
Both TAC and THC are important for different reasons when shopping for cannabis flower. However, some people may be more inclined to feel that one or the other is more important to them personally. For instance, if you are most interested in finding the most potent cannabis flower, you will likely find the THC percentage most important.
By contrast, if you are looking for a more rounded experience, it will be important to consider both THC and TAC and the difference between the two in the specific strain. Be sure to consider what kind of experience you are looking for and the effects of different cannabinoids as you shop for the best possible experience.
What is the difference between TAC and THC? In short …
To help you better understand the difference between THC and TAC, just remember:
- TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids and not just the THC in the flower
- THC stands for Total THC only with no other cannabinoids involved
- TAC tells you the cannabinoid concentration total, while THC is more indicative of overall psychoactive potency
- THC can be important to evaluate in terms of psychoactive effects; TAC is important to better understand the full experience
Other THC vs TAC FAQs
How do you know what other cannabinoids beyond THC are in a strain?
Some cannabis cultivators will clarify what other cannabinoids make up TAC. For example, you may see a strain that contains 20% THC, 1% CBD, and 1% CBG (cannabigerol) with the TAC given as 22% TAC. However, most strains will only be labeled with the major cannabinoids like THC and CBD. To better understand a strain’s cannabinoid profile, it is always a good idea to do some research on strain libraries like Leafly or Allbud.
If you are new to cannabis, is TAC or THC more important?
If this is your first time trying cannabis, pay close attention to the THC percentage. This tells you explicitly how psychoactively potent the flower will be. The higher the number, the more profound the effects will be.
Still Confused About TAC vs THC? We’re Here to Help at Igadl
We understand that shopping for cannabis can be a little confusing with all the acronyms, strain names, and nuances, but we’re always here to help. If you ever have questions about a particular strain or product on our menu, be sure to ask one of our friendly budtenders for guidance. We’re here to enhance your cannabis journey, right down to spreading awareness and keeping our customers informed so they have the best possible experiences.
