Why Michigan stoners should stop chasing THC percentages—and care more about terpenes

MICHIGAN—THC percentages are the biggest scam at the dispensary.

For years, Michigan stoners have been trained to hunt for the highest numbers on the jar—seeking 30%, 32%, even 40% THC if you believe some of the sketchier labels.

But here’s the thing that all budtenders and growers already know: that number doesn’t really tell you much about how the weed will actually hit. The real secret sauce? Terpenes.

Who cares about terpenes?

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its flavor, smell, and (most importantly) its effects. Citrusy limonene, for example, is known for its uplifting and energetic effects. Earthy and musky myrcene can help glue you to the couch. They’re the same compounds in fruit, herbs, and spices. But in cannabis, they shape the whole experience.

So, while one strain might clock in at only 18% THC, if it’s rich in the right terpenes, it can feel stronger, tastier, and far more enjoyable than that dried-out bud that clocks in at 32% THC.

It’s actually the combination, the so-called entourage effect, of the THC and all the different cannabinoids and terpenes working together that decides what type of high you’ll feel after you smoke and for how long. Budtenders know this. Growers know this. Science backs this up.

But far too many Michiganders still shop for weed like it’s booze, chasing proof over profile.

Michigan’s terpene problem

Because THC percentages are one of the only things legally required to appear on packages in Michigan, it has become a sort of default yardstick for potency. And labs and brands have learned to play the game. So-called “lab shopping” for inflated numbers is a common practice, and it can trick consumers into thinking they’re buying stronger weed than what’s in the bag.

The downside? Terpene-rich strains often get overlooked while the shelves at your local dispensary get flooded with generic, high-THC weed that all kind of tastes the same.

How to shop smarter

Some of Michigan’s best cannabis—like the award-winning batches coming from Michigan craft growers like Voyage Bloom and Wojo—is often hiding in the 18-25% THC range, with terpene profiles that’ll blow away the so-called “strongest” weed on the shelf sold by other brands.

So what should you do next time you’re at the dispensary?

• Look at the label. Many Michigan cannabis brands now include terpene information on packaging. Look for terpene percentages above 2%. Limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, linalool—get familiar with those names. Find what profiles work best for you.
• Ask your budtender. Don’t ask about the strongest weed on the shelf or sort the online menu by highest THC content. Instead, ask about the most flavorful strains. Find trusted brands. Look through recently added products and check the harvest dates to ensure freshness. I usually pass on anything that was harvested more than eight months ago.
• Trust your nose. If you’re lucky enough to find a deli-style dispensary, get up close and personal with the weed. Take a sniff. If the jar reeks in the best way possible, that’s usually a sign the terpenes are intact and ready to shine. If the odor is faint, skip it. Some experts say if you enjoy the smell, you’ll probably enjoy the smoke.
• Experiment. Track how different terpene profiles actually make you feel. Keep a journal if necessary. Over time, you’ll learn which combinations pair best with your vibe.

The bottom line

THC is only one piece of the puzzle. And it’s not the most important one. 

Terpenes are what make weed special. And if you ignore them, you’re missing out on the best flavors and highs that Michigan’s cannabis industry has to offer. So, please: Stop chasing fake 35% THC labels. Start chasing terpenes. Your stash (and your sesh) will be better off for it. 

READ MORE: 7 quick hits of cannabis news from across Michigan

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