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Why THC % often overstates felt potency
Two flowers labeled 22% THC can feel completely different. Terpenes, freshness, and cure matter more than the headline number.
The headline number
Dispensaries put THC % on every label because customers ask for it. But THC alone is a poor predictor of how strong something will feel.
What actually drives potency
- Terpene profile — myrcene increases the body-heavy effect; limonene amplifies the head feel.
- Freshness — degraded flower oxidizes THC into CBN. Felt potency drops.
- Cure — properly cured flower releases more terpenes; rushed cures feel harsh and hit thinner.
- Format — vaped vs combusted vs eaten changes the curve dramatically.
A better question for the budtender
"What's the dominant terpene?" — beats "what's the highest THC?"
Updated 4/23/2026 · Edited by team