The Truth About THC
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Why It’s More Than Just Numbers
If you’ve been buying cannabis based on THC percentages alone, we don’t blame you. That’s what the industry trained you to do. But the truth has been coming to light – many of the THC numbers on product labels are misleading at best, and in some cases, completely inflated.
A recent report from NJ.com revealed what many industry insiders have quietly known for a long time: some cannabis testing labs in New Jersey are returning inflated THC results, and worse, products that failed safety tests are still making it to shelves [1].
The THC% Obsession: How It Happened
Over time, consumers were taught that higher THC equals stronger weed.
And dispensaries? They caught on. The higher the THC percentage, the faster the sale. Why try to explain quality when a number can do all the work?
But here’s the problem: THC is only one piece of the puzzle. And it’s one of the easiest numbers to manipulate.
The Testing Game: Who Controls the Numbers?
Lab shopping is real. If one lab won’t give you the result you want, go to another. It’s not conspiracy – it’s business.
According to a study published in PLOS ONE, THC variability is widespread across legal cannabis markets. Their findings revealed that lab results for the same product can vary widely depending on which lab conducts the test. [2]
Think about that: only the biggest players can afford to do this. Testing is expensive. Paying off labs? Even more so. And in the process, small, local, craft cultivators get the short end of the stick. Their honest numbers don’t stand a chance next to a bloated 34% THCa label.
Why THC% Isn’t the Whole Story
Here’s what truly affects your cannabis experience:
Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that shape the flavor, aroma, and effects of cannabis. A high-terpene flower with 20% THC can hit harder than a dry 30% nug.
Minor Cannabinoids: CBG, CBC, CBN, etc. all work with THC to enhance effects (entourage effect).
Cure & Freshness: Properly cured flower delivers smoother smoke, better taste, and more complete highs.
As Leafly points out, THC percentage alone doesn’t tell the whole story – terpenes and other cannabinoids play a significant role in determining effects. [3]
Why Safety and Consistency Matter
It’s not just about inflated THC numbers — it’s about safety too.
Independent lab tests in New Jersey have revealed high levels of mold and bacteria in several dispensary products, raising concerns about quality control and consumer safety. [4]
When labs inflate numbers to satisfy clients, contamination and inconsistencies go unchecked. That’s why trusting brands that emphasize transparency matters more than ever.
Why Indigo East Stays Real
At Indigo East, we don’t chase fake numbers. We chase real effects.
We:
Grow small batch, clean, and with intention
Don’t lab shop
Prioritize terpenes, aroma, cure, and consistency
Label our products based on authentic test results, and post lab results on every strain.
We’re not trying to impress you with a number. We’re trying to elevate your experience.
So How Should You Shop for Weed?
Next time you’re at a dispensary, ask the right questions:
What’s the terpene profile?
When was it harvested and cured?
Does the product feel fresh and fragrant, or dry and lifeless?
Are the effects in line with what you're looking for?
Forget chasing the highest number. Start chasing the best experience.
Final Word
The cannabis industry is maturing. And like any industry, there are growing pains – shady players, inflated claims, and buyers learning the hard way. But transparency always wins.
We don’t fake numbers. We grow fire.
Because it’s not just about the label. It’s about how it hits.
Sources:
[3] Leafly - What is the Entourage Effect?
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