Glossary · Testing
Potency
How strong a cannabis product is, usually expressed as total THC or combined cannabinoid percentage. High potency is not the same as high quality — terpene content and balance shape the experience just as much. Chasing the biggest number on the jar often leads to a harsher, less nuanced high.
Strain profiles that mention potency
47 of the 47 strains we profile.
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Related terms, defined
- THC
- Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis and the source of the classic "high." THC binds CB1 receptors in the brain, producing euphoria, altered perception, and appetite. Potency is listed as a THC percentage on most labels, though terpenes and dose shape the actual experience as much as that number.
- COA
- A Certificate of Analysis, the lab document showing a cannabis product's cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and screening for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbes. A current COA from an accredited lab is the single best proof that a product is potent and safe. Reputable brands make their COAs easy to find.
- Lab testing
- The required process of sending cannabis to an independent lab to verify potency and screen for contaminants before retail sale. Lab testing protects consumers and produces the COA that accompanies a product. Standards vary by state, so reading the actual results matters more than trusting a "lab tested" sticker.
- Terpene
- An aromatic compound responsible for the smell and much of the character of a cannabis strain. Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene also appear in everyday plants and may shape how a strain's effects feel. Many shoppers now read terpene percentages as a better effect predictor than THC alone.
Related terms