Written by Sebastian Little

Low-THC strains and products are popular among cannabis enthusiasts because they can help you chill out without knocking your socks off.

Some strains do naturally contain more THC than others. Also, modern cannabis products are produced to feature varying levels of THC and other cannabinoids, making the specific strain of the source hemp only one of many factors playing into its potency.

We put together this brief guide because we feel confident those searching for low-THC strains might also appreciate some hemp-derived products designed for a more mellow experience.

Visit the Mood Shop to pick up high-quality edibles, flowers, concentrates, and more.

What is THC?

You may be one of those cannabis consumers who have heard about THC left and right without ever getting a proper introduction.

Don’t worry. We are here to help.

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC is famously the main psychoactive compound in the Cannabis sativa plant.

Its famously euphoric effects don’t just sprout into your mind magically, however. And there’s also not only a single type of THC.

THCa is an acidic form of the compound that exists in the raw hemp plant and dry cannabis products as well (we’ll get more into that later). It comes from CBGA (CBG), which is a cannabigerolic acid that’s more prominent in young cannabis plants.

When you burn THCa by smoking it or vaping it, it undergoes a process called decarboxylation, converting it to Delta-9 THC.

THCa is not psychoactive. Delta-9 THC is. So, when you’re looking for low-THC cannabis products, it’s important to make sure that it has a low percentage of THCa or Delta-9 THC. Even though THCa isn’t psychoactive, it will decarboxylate when you smoke it, which is why we are mentioning it.

There are forms of THC that are more potent than Delta-9 THC, which beginners or those looking for a lighter time may want to avoid — i.e., THCp and THC-O.

On the flip side, there are also forms of THC that have more mild psychoactive effects, which we’ll explore further as mellow alternatives to high-THC products.

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Why Do We Get High From Cannabis

To understand why and how lower-THC strains may play a role in your approach to cannabis, it helps to have an idea of how it gets you high.

Lower THC Strains

There are a few ways you can determine whether or not a strain might have lower or higher THC content.

In general, sativa strains tend to have higher concentrations of THC, while indica-dominant strains feature more cannabidiol (CBD).

If you’re not familiar with these cannabis classifications, let’s take a second to delve into them.

Indica vs Sativa-Dominant Weed Strains

Because sativa-dominant strains tend to have more THC, they might be worth avoiding for those looking for a more mellow time.

Sativa strains are popular for daytime usage and are often associated with more of an uplifting, energetic head high.

Some popular sativa-dominant strains include:

• Jack Herrer

• Haze

• Tangie

• Sour Diesel

Those on the hunt for low-THC cannabis might find that indica-dominant strains are easier on the head and generally more relaxing. They’re known for fruitier and skunkier flavors with dynamic terpene profiles.

With an attractive CBD-to-THC ratio, these strains are popular for evening use and are known to deliver soothing body highs.

Some popular indica-dominant strains include:

• Grandaddy Purp

• Kush

• Skywalker

• Northern Lights

Examples Of Low-Potency Strains

Those who are looking for a mild cannabis experience could benefit from seeking out low-THC cannabis strains.

It’s important to keep in mind that a product’s THC content isn’t the only factor in determining how you might react to it.

A range of factors, from a cannabis user’s tolerance to their medical history, the growers’ cultivation practices, and the other compounds present within a given bag of flowers, concentrates, or edibles.

Here are some cannabis strains that have a reputation for having lower levels of THC:

• Kush varieties

• Easy Bud

• Blue Dream

• Charlotte’s Web

• Sour Tsunami

What Else Affects A Cannabis Product’s Effects?

Remember, THC isn’t the only factor in how a user reacts to a specific cannabis product.

Here are a few examples of where to look beyond THC levels when on the hunt for more mild cannabis products:

Your Experience Level

Cannabis hits beginners differently than those with a tolerance. While 10mg might be nothing for someone who has consumed cannabis for years, if you’re a first-time user, try starting with 5mg or even less, then tip-toe forward.

Your Genetic Disposition

Beyond experience, everybody has a unique genetic makeup and endocannabinoid system. That means we naturally have varying tolerances and sensitivities to varying strains, products, and ingredients. This can all play a role in how we react to cannabis use.

Remaining Compounds and Ingredients

As we mentioned above, some types of THC are stronger than Delta-9 THC. So those trying to take it easy will want to avoid these. On the flip side, a cannabis product featuring mainly Delta-8 THC should be easier to handle than one with the same amount of Delta-9 THC. New users and anyone trying to keep things mellow will also want to avoid products that add alcohol or other mind-altering substances to their cannabis.

Manufacturing Practices and Transparency

You might find a product with your target levels of THC and the specific cannabinoids or ingredients needed to deliver a mellow high.

If you can’t trust or fully understand how that product was manufactured and what’s inside of it, then all of your prep could be worthless.

That’s why it’s important to prioritize manufacturers with transparent production practices. Every Mood product, for example, comes with a certificate of analysis that confirms it’s been tested by third-party labs to meet federal legal and health standards.

Learn More: What Makes Mood So High Quality?

Delta-9 THC Alternatives

When shopping for more mild cannabis products, it’s worth considering some Delta-9 THC alternatives that are known to deliver more mild psychoactive effects.

We explained above how THCa is the acidic precursor to Delta-9 THC, which can then be used to produce Delta-8 THC and other cannabinoids.

While we’re talking cannabinoids, it’s worth explaining how Delta-9 THC stands apart from others in terms of its legal status.

Delta-9 THC and The Farm Bill

In 2018, the federal government removed hemp from its list of banned substances with the Agriculture Improvement Act (the Farm Bill).

The bill defines hemp as any cannabis product that contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

This makes a wide range of cannabis products with low levels of Delta-9 THC compliant with the Farm Bill. The legislation also opened the door for Delta-8 THC-dominant products and other hemp-derived creations that legally qualify as hemp.

THCa

Cannabis products can feature high levels of THCa while remaining compliant with the Farm Bill.

It’s important to remember that THCa converts to Delta-9 THC when you smoke or vape it and then still delivers its psychoactive effects.

When looking for more mild THCa products, make sure to prioritize options that feature lower percentage levels.

Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is a derivative of Delta-9 THC, and it’s known to cause a more mild and focused high.

Smokers who are keen to discover something new and more manageable for a day’s work might want to consider incorporating mild Delta-8 THC-forward products in their regular cannabis use.

Get a bottle of 30 25mg Delta-8 THC Gel Caps for just $49 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

HHC

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) is another cannabinoid that occurs in small amounts in the raw cannabis plant.

It’s a synthetic cannabinoid that comes from a process called hydrogenation, which essentially means adding hydrogen to a Delta-9 THC molecule.

HHC offers less potent and milder than the Delta-9 THC-forward products that are most popular in the world of cannabis.

Featuring HHC, THCp, THCa, and CBD, this 1g Hero Dose Kush Mintz Disposable Vape is $46 at the Mood Shop. Subscribe and save 15%.

CBD

Cannabidiol is a popular cannabinoid in both the cannabis and wellness communities.

Naturally present in the cannabis plant, it’s also cultivated and developed to be present in higher concentrations in concentrates, edibles, and other products.

Those looking for a more mellow high could benefit from seeking out products with more CBD present to balance out any THC.

Get a 1:1 THC and CBD Tincture (900mg) for $69 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Why Mellow Weed Could Be Great For You

Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or a beginner, seeking out more mellow cannabis strains and products might be worth considering.

Here are some situations that we think mellow cannabis is best suited for:

• A first-time user can obviously benefit from experimenting with more mild strains and products. It’s the best way to avoid overdoing it and to see if the sensations are to their liking at all.

• Using cannabis while creating or socializing can sometimes be a major boost, but when the effects hit too hard, it can be inhibiting. So, experimenting with low-dose products in situations where you feel safe could be a useful strategy for finding that happy middle ground.

• Being in the mood for a nice, light high is as good a reason as any to seek out cannabis products designed to deliver just that. We understand what it means to have a state of mind you want to reach and how nice it can be to find curated products designed to get you there.

Shop cannabis products based on the mood and vibes you want. At the Mood Shop today, you can find soothing pre-rolled joints, gummies designed for energetic bursts, and more.

FAQs About Lower THC Strains and Products

Q: Why might the same strain have different levels of THC?

A: This article from Cannabis Science and Technology notes, “There is little literature to tell us what plants of the same strain grown under identical conditions can be assumed homogeneous, or to what extent they differ.”

The piece then shares a study from New Jersey that tries to illuminate the topic. The tests conclude that samples from the same strain can feature a range of potencies. Causes can vary from the production methods and the age of the plant.

It’s also unclear to the scientific community at large why so much variation exists. Strains, however, give us a baseline idea of what we can expect from a given plant.

Shop for cannabis products based on their potency at the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

Q: Does low THC mean less high?

A: Not necessarily. We touched on this above a bit, but there are a lot of factors that can influence your body and mind’s reaction to smoking weed or using cannabis. The level of high you feel can be influenced by the design of the product itself. From live rosin to resin, distillate, hash, flowers, and edibles — every example is slightly different.

A user’s high is also impacted by their personal tolerance, recent usage, and any underlying wellness or psychology-related needs they may have.

There are also other compounds and substances to consider. There are cannabis products infused with alcohol and plenty of edibles with ingredients that can affect users in an endless variety of ways.

When trying to determine the level of high you can expect with smoking weed or eating edibles, consider all of the above. Also, for any healthcare-related questions, always make sure to refer to a qualified, licensed professional.

The Mood Blog: What is Greening Out? 7 Tips To Prevent It

Q: What is considered low potency THC?

A: This is a relative concept, so let’s look at the Mood Shop for reference.

Our Mild Potency gummies, for example, feature just 5mg of Delta-9 THC per serving.

In terms of flowers, our buds categorized in the Medium Potency range have THCa levels just above 20%.

For those who want to make sure they stay on the low end of things, seeking out cannabis products that are less than 10% THC would be ideal.

Shop Mood’s extensive selection of Gummies today. Subscribe and save 15%.

5 Low-THC Cannabis Strains and Products From Mood

If you’re looking for something to take the edge off without ending your day, we have some edibles, flowers, and vapes that could be right for you.

Here are some of our favorite medium and mild-potency hemp-derived delights at the Mood Shop.

1. Micro-Dose Gummies To Dip Your Toes In

Featuring just 5mg of Delta-9 THC per serving, these cannabis gummies are consciously designed for those who want to keep the effects light and manageable. To add an air of calm, the gummies also feature 25mg of CBD. These are great for beginners, older users, and anyone trying to keep things light.

Get a 30-count of Micro-Dose Delta-9 THC Gummies for just $65 from the Mood Shop. Subscribe and save 15%.

2. Indica-Dominant Hybrid Featuring Larry OG x Grand Daddy Purple

Derived from some of the more popular kush and OG strains in the cannabis world, this soothing hybrid features sweet notes of grape candy, freshly baked muffins, and refreshing fruit punch. Featuring notably low-THC strains and just over 25% THCa, it’s well-suited for those looking to enjoy more mellow flowers.

Pick up an eighth of Purple Punch for just $48 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

3. Indica-Dominant Hybrid Featuring Oreoz x Super Boof

Described as an indica-dominant hybrid flower that’s just over 21% THCa, Sub Zero is one of our more sweet and earthy-tasting cannabis products. Rated 5/5 stars on the Mood Shop, these tangy, skunky flowers’ moderate potency combines the effects of popular strains Oreoz and Super Boof.

For a chill high, grab an eighth of Sub Zero for just $54 from the Mood Shop. Subscribe and save 15%.

4. Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies

Featuring a mellow blend of Delta-8 THC and CBD, these gummies are designed for a chill and easy high. With a slower onset that takes anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, they are described as ideal for movie nights and watching the clouds pass.

Pick up a 10-count of Chillout 25mg Delta-8 THC Gummies for just $29 from the Mood Shop today. Subscribe and save 15%.

5. Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies

Designed to help you embark on a given work or leisure day with a heightened sense of joy and energy, these low-dosage gummies feature just 5mg of Delta-9 THC. They also add in THCv for clarity and some B12 for enhanced mental acuity.

Grab a 30-count of Morning Delta-9 THC Gummies for just $65 from the Mood Shop today.

Check out the Mood Shop Today and discover a wide range of low and medium-potency cannabis products.

Prices subject to change.