Just How High Does One Need To Get?

The evolution of cannabis has taken smoking weed from a mellow, laid-back high to a heart-rising, frantic paranoia where you get blasted into outer space. I for one, can’t take the new high THC strains and I think that weed simply has become way to strong over the past few decades.

Modern weed has become so potent that me and many other casual users find it overwhelming and difficult to enjoy.

In running Green Unicorn Farms and selling CBD flower and THCa flower for a living, I get emails and phone calls from people every day who are feeling the effects of this high THC trend. They are people who used to enjoy smoking a doobie but now can’t. They are looking for ways to tone down the potency and make cannabis enjoyable again.

In this article, I’ll want to share my point of view on why weed is too strong and offer some practical tips for dialling back the intensity.

Why weed is too strong nowadays and how to dial it down

Why Is Weed So Strong Today?

The potency of cannabis has surged significantly in recent years, making today’s strains much stronger than those from the past.

According to studies, the average THC content in cannabis has increased from around 4-10% in the 90’s to over 20% in some modern strains, with certain products reaching THC levels as high as 30% or even more.

This shift has been driven by advances in cultivation techniques, selective breeding, and a growing demand for high-potency strains.

So don’t feel bad that you can’t enjoy smoking cannabis anymore. It is not the same as the joints that you used to smoke when you were younger.

The Evolution of Cannabis Cultivation

Modern cannabis growers have all but perfected techniques to maximize THC levels in their plants. They are obsessed with chasing high THC levels like Walter White from Breaking Bad.

Indoor growing, hydroponics, and the ability to selectively breed for specific traits have all contributed to the development of strains that pack a much stronger punch than what your parents might have smoked.

Indoor cannabis cultivation gives the grower the power to control everything from the nutrients that the plants get, the oxygen and CO2 levels and the light cycles. This, in combination with selective breeding, creates a sort of Arnold Schwarzenegger situation where the weed gets unnaturally potent.

While these advancements have certainly benefited the industry, they’ve also made it harder for casual users to enjoy cannabis without feeling overwhelmed.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average potency of marijuana has more than tripled since the 90’s. With so much THC packed into modern strains, it’s no wonder that many users report feeling anxious, paranoid, or uncomfortably high after smoking.

The Problem with High-Potency Cannabis

While some people appreciate the stronger effects of high-THC strains, many users find that weed is too strong to enjoy casually.

Reddit and Quora are filled with personal stories of people who have had negative experiences with today’s potent cannabis. One Reddit user shared, “I used to love smoking with friends, but now I get so high that I can barely hold a conversation. It’s too intense, and it’s just not fun anymore.”

Cannabis culture has also become much more present in our lives compared to previous decades. Movies and music bombard us with messages of how “chill” and “relaxed” weed is. This can make us feel like we should enjoy getting high and that it’s something embarrassing with not being able to handle consuming cannabis.

Many people are looking for ways to bring back the enjoyable, light high they once experienced. For those who want a more mellow experience, dialling down the potency is essential.

How to Dial Down the Potency of Weed

If you’re someone who feels that weed is too strong nowadays, don’t worry—there are several way to make your cannabis experience more manageable.

By adjusting how you consume cannabis and exploring different product options, you can enjoy the benefits without the overwhelming effects.

I have tried these techniques myself and they have absolutely transformed my relationship with cannabis!

1. Mix THC with CBD Flower

One of the most effective ways to reduce the intensity of high-THC weed is by mixing it with CBD flower. CBD flower is a non-psychoactive and it helps counteract the strong effects of THC. When consumed together, CBD can balance out THC’s psychoactive impact, creating a more relaxed, less intense experience.

CBD flower also tastes, smells and burns just like regular weed so it gives you endless ways to combine strains for a completely unique and personalized experience.

Learn how to mix THC and CBD flower here – We’ve created a guide on how to match strains, ratios and much more to give you an easy way to get started 🙂

CBD binds to different receptors in the brain than THC, helping to mitigate some of the more overwhelming effects, like anxiety or paranoia. Many users report that blending a THC strain with a CBD-dominant strain allows them to enjoy a more balanced high without feeling overly intoxicated.

Tip: Start by mixing a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD flower and adjust according to how you feel. You can gradually add more CBD if you find the THC is still too potent.

Below are some options of CBD flower

The products below are federally legal CBD flower with Delta-9 THC levels below 0.3%. They can be shipped to your door in (almost) every state and they are PERFECT for dialling back the potency of regular cannabis.

Try these strains today and feel the difference!

What people say about our CBD flower

I’m an old head I guess! But I was tired of the high, but still loved the taste of marijuana. So Green Unicorn Farms were heaven sent. I’ve liked everything I’ve got. but I’ll prolly stick with more of the Creamsicle style. The taste is amazing and the growers know what they’re doing for sure. I’ll be looking for them every time I purchase. But thanks so much again. I truly enjoy it. Very therapeutic as you say.

As I become older the paranoia of pot is unable to handle so discovering this strain of hemp is immaculate!! I mean 10/10 this review is real listen as I type this I am on cloud 9 feeling so comfortable and relaxed omgggg omggg omg!!! Shipping was nearly the next day my usps even sent me alerts and it fits perfectly in my mailbox. Love the paperwork and definitions + sample that was sent!!!!!!!!!

2. Experiment with Low-THC Cannabis Strains

Not all cannabis strains have to be ultra-potent. In fact, there are some low-THC strains that offer a much more manageable high, perfect for those who find modern weed too strong. These strains typically contain less than 15% THC and provide a more subtle, calming effect.

Some popular low-THC strains include Harlequin, ACDC, and Cannatonic—all of which have a more balanced cannabinoid profile, making them ideal for casual use.

Just make sure to check the potency before you start puffing because, even 15% can get uncomfortable if you are sensitive to THC.

Pro Tip: Look for strains with a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio of THC to CBD. These strains deliver a more balanced experience, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both cannabinoids without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Try Microdosing Cannabis

Microdosing can be a good solution especially if you enjoy edibles more than smoking. Microdosing can be difficult to do when smoking unless you smoke pure CBD flower.

Microdosing involves consuming very small amounts of cannabis to experience subtle effects without getting too high. This approach can help you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis while remaining clear-headed and functional.

Learn more about microdosing THC here.

4. Be VERY Careful with Edibles

Edibles are tricky because they hit harder and last longer than smoked or vaped cannabis. The reason for this is that THC is metabolized in the liver when you eat it. This process takes as long as 4-8 hours so you will feel the effects of the THC for a long time.

Always start with a low dose—no more than 5mg THC per serving—and wait at least two hours before consuming more.

It’s easy to get pressured into eating more or re-upping the dose too soon when you eat eadibles with friends. Don’t get tempted or fall for the group pressure because a bad trip can be a truly horrible experience.

CBD as a Rescue Remedy for Too Much THC

Even with the best intentions, sometimes you might accidentally consume too much THC. Whether it’s from a potent strain, a misjudged edible, or just taking one puff too many, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. This is where CBD comes in handy.

Many users turn to CBD as a “rescue remedy” when they’ve overdone it with THC. CBD helps counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety. In fact, research has shown that CBD may directly interfere with THC’s binding to cannabinoid receptors, helping to mitigate its more intense effects.

If you ever find yourself feeling too high, smoking CBD flower or taking a few drops of a CBD tincture can help you come down faster and more comfortably.

Plenty of people on Reddit and Quora have shared stories of how CBD helped them calm down after an overwhelming THC experience, providing relief from anxiety, racing thoughts, and paranoia.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

There’s no denying that modern weed is too strong for many people. But with the right approach, you can still enjoy cannabis without getting overwhelmed. Whether you choose to mix your THC with CBD flower, experiment with low-THC strains, or embrace microdosing, there are plenty of ways to dial down the potency and make your cannabis experience more enjoyable.

Click here to buy weed online!

My final words are for the cannabis breeders and growers out there. Please keep in mind that there is a significant amount of people who cannot handle the 30% strains that are coming out. Let’s bring back some of the low THC strains from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s!

author-avatar

About Green Unicorn Farms

Green Unicorn Farms writes about anything hemp and CBD related with the goal of inspiring and education curious readers. Our in-house hemp flower experts with a wealth of experience in the CBD and hemp world is here to help 24/7.