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average THC levels in bud

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Have you ever looked at your weed’s label and wondered about the average THC levels in your bud? Not just at your dispensary, but what do THC levels look like in other states? 

 

Interestingly enough, THC levels tend to vary quite a bit depending on where you live — and what the legality looks like. 

 

Below, we’ve broken down what THC levels mean and what the average percentages are state-by-state. Let’s get started.

What are THC Levels?

THC levels indicate the concentration of THC in a cannabis product, plain and simple. 

So, when you see a percentage on a cannabis product, like 18% THC, it means that 18% of the product’s weight is THC.

To determine THC levels, laboratories use methods like gas chromatography or highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 

These tests involve extracting cannabinoids from a cannabis sample and then analyzing the extract to measure the THC content.

The results provide consumers like you with an idea of the product’s potency, helping you make informed decisions based on your desired experience.

Trusted by thousands nationwide for 6+ years.

Having an MMJ card means paying less for your top-shelf bud -- and getting more of it.

Average THC Level in Bud: State by State

average THC levels in bud

Okay, let’s answer the million-dollar question: what is the average THC level in bud in your state? 

 

While we don’t have exact information for every legal state just yet, here are some of the most flourishing markets and the average THC levels in their bud:

 

State

Average THC Percentage

Legal Info

California

18-24%

Known for having a wide variety of strains with varying THC levels.

Colorado

17-21%

One of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, offering a broad spectrum of products.

Oregon

18-22%

Offers both high-THC and high-CBD strains.

Washington

20-28%

Similar to Colorado in terms of diversity in strain potency.

Nevada

18-22%

Known for strict testing regulations, ensuring accurate THC content labeling.

Massachusetts

15-20%

A newer market with an emphasis on quality control.

Michigan

17-22%

Rapidly growing market with a wide range of THC levels.

Illinois

18-24%

Similar to California in terms of available high-THC strains.

Arizona

17-22%

Offers a mix of both medicinal and recreational strains with varying potencies.

Alaska

16-20%

Smaller market with a focus on locally grown strains.

Florida

16-20%

Medical market with a variety of strains to meet patient needs.

Maine

16-22%

Smaller but diverse market with a range of THC levels.

New York

15-20%

Primarily medical market, with an evolving recreational scene.

New Jersey

15-20%

Newly legalized recreational market, with a focus on quality.

Are Higher THC Levels Better?

Many people look at high THC levels on cannabis labels and assume it means that weed is inherently “better.” While robust THC levels can definitely be an indication of high quality, it doesn’t necessarily it’s mean the buds are better than other strains with less THC. 

 

Essentially, those who are seeking strong experiences and don’t mind intense psychoactive effects should be looking for strains with high THC levels. 

 

But, if you’re a beginner or prefer more medical-based strains, slightly lower THC levels with moderate amounts of CBD might be better. However, the choice is yours! 

 

If you aren’t sure what’s best for you, you can learn more about the difference between CBD vs. THC in our blog post.

Get High (or Low) THC Weed With Elevate Holistics

Whether you’re seeking weed with high THC levels or high CBD levels, Elevate Holistics is here to help you gain access to the medical marijuana you deserve. 

 

Our telehealth platform can help you get your MMJ card in minutes, and we can even work to register you with the state’s program, too. No matter what questions you have or experience you’re lacking, we’re here to walk you through the process. 

 

Don’t forget that if weed is fully legal in your state, medical marijuana is going to save you money because you won’t pay as much in taxes. Plus, many dispensaries offer medical-only discounts for cardholders just like you could be. 

 

Click the button below to get approved today and start your journey towards health and wellness.

Get the highest-quality weed at the lowest prices with an MMJ card!

MMJ isn't taxed as high as recreational weed, and you get medical-only discounts.

Get Your MMJ Card Right From Home

Elevate Holistics’ process is quick, affordable, and done entirely online. It’s never been so easy.

About the author

Aspen Noonan isn’t your average CEO, and she’s not trying to be. As the powerhouse behind Elevate Holistics, Aspen is on a mission to make medical marijuana access easier, faster, and way less intimidating. What started with answering phones and scheduling appointments turned into building one of the most trusted telehealth platforms in cannabis. She's certified through Cannabis Training University and Healer.com, but her real education? Listening to patients and living it herself. Aspen isn’t just running a company. She’s helping lead a movement. A cannabis patient, mom, and fierce believer in plant medicine, she’s working to normalize weed in a world that still whispers about it. Her take? If you can unwind with a glass of wine, you should be able to do the same with cannabis. No shame, no stigma, no side-eye. Inside the business, Aspen runs a tight ship built on the strong foundation already in place. She’s focused on making patients happy, improving systems, and finding smarter ways to work. Since taking the reins at Elevate Holistics, she’s streamlined turnaround times, improved tech, and introduced a four-day workweek to support team balance and performance. She believes burnout is out. Balance is in. And when teams feel good, they do great work. Outside of Elevate, Aspen mentors other entrepreneurs (especially women breaking into crowded spaces), helps patients feel seen and empowered, and occasionally jumps on a podcast to speak the truth about cannabis and leadership. You may have heard her on Getting Elevated with Aspen Noonan (CannaBlogger’s Corner) and The Healing Plant: Cannabis Myths vs. Medical Miracles (Life Conversations with a Twist) -  insights that dive deep into plant medicine, leadership, and breaking stigma. She also trained Arlee Riveland, now CEO of Craft Telemedicine, and she’s just getting started. Aspen’s not here to follow rules. She’s here to rewrite them. For healthcare. For cannabis. For women in business. And for her daughter, who she hopes sees every day that purpose, power, and balance can all belong in the same life.
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