But here’s the question no one’s asking: Is this actually making cannabis better?
THC alone doesn’t define a high. It never has. What really makes cannabis work is the synergy between cannabinoids, terpenes, and the way they interact with your body. Somewhere along the way, we stopped talking about that. Instead, we turned cannabis into a numbers game.
And just like that, the THC arms race began.
The Obsession With High-THC Weed
Somewhere along the way, THC became the only thing that mattered.
Dispensaries started labeling strains like alcohol proof, as if a 28% strain was automatically better than one testing at 18%. Customers chased the highest number, assuming it meant the most intense experience.
Growers took notice. Breeders started crossing strains for higher THC and higher yields, phasing out the balanced genetics that once gave cannabis its complexity. Mass production favored potency over profile, and suddenly, dispensary menus became a showcase of one-dimensional THC bombs.
The result? Stronger highs, but not necessarily better ones.
Why THC Isn’t the Whole Story
Cannabis was never meant to be a one-note experience.
THC may be the most famous cannabinoid, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens in the mix—the way THC interacts with other cannabinoids and terpenes to create a full-bodied high that’s more than just intensity.
Terpenes, the aromatic oils found in cannabis, play a massive role in how a strain makes you feel. They modulate THC’s effects, influence mood, and determine whether a high is relaxing, uplifting, or chaotic.
Some key players:
- Myrcene – Sedative, body-heavy, the reason some strains hit like a warm blanket.
- Limonene – Bright, citrusy, sharpens focus and keeps anxiety at bay.
- Pinene – Clear-headed, crisp, counteracts paranoia.
- Linalool – Floral, calming, the lavender of the cannabis world.
The problem? Many high-THC strains are being bred without the terpene depth that made cannabis great in the first place. The higher the THC, the more unbalanced the experience can become—leading to quicker peaks, shorter highs, and an increased chance of anxiety.
More THC doesn’t always mean more enjoyment. It just means more THC.
The Fallout of the THC Arms Race
The push for higher potency has reshaped the industry. Some of the consequences?
- Less Balanced Highs – THC-heavy strains without supporting cannabinoids often feel overwhelming rather than enjoyable.
- More Anxiety & Paranoia – Too much THC without calming terpenes like pinene or linalool can send your high into overdrive.
- A Loss of Flavor & Complexity – As breeders chase THC percentages, some of the most flavorful, full-bodied strains are disappearing.
Cannabis was never meant to be just about how high you can get. The best experiences come from a balance—a high that unfolds, rather than slams into you.
The Future: A Return to Craft Cannabis
Some of the best cultivators in the game are starting to push back against the THC obsession, focusing instead on full-spectrum, terpene-rich flower that delivers a high worth remembering.
What does that mean for the modern smoker?
- Don’t chase THC alone. A well-balanced 18% strain can hit better than a 30% strain with no depth.
- Look at terpene profiles. Find strains that match your vibe—not just your tolerance.
- Experiment with full-spectrum experiences. The best cannabis isn’t the strongest, it’s the one that makes you feel exactly how you want to.
The Spliff Society Approach: Where Terpenes Take Center Stage
At Spliff Society, we’re not interested in playing the THC numbers game. We care about the experience.
That’s why we design our Botanical Pre-Rolls with natural, terpene-rich cones—each one intentionally paired to amplify and complement the unique profile of every strain inside.
Our Goji, Cacoa, Mango, Rose Petal, Lotus, and Blueberry cones are more than just a way to smoke—they’re crafted to enhance the flavors, aromas, and effects of each pre-roll. Just like a well-made cocktail uses the right glass, garnish, and spirit to bring out the best in its ingredients, our cones do the same for your cannabis.
Because it’s never just about getting high.
It’s about how you feel, how it burns, how it lingers.
And that’s a craft worth preserving.
Final Thoughts
At some point, the industry decided more THC was the future. But the people who really know cannabis—the ones who appreciate the ritual, the taste, the moment—know that potency alone isn’t the answer.
The future isn’t just stronger weed. It’s better weed.
And maybe it’s time to start chasing something more than just the numbers.