Updated: 09/19/24

The world of cannabis is changing fast, especially when it comes to legal uses and medicine. When talking about cannabis products, two terms you'll hear a lot are TAC and THC. They might sound alike, but they actually measure different things. This article will break down the difference between TAC and THC, what they mean for people who use cannabis, and how they fit into the bigger cannabis picture.

What Is THC?

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. It is the compound responsible for the "high" that users experience when consuming marijuana. THC interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, particularly the CB1 receptors in the brain, to produce effects such as euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased sensory perception.

THC can be found in a variety of cannabis products, including pre-rolled joints, oil tinctures, edibles, vape pens, creams and lotions, and more. These products vary in their concentration and form of THC, and their effects can differ significantly based on how they are consumed.

Historical and Medical Context

Historically, THC has been both celebrated and vilified. It was isolated and synthesized in the 1960s, and since then, it has been the focus of extensive research. Medically, THC is used for its alleged analgesic and antiemetic properties. It may potentially help alleviate chronic pain, reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, stimulate appetite in patients with AIDS or cancer, and aid in certain forms of epilepsy.

THC Legal Status

The legal status of THC varies globally. In some regions, THC-rich cannabis is legal for both medicinal and recreational use, while in others, it remains strictly prohibited. The regulatory framework often hinges on THC content, with many jurisdictions setting specific limits to differentiate between hemp (low THC) and marijuana (high THC).

What Is TAC in Weed?

TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It represents the cumulative concentration of all cannabinoids present in a cannabis product, including THC, CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), and others. TAC cannabinoid is an important measure because it provides a broader picture of a cannabis product's potency and potential effects.

Composition and Measurement

Cannabinoids are a diverse group of chemical compounds found in cannabis. While THC is the most well-known, there are over 100 different cannabinoids, each with unique properties and effects.

TAC is measured by summing the percentages of all detectable cannabinoids in a product. For example, if a cannabis strain contains 15% THC, 5% CBD, and 1% CBG, its TAC would be 21%.

Importance in Product Labeling

For consumers, TAC is a crucial piece of information. It helps them understand the overall strength and potential therapeutic benefits of a cannabis product. A higher TAC indicates a more potent product, which might be more effective for certain medical conditions but could also carry a higher risk of side effects.

Does TAC Make You High?

No, TAC does not make you high on its own. TAC is a measure of the cumulative concentration of all cannabinoids present in a cannabis product, including THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and others. The psychoactive effect, or the "high," is primarily attributed to THC, which is one of the many cannabinoids that can be part of TAC.

TAC vs. THC: Key Differences

While THC and TAC are related, they serve different purposes in the context of cannabis use and regulation.

Psychoactive effects

The primary difference between THC and TAC lies in their psychoactive effects. THC is the main driver of the psychoactive experience associated with cannabis. In contrast, TAC includes non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, which can modulate the effects of THC and contribute to the overall therapeutic profile without causing a high.

Therapeutic potential

TAC provides a more comprehensive understanding of a product's therapeutic potential. While THC alone has significant medicinal properties, the presence of other cannabinoids can enhance these effects through the entourage effect. This phenomenon suggests that cannabinoids work better together than in isolation, offering a synergistic boost to their therapeutic potential.

Consumer awareness

For safe and responsible use, consumers must understand both THC and TAC. THC content helps them gauge the psychoactive potency of a product, while TAC gives a fuller picture of its overall strength and potential benefits. Educated consumers can make more informed choices, whether they seek relief from medical symptoms or a particular recreational experience.

Legal implications

The legal landscape of cannabis often hinges on THC content. Products with low THC (typically below 0.3%) are classified as hemp and are legal in many places, while those with higher THC levels are regulated differently. TAC, on the other hand, is not usually a primary factor in legal definitions but can be important for quality control and product labeling in legal markets.

The Role of Other Cannabinoids

Understanding TAC also requires knowledge of other significant cannabinoids and their roles:

CBD

CBD is the second most well-known cannabinoid and is non-psychoactive. It has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic effects, including reducing anxiety, alleviating discomfort, and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. CBD can also counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC, creating a more balanced experience for users.

CBG

CBG is often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids" because other cannabinoids derive from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) during the plant's growth. CBG is non-psychoactive and is being researched for its potential in treating glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of cancer.

CBN

CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that forms as THC degrades over time. It is believed to have sedative properties and may help with sleep disorders. CBN is also being studied for its potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

The Entourage Effect

The interplay between these cannabinoids, along with terpenes and flavonoids in the cannabis plant, contributes to the entourage effect. This theory posits that the combined effects of all these compounds are greater than the sum of their parts. Thus, a product's TAC can be more indicative of its overall impact than THC content alone.

Practical Considerations for Consumers

When choosing cannabis products, consumers should consider both THC and TAC to match their needs and preferences:

Recreational users

Recreational users often look for high THC levels to achieve the desired psychoactive effect. However, they should also pay attention to TAC to ensure a balanced experience that leverages the benefits of other cannabinoids.

Medical users

Medical users may prioritize TAC over THC to find products with a broader spectrum of therapeutic benefits. Products with a high TAC but moderate THC can provide relief without the intense psychoactive effects that may not be desirable for all patients.

New users

New users should approach high THC products with caution due to their potent psychoactive effects. Starting with products that have a balanced TAC, including significant CBD content, can provide a more manageable introduction to cannabis.

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The Bottom Line

TAC and THC are both critical components of the cannabis conversation, each offering unique insights into the properties and potential effects of cannabis products. THC is the well-known psychoactive compound that defines much of the recreational cannabis experience, while TAC provides a comprehensive measure of all active cannabinoids, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the cannabis plant.

Want to explore more cannabis-related topics? Make sure to check out our Blog for more insightful resources like this one!

1. “TAC vs THC: What’s the Difference?” https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/tac-vs-thc. Accessed 5 June 2024.
2. “What is the Difference Between THC and TAC on Weed Labels?.” https://cannabis.net/blog/medical/what-is-the-difference-between-thc-and-tac-on-weed-labels. Accessed 5 June 2024.