Entering the world of legal cannabis can feel overwhelming. Numbers, symbols, and scientific terms are everywhere you look. For many new shoppers in Grand Rapids, the biggest point of confusion is that little number followed by a percent sign on every package.
This is the THC percent, and while it might look like a simple grade or a power level, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. At Fluresh, we believe education is the key to having a great experience. We want you to feel confident as you browse our online menu and place your curbside pickup order.
This guide breaks down exactly what those numbers mean, why they are not the only thing that matters, and how you can find the right product for your needs without feeling daunted by the data.
What Exactly Is THC?
Before we explore the math, let’s talk about what we are actually measuring.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is the ingredient responsible for the “high” that people associate with marijuana.
When you see a THC percent on a jar of flower or a package of edibles, you are seeing a measurement of how much of that compound is present relative to the total weight of the product.
It is essentially a way to measure the concentration of the plant’s main active ingredient. In the Michigan market, every product must be tested by a third-party lab to verify these numbers before it can be sold at a marijuana store, as required by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. This helps ensure that when you place an online order with us, you know exactly what you are getting in every single gram.
Decoding the Math on the Label
Understanding how to read the label is the first step toward becoming a savvy shopper. For example, if you buy a gram of our premium Carbon flower and the label says 20%, that means there are 200 milligrams of THC in that gram. If the flower is 25%, there are 250 milligrams.
It sounds simple enough, but remember that you usually do not consume an entire gram in one sitting. For new users, a single puff might only contain a fraction of that total amount.
If you are looking at vapes or concentrates, those percentages will be much higher, frequently ranging from 70% to 90%. This is because those products are refined versions of the plant, with the plant material removed, leaving only the potent oils behind.
The High THC Potency Myth
One of the most common mistakes new shoppers make is chasing the highest number possible.
Many people assume that a 30% THC strain is “better” than a 15% THC strain. However, the math here is not that straightforward. Think of THC like the alcohol content in a drink. A shot of grain alcohol has a higher alcohol percentage than a glass of fine wine, but that does not mean the shot offers a better experience.
In the cannabis world, a very high THC percentage might at times result in an intense or even anxious experience for beginners. A lower percentage often permits a more nuanced, flavorful, and manageable session. Many of our customers find that our Mr. X strains provide a great balance of potency and effect, even if they aren’t the highest numbers on the board.
Why Terpenes Matter More Than You Think
If THC is the engine that powers your experience, terpenes are the steering wheel that determines the direction you go.
Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its unique smell, ranging from citrus and pine to lavender and earth. More importantly, they interact with THC to change how it feels in your body. This is known as the entourage effect.
Two different strains could both have a 20% THC percent, but one might make you feel energized while the other makes you feel sleepy. This is all thanks to the terpenes. We have a great guide to terpenes if you want to learn more about the science.
When you are shopping online, look past the THC number and check the strain descriptions to see which terpene profile fits the mood you are looking for.
Finding Your \”Sweet Spot\” as a Beginner
If you are new to the Michigan cannabis scene, we usually suggest starting with a product that has a moderate THC percentage.
Something in the 15% to 18% range for flower is often a great starting point. It provides enough of an effect to be noticeable and enjoyable without being overwhelming.
If you prefer vapes, our newfrend all-in-one vape pens are made for convenience and quality, but because they are concentrates, you should start with just one small draw and wait at least fifteen minutes to see how you feel.
The beauty of the modern marijuana store is that we have options for every tolerance level. There is no such thing as a “dumb” question, so if you are browsing our deals page and feel confused, you can always contact us for a recommendation.
Edibles: A Different Kind of Number
THC percentage takes a back seat with edibles. Here, milligrams are what matter.
You won’t see a THC percent as often as you will see a milligram count. In Michigan, common packages like 100mg total are usually broken down into 10mg pieces. For a new shopper, 10mg can actually be quite a lot. We frequently suggest that first-timers cut those gummies in half to start with a 5mg dose.
Unlike smoking or vaping, where you feel the effects almost immediately, edibles can take up to two hours to kick in. This is a common point of friction: people think it isn’t working and end up eating more, resulting in a much stronger experience than they intended.
Always remember the golden rule: start low and go slow, and use an edible dosing guide as a reference point when deciding how many milligrams to try.
Our Devotion to Quality and Safety
At Fluresh, we take pride in being Grand Rapids’ first legal marijuana store.
We grow our cannabis on-site in our own cultivation facility, which means we have total control over the quality from the moment the seed is planted to the moment it is tested for its THC percent. This “seed to sale” approach assists in ensuring that you are getting a clean, safe, and accurately labeled product every time you order online for curbside pickup.
We focus heavily on cannabis education because we want our community to have the best possible relationship with this plant. We know that the security presence at a cannabis shop may occasionally seem intimidating, but they are simply there to guarantee everyone stays safe and that we follow all state regulations.
How to Order Your First Curbside Pickup
Ready to try it out? Since we are exclusively an online ordering and curbside pickup location, the process is incredibly easy and hassle-free.
First, go to our website and browse the menu. You can filter products by their THC percent, strain type, or price. Once you have found what you need, add it to your cart and check out.
You will receive a confirmation when your order is ready. When you arrive at our Grand Rapids location, just follow the signs for curbside pickup. You will stay in your car, and our friendly staff will come out to verify your ID and finish the transaction.
It is faster than a grocery run and twice as fun. We do not accept walk-ins, so make sure you place your order online before you head our way.
Summary Checklist for New Shoppers
To make your first pickup even easier, here is a quick summary of what to keep in mind regarding THC numbers.
Remember that percent measures concentration, not total quality.
Start in the 15% to 20% range for flower if you are new.
Look at the terpene profile to understand the strain’s mood.
For edibles, focus on milligrams and start with 5mg or less.
Trust the lab results, but trust your body too.
Everyone reacts to cannabis differently, and your personal experience is the most important data point of all.
If you ever have questions about a specific product, our team is consistently here to help guide you through the online ordering process.
Shopping Smart About THC Percent
Cannabis is a private journey, and the THC percent is just one of many tools you can use to explore it.
If you are looking for relaxation, focus, or pain relief, knowing how to read those labels will help you make the best choice for your lifestyle. We invite you to explore our house brands, such as Carbon and Mr. X, to see the distinction that local, high-quality cultivation makes.
Shopping from a professional marijuana store like Fluresh means you never have to guess about what you are putting in your body. We are honored to act as your guide in West Michigan and look forward to helping with your next curbside pickup.
If you want to stay up to date on our latest arrivals and education tips, be sure to check our blog regularly. We are here to make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
FAQs About THC Percentage
Does THC percentage matter?
It matters, but not as much as most people think. THC percentage tells you the concentration of the main psychoactive compound in a product, but it does not tell you how the experience will actually feel. Two products with the same THC percentage can produce very different effects depending on their terpene profiles. At Fluresh, we always recommend looking at the full picture rather than chasing the highest number on the shelf. If you want guidance, call 616-208-9934 or use the AI budtender chat before you order.
What is a high THC percentage in flower?
Generally speaking, flower testing above 20% is considered high THC. Anything above 25% is on the stronger end of what you will typically find on a Michigan cannabis menu. For newer shoppers, starting in the 15% to 18% range gives you a noticeable effect without overdoing it. Experienced consumers sometimes seek out higher percentages, but even seasoned shoppers often find that a well-grown, terpene-rich flower in the 18% to 22% range delivers a better overall experience than a maximally potent one.
What does THC percentage mean?
THC percentage refers to how much tetrahydrocannabinol is present relative to the total weight of the product. In flower, a 20% THC reading means there are roughly 200 milligrams of THC per gram. Every product sold at Fluresh is tested by a state-licensed third-party lab before it hits our menu, so the number you see is verified. You can browse the full menu to see lab-tested THC percentages on every product before you order.
What is considered a high THC percentage?
For flower, most consumers consider anything above 20% to be high THC. For vapes and concentrates, the bar is much higher since those products are refined down to their most potent components, often testing between 70% and 90%. For edibles, the conversation shifts entirely to milligrams rather than percentages. If you are new to cannabis, the percentage on the label is just one data point. The terpene profile, the oil type, and your own tolerance all play an equally important role in how a product will feel for you.