THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that delivers the feeling of being “high.” But is higher THC always better? Not necessarily. Although it is the most prominent, bud contains hundreds of different compounds, including over 100 cannabinoids and numerous cannabis terpenes.
The compounds work together synergistically in what’s known as the “entourage effect.” It means the overall results of cannabis come from the interplay of multiple compounds, not just THC, in isolation. Think of it this way: THC is like the lead singer, but you need the rest of the band to get the whole concert experience. Other cannabinoids, such as Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabinol (CBN), regulate and offer therapeutic benefits.
CBD can help reduce some of the mind-altering changes of THC, leading to a more balanced and less anxiety-inducing venture. A strain that is THC-dominant can easily overshadow the benefits of other cannabinoids. Whereas a strain with a moderate amount of THC but more CBD might provide better therapeutic benefits for conditions like stress, chronic pain, or epilepsy.
The entourage effect highlights the importance of considering the full spectrum of compounds in cannabis. A strain with a diverse profile may be more nuanced and potentially more beneficial than one with the highest THC percentage.
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your endocannabinoid system, metabolism, tolerance, and even mood all shape how your body responds.
Some people enjoy moderate THC levels since higher concentrations can sometimes cause anxiety. Others naturally tolerate more and may seek stronger options. The key is trial and error—finding the balance that works best for your body and lifestyle.
Remember, wellness is personal. Just as cannabis affects each person uniquely, so does everyday care. Many people rely on neti pots to support clear breathing and overall balance in their routines.
At Sweetgrass, one of the premier cannabis destinations in MA, we believe in the quality of every strain. The cultivation practices, harvesting, curing, and storage all play crucial roles in the final product. Well-grown cannabis with moderate THC levels can often provide a better experience than poorly-grown, high-THC cannabis. The factors that contribute to its quality include:
A skilled grower focuses on bringing out the best in each strain, not just maximizing THC levels. This attention to quality often results in a richer aroma, better flavor, and more nuanced effects, even if the strain isn’t the highest on the shelf.
The curing process, in particular, is crucial for developing the full potential of cannabis. Proper curing allows for the breakdown of chlorophyll and the development of terpenes, thus enhancing the flavor and smoothness of the pull. It also helps preserve cannabinoids, ensuring the potency and effectiveness of the final product.
Looking beyond THC levels, what should you look for when buying cannabis at our Lee, Massachusetts dispensary? Here are some tips:
While THC certainly plays a significant role in the cannabis experience, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Embrace its complexity, experiment responsibly, and you may discover that your ideal cannabis experience isn’t necessarily tied to the highest THC percentage on the shelf. Taking a more holistic approach to choosing your next Lee dispensary pick-up can enhance your experience, find more effective relief, and develop a deeper appreciation for this multifaceted plant.
Our Massage Oil is the result of input from massage therapists and body workers of several modalities, based on an infused organic jojobo oil with a slight deep forest scent.
As for our Organic Lube…no mystery what this is for! Specially-crafted with a non-allergenic organic infused oil designed to increase your pleasure and open your heart.
Another intentional recipe from our herbalists bringing you the restful impact of chamomile, hops, california poppy, valerian and skullcap.
If that sounds like a snooze already, it's even more calming with our curated selection of solventless hash in the mix.
Sweet dreams!
The result of a collaboration with our herbalists to create a powerful balm that was effective before we added our solventless hash.
For deep relief and relaxation this product includes organic wildcrafted arnica, St. John’s wort, comfrey and essential oils of ginger and wintergreen.
Our versatile and delicious pre-prepared smoothies are highly-customizable and ready-to-blend. Just pop in the blender, add your liquid of choice and you’re good to go! All ingredients are 100% vegan, so enjoy with soy, oat, or nut milk for a dairy-free treat!
Hash-infused candied ginger and lemon cream cheese frosting. Good enough to eat (with a carefully gauged measuring spoon!) from the tub, but even better on a baked good like carrot cake.
Organic Fairtrade bittersweet chocolate is melted with organic VT cream and our in-house solventless hash to make the stuff of dreams. If you don't know about the myriad things you can make from ganache, get ready to find out!
What was your first experience making or consuming a cannabis food? Most of you will answer cannabutter, often in a brownie. Butter is a fundamental ingredient, versatile, beloved and familiar. We have a million ideas of what you can do with this, in case you need inspiration!
Olive Oil is another easy to integrate ingredient from our everyday lives, and it's vegan. Our organic extra virgin olive oil is infused with organic chilis and rosemary.
For over a century, 635 Laurel Street has stood as a beloved gathering place for the town of Lee and the wider Berkshires community.
We are keeping this tradition of hospitality alive by hosting a roster of cannabis experts, hash-makers, herbalists - as well as our own in-house experts - to share their knowledge open a dialogue and answer questions about the ever-changing landscape of cannabis science, plant medicine and regenerative practices.
Join our mailing list or check our calendar for our slate of talks, educational seminars, book signings and other events starting in late winter 2024.
Our vast lakeside “mercantile” is stocked with necessities, curiosities and luxuries for the cannabis lifestyle.
We share our passion for functional glass art with a wide range of smokeways, from stock unique pieces created by renowned local artisan, Hickory Glass, to high-tech vaporizers, to simple glass pipes and chillums
We also carry a wide range of cannabis-related books, homewares, apparel, and small items perfect as gifts. Come browse a while to uncover a treasure that you can't live without.
Our network of herbalists, holistic practitioners and cannabis experts have all conferred on the development of our line of topicals and tinctures.
As with all our in-house products, the therapeutic line is exclusively powered by pure and potent solventless hash produced in our own on-site lab. Our hope is to treat your body to a full-spectrum, chemical-free experience
Sweetgrass crafts unique infused, handmade edibles using our in-house solventless hash oil, plus all-natural and organic ingredients.
Operated by our Founder, Cassandra Purdy, a chef and writer/translator with 30+ years’ experience in both the culinary and cannabis communities, her unique, chef-driven approach brings a new expression of quality cannabis comestibles to the Berkshires.
Sweetgrass’ in-house lines of concentrates, cartridges, edibles and topicals are powered by our state-of-the-art solventless extraction workshop, designed and operated by award-winning hashmaker Ben McCabe.
Using using only water, ice, pressure and heat, we produce pure and potent solventless hash varieties representing the natural, unadulterated terpene and cannabinoid profile cultivated by the growers.
Only top-shelf product can be used for solventless - and we work closely with our grow partners across the state to identify and process distinctive cultivars where its plant-forward characteristics will bring you a unique, rewarding experience.
Our dispensary offers a curated line-up of distinctive, quality cannabis for every budget, selling only products we consume and personally enjoy, from cultivators we know and trust.
For our in-house lines, we craft limited drops that are unique and intentional - each handmade with care to identify and savor the highest expression of the trichomes.