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How To Test The THC Content In Your Weed Seeds: Methods And Tools

Testing the THC content in your weed seeds helps to know the potency levels. Learn how to test the content of THC using different methods and tools.

Author:Rock Wildfire
Reviewer:Professor Jhiz
Apr 12, 20230 Shares454 Views
Do you know the THC content of the marijuana seed you want to plant? Even though it might be written on the packet, are you certain that it is actually 18% or 22%, as displayed? Maybe not, and many users are unaware of the THC content of the weed they are cultivating.
You might trust your vendor’s word or, if you are a home grower, the information on the seed packets. Though it might be true, independent testing of the THC levels is more accurate. But how do you conduct the test successfully to be sure?
Whether as a novice or seasoned grower, being able to test the potency of your weed seeds at home is quite convenient. Since you cultivate and smoke your cannabis, it would be great if you could perform the tests without seeking professional assistance.
Luckily, you can use several effective methods and tools to conduct accurate THC tests. This article walks you through the science of THC’s impact on the user and shares several trusted methods of its assessment.

What Is THC?

It is imperative to get the definition of THC before we proceed to the testing part. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive element found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis usually produces resin, and that is where the THC is found. Users can consume THC by smoking weed or extracting it from the plant to make other products.
The THC content in marijuana controls its potency; the higher the content, the more potent the cannabis. The THC compounds connect to the endocannabinoid receptors whether you inhale, eat, or drink a weed product. These receptors are available in the human body, sending signals to the central nervous system, which releases an array of effects to the user.

How Does THC Work?

The body has a molecular endocannabinoid system,assisting the body to function in a well-balanced manner. The system regulates essential bodily functions like sleep, appetite, and memory. Consuming cannabis has an impact on these functions. Besides feeling high, you might feel sleepy, hungry, or have heightened creativity.
As mentioned above, the cannabinoid receptors bind the THC and send signals to the brain, triggering a response from the body.
Here are two major cannabinoid receptors:
  • CB1 – It is found in the central nervous system.
  • CB2 – It is found in the immune system and peripheral nervous system.
When you consume cannabis, the THC usually binds to the CB1 receptors. This process releases different responses since the body becomes aware of the intoxication and devises ways to adjust to the psychoactive impact of THC. For instance, increased blood flow to the front of the brain can affect the user’s ability to make decisions, their motor skills, focus, etc. It also causes euphoric or uplifting feelings, depending on the type and potency of the cannabis.

Why Test THC Levels in Weed?

Those who grow weed for medical or recreational purposes should understand the THC potency of their yields, which is an essential precondition for safe and responsible consumption. Let us explore some of the reasons for testing the THC levels of your weed seeds.

Identify the Potency

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, testing the weed seeds will help you know what to expect for your yields. You will know the expected potency of the buds before cultivation. Thus, as a home grower, you will designate high-THC weed for night use and low-THC for daytime use.

Analyze Growing Habits

THC testing is a useful process that helps growers to analyze effective cultivation habits. It helps in identifying the errors or pluses in your growing approach. For example, note down if the seeds you planted produced buds with higher THC scores than the numbers written on the package. It could be because you maintained an ideal environment with sufficient nutrients, water, and lighting. Conversely, low THC scores indicate errors in your growing conditions.

Easy Dosing

This applies mostly to medical marijuana users. Knowing the right THC content will make dosing easier. You will consume the accurate dose since you know the weed’s THC content.
Easy Dosing
Easy Dosing

How to Test THC Levels in Your Weed

There are different methods you can use to test THC. You can purchase a testing kit; it’s currently one of the most convenient and cost-effective THC measurement methods. It comes in various forms ranging from affordable to expensive kits. The results will be more accurate if the kit is more costly. You can buy a kit from your local store or order it online from reputable vendors.
Keep in mind that there are kits that test other cannabinoids apart from THC. You can get one that tests CBD, CBG, THCA, etc. Thus, you may pick one that tests only THC if that’s what you’re interested in or acquire a broader-spectrum kit to know the exact cannabinoid profile of your weed. THC-only kits will eliminate errors and complications that might interfere with the test.

Home THC Test Kit – Steps to Use

Although the test kits might be different, each comes with instructions. Ensure you read the manual carefully and follow them keenly to boost your chances of getting accurate readings.
Select the cannabis strain and ensure it has not mixed with other weed plants, or you might get false results.
To start the test, ensure you crash a small weed sample into small pieces. Refer to the instructions to know the grams you need to test. Usually, it can be around one-fifth of a gram. Thus, invest in good weighing scales to measure the required amount.
The home test kits usually have a vial, which is a small plastic complete with a lid. Place the weed sample inside the vial and add a solution that comes with the kit used for testing. Seal the vial and shake the tube. Leave the weed inside the solution for a specific time; check the instructions to know the exact time to allow the reaction to occur. After a while, you will notice the solution has a different color than the one you shook when starting the process.
It is imperative to note that each home test comes with a detailed color chart. After testing, you should check the final color of your sample and refer to the color chart to get the results. Once your solution changes into a different color, you can determine its potency content.

THC Testing Options

Here are the common methods and tools you can use to test your weed:

Home TLC Kits (Thin Layer Chromatography)

The home TLC kit, or Thin-Layer Chromatography, is another option for testing THC levels at home. However, besides being more accurate, it is complicated and expensive. It is way better than a standard home testing kit and will give you value for your money with correct readings.
This TLC kit is more advanced and simple to use than a regular THC kit. You can use a weed sample in any form – oil, flower, or edible. Mix a small amount with the solution, and place a drop onto the glass plate which comes with the test kit.
After a while, place the glass plate in a jar containing the test fluid. Spray the glass plate with a dye provided with the kit. Colored dots will appear, and you can compare them with the chart.

Testing Devices

These testing devices are meant for breeders and cultivators who grow weed on a large scale. It is a costly handheld device with sophisticated features. The device is connected to a smartphone with software for testing cannabis. Place a small amount of weed inside the device and link it to your smartphone through Bluetooth. Ensure you include details in the software and instruct it about your THC test. After a while, the software will analyze and release the results.

Lab Testing

Many growers avoid lab testing because it is expensive, and most labs don’t have the right equipment. This testing method is more complex and sophisticated.
However, if you decide to go this way, apart from enjoying top-notch accuracy on the THC potency, you will get detailed information about cannabis, from microbes to the terpene profile.

Conclusion

Ultimately, testing THC content in your weed is imperative as a home grower or commercial cultivator. You can choose a method that works well for you and is within your budget. Besides, you can purchase more thc weed seeds - https://askgrowers.com/seeds/thchere for cultivation and later test the THC levels at home. However, if you insist on more accurate readings, go for the expensive home kits or take the samples for lab testing.
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Rock Wildfire

Rock Wildfire

Author
Rock Wildfire is an enigmatic individual whose very presence exudes an air of mystery and intrigue. With a commanding physique and a bald head adorned with expressive tattoos, Rock stands as a living masterpiece. His piercing gaze, often hidden behind stylish sunglasses, adds an extra layer of intrigue to his persona. Rock embraces his rebellious nature, unapologetically indulging in vices like smoking. Yet, beneath their edgy exterior, beats a heart passionate about wildlife protection. As an animal-crazy advocate, Rock channels their energy into raising awareness and fighting for the well-being of creatures big and small.
Professor Jhiz

Professor Jhiz

Reviewer
Professor Jhiz brings fun to teaching anatomy. Born in China, she shares her fascination for how the body works. Students say her lectures are lively with jokes and stories. She draws cartoon diagrams that highlight structures creatively. Professor seeks to inspire curiosity and joy in anatomy. She treats each class like a show using props and costumes. When not teaching, Jhiz enjoys karaoke and novelty socks. Her goal is passing on a spirit of wonder to students.
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