Walk into a dispensary and there’s one question we hear ALL the time:
“What’s the highest THC you have?”
I get it. Somewhere along the way, we started treating THC percentage like the proof number on a bottle of liquor—the higher the number, the stronger the product, and therefore the “better” the cannabis.
But cannabis is a whole lot more interesting than that.
At Lit New Haven, we’re not just here to sell you cannabis. We want you to understand what you’re buying, why you’re choosing it, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
THC Matters — It’s Just Not the Whole Story
THC is one of the primary intoxicating cannabinoids in cannabis, so of course it matters. But that percentage on the package doesn’t tell you everything about how a particular product will feel to you.
Two products can have similar THC levels and give you noticeably different experiences.
And sometimes that flower with the eye-popping THC number may not be the product you end up enjoying the most.
That’s why I encourage people to stop asking only:
“How strong is it?”
And start asking:
“How do I want to feel?”
That one question can completely change the way you shop for cannabis.
Meet the Terpenes
You know that citrus smell when you peel an orange? Or the aroma of lavender, pine, or fresh herbs?
Compounds called terpenes contribute to those aromas, and they’re also naturally present in cannabis.
Common cannabis terpenes include limonene, myrcene, pinene, linalool, and caryophyllene.
The terpene profile is another piece of information you can consider alongside cannabinoid content, product type, your own previous experiences, and what you’re looking for from that particular session.
Instead of chasing one number, start getting curious about the whole plant profile.
Cannabis Has More Than THC
THC may get most of the attention, but cannabis contains many cannabinoids.
You’ve probably heard of CBD, but depending on the product you may also see cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, CBN, THCV, and others listed on testing or product information.
We’re still learning a tremendous amount about these compounds and how cannabis constituents interact, which is another reason I’m cautious about promising that one cannabinoid or terpene will create the exact same result for everybody.
Cannabis is personal.
Your experience can depend on the product, dose, method of consumption, your tolerance, your individual biology, and even the environment you’re consuming in.
Flower, Gummies, Vapes or Pre-Rolls?
Here’s another question worth asking:
How do you want to consume?
Flower isn’t the only option anymore.
Maybe you’re a traditional flower person. Maybe you prefer the convenience of a pre-roll. Maybe you’d rather have a vape. Maybe an edible fits your lifestyle better.
Different methods of consumption can have different onset times, durations, and experiences. With edibles especially, effects can take longer to appear and last longer, which is why dosing carefully and waiting before taking more is important.
The point isn’t to find the universally “best” format.
It’s to find your format.
Shop for the Experience, Not Just the Number
Next time you come into Lit New Haven, try something different.
Instead of walking up to your budtender and saying:
“Give me the highest THC.”
Tell us what you’re actually looking for.
Maybe you want something for a laid-back evening at home. Maybe you’re planning a social night. Maybe flavor and aroma are important to you. Maybe you loved your last purchase and want something with a similar profile.
Give us information we can actually work with.
Our team can walk you through the cannabinoid profile, terpene information when available, consumption methods, dosing considerations, and the different products on our menu so you can make an informed choice.
Because the biggest number on the package doesn’t automatically make something the best cannabis for you.
Know your cannabis. Know your options. Find what works for you.
That’s what intentional cannabis consumption looks like.
And that’s how we do wellness at Lit New Haven.
Come see us, ask questions, explore something new—and let’s find your Lit. 🔥🌱
For adults 21+. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Start low, go slow, don’t drive or operate machinery while impaired, and keep cannabis secured away from children and pets.
— Kebra Smith-Bolden, RN
Founder & CEO, Lit New Haven
And through it all, I give God the glory for the opportunity to educate, serve, and continue changing the conversation around cannabis in our community.
