Strength is a major part of the discussion when it comes to determining your best options. What percentages of which active ingredients make things stronger, more effective, more potent? Remember aspirin? Prevalent advertising toted the strength of aspirin. Then came acetaminophen--Tylenol®--extracted from aspirin and said to have high potency in relieving aches, pains, and fever without the side effects. Then came Excedrin®, with claims of even more painkilling strength. For those individuals seeking relief from nausea, pain, or stress from herbal products, potency comes with many variables. Denver marijuana dispensaries can assist with determining the correct strength and dosage.

Marijuana potency reports emphasize the concentration of THC. Since 1987, High Times has hosted the Cannabis Cup, advertised as “the world’s leading marijuana trade show.” The event, which was held on April 19 in Santa Barbara, CA, features instructional seminars, expositions, celebrity appearances, concerts, and product demonstrations. It is hosted in states that have legalized marijuana and is dedicated to the legalization of cannabis.

The Cannabis Cup competition relies upon laboratory testing to verify the strength of various strains. Entries ranged from dried flowers to concentrates to edibles to topicals. Two independent laboratories ensure consistent and viable results. The next event is scheduled for June 11 and 12 in Clio, MI.

Weather related factors affect both potency and yield of the crop, issues that concern every producer of any crop. Grow Marijuana states that “Growers who are growing commercial weed...look for two key characteristics: to grow the best quality weed in the biggest quantity.” Other factors affecting the choice of what to plant include how soon and/or consistently the plant blooms and how easy the strain is to grow in the environment available. Some strains grow better indoors than others.

Still the question lingers: Who’s growing the strongest marijuana? The answer is, of course, “It depends on the use and the user.” In July 2013, published results from a study showed Australia produced the world’s most potent cannabis, with some strains reaching a 40 percent concentration of THC. While recreational users may see that as a positive attribute, researchers also find that higher THC levels correspond with lower CBD levels. Medical marijuana users favor higher CBD levels. CBD delivers similar therapeutic effects without the high delivered by THC. In countries like Israel, where medical marijuana is legal--companies have developed strains with as much as 15 percent CBD and less than 1 percent THC in order to meet this need.”

It’s still illegal to import cannabis into the USA. Transporting cannabis across state lines has its own many risks. Therefore Denver marijuana dispensaries and users in Colorado wisely focus on the strains grown in Colorado which are much more easily and legally obtained. Leafly lists the 10 most commonly stocked strains in Colorado.

• Blue Dream*
• Durban Poison*
• Sour Diesel*
• Golden Goat*
• Flo
• Girl Scout Cookies*
• Mob Boss
• Northern Lights
• Green Krack*
• Banana Kush

*Stocked and sold by Altitude Dispensary.

With three locations in the Denver area, Altitude Dispensary can assist you with determining the right variety and the right form for consumption that best serves your purpose. With three locations, Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among weed shops. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.