When shopping for cannabis products, you may have noticed TAC listed on product labels, but what does it actually mean?
Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC) represent the full spectrum of active cannabinoids present in a strain or product, offering a more comprehensive measure of potency than just THC level or THC content alone.
While THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, TAC also includes minor cannabinoids and acidic cannabinoids that contribute to the entourage effect, influencing both psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits.
Understanding TAC measures can help consumers make informed choices when selecting cannabis strains tailored to their needs.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a large family of natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, responsible for its various effects on the human body. There are over 100 cannabinoids present in cannabis plants, with the most well-known being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, influencing everything from mood and appetite to pain perception and immune response.
Cannabinoids can be divided into two main categories: acidic cannabinoids and active cannabinoids. Acidic cannabinoids, such as THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), are the chemical precursors to active cannabinoids.
In their acidic form, they are not yet active and do not produce the effects typically associated with cannabis. However, when these acidic cannabinoids are exposed to heat through a process called decarboxylation, they convert into their active forms, THC and CBD, respectively.
Active cannabinoids are compounds that have already been converted from their acidic form and are readily absorbed by the endocannabinoid system. These active cannabinoids are responsible for the psychoactive effects and therapeutic benefits of cannabis.
For instance, THC interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce a high, while CBD is known for its non-psychoactive properties and potential health benefits.
Understanding the difference between acidic and active cannabinoids can help you to make informed choices about cannabis products. By recognizing the role of all the cannabinoids present in a strain, users can better predict the potential effects and benefits of their chosen cannabis product.
What Does TAC Mean in Cannabis? Total Active Cannabinoids
If you’ve ever checked a cannabis product label, you may have seen "TAC" listed alongside THC and other cannabinoids. TAC, or Total Active Cannabinoids, represents the full range of active cannabinoids in a cannabis strain or product, providing a more complete picture of its potency and effects.
Unlike THC alone, which measures only one compound, TAC accounts for all cannabinoids present, including CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN. These compounds interact with each other through the entourage effect, influencing a strain’s psychoactive and therapeutic benefits.
Understanding TAC is especially valuable for both medical and recreational users. A product with high THC but low TAC may produce a strong high but lack the broader effects that other cannabinoids contribute. In contrast, a strain with moderate THC and high TAC can offer a more well-rounded experience.
As cannabis products continue to evolve, dispensaries and companies are highlighting TAC alongside THC levels to help consumers make informed decisions. Whether you're looking for enhanced psychoactive effects or therapeutic benefits, knowing a product’s TAC can guide you toward the right choice.
How is TAC Calculated? Understanding Cannabinoid Content
TAC is determined through lab testing that measures the cannabinoid content of a cannabis product. Testing labs use methods such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to separate and quantify all the cannabinoids present in a sample.
Understanding the THC level is important for both therapeutic and recreational users, as it helps in making informed decisions by reading labels and assessing cannabinoid profiles.
Unlike gas chromatography, which requires heat and can degrade acidic cannabinoids, HPLC can accurately measure both active cannabinoids and their precursor compounds without altering their structure.
The formula for calculating TAC typically looks like this:
TAC = Sum of All Measured Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, THCV, etc.)
Some product labels will display the percentage of each cannabinoid, while others will only list THC content and CBD content. However, the most comprehensive lab results will highlight TAC as a total percentage, making it easier for consumers to understand how potent a product may be.
What Cannabinoids Contribute to TAC?
TAC is made up of various active cannabinoids present in a cannabis strain or product. While THC and CBD are the most well-known cannabinoids, TAC includes a range of other compounds that can contribute to the entourage effect and influence therapeutic benefits.
Understanding the THC level is crucial for both therapeutic and recreational users, as it helps in reading labels and assessing cannabinoid profiles to make informed decisions. Some of the most important cannabinoids included in TAC are:
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THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The most psychoactive and well-known cannabinoid, responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis.
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CBD (Cannabidiol) – A non-psychoactive cannabinoid known for its therapeutic benefits, including relaxation, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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CBG (Cannabigerol) – Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” as other cannabinoids produce from it. Known for potential effects such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.
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CBC (Cannabichromene) – A minor cannabinoid that may aid in pain perception, mood regulation, and immune responses.
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CBN (Cannabinol) – Forms as THC degrades and is known for its sedative effects, making it useful for sleep support.
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THCV, CBDV, and other minor cannabinoids – These contribute to various therapeutic benefits, such as appetite control and energy regulation.
By including these different cannabinoids, TAC measures give a more holistic view of a cannabis product’s potency and overall effectiveness.
TAC vs THC: What's the Difference?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the cannabis industry is that a higher THC level automatically means a stronger, better product.
Understanding the THC level most importantly helps in reading labels and assessing cannabinoid profiles to make informed decisions. However, TAC vs. THC reveals a more nuanced understanding of cannabis potency.
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THC Content – Refers specifically to the amount of THC in a product and is often highlighted as the main indicator of strength.
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TAC Measures – Includes THC, CBD, and all other cannabinoids, giving a full range of the active and minor cannabinoids that contribute to a product’s effects.
Unlike THC alone, which only tells part of the story, TAC stands as a more comprehensive indicator of a strain’s therapeutic benefits, psychoactive effects, and overall impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The Role of TAC in the Entourage Effect and Its Therapeutic Benefits
The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction between all the cannabinoids in a cannabis product. TAC includes THC, but it also accounts for other cannabinoids present, which work together to enhance or modify cannabis’s psychoactive and therapeutic benefits.
For example, CBD can counterbalance THC’s psychoactive effects, leading to a smoother, more balanced experience. Similarly, cannabinoids like CBG and CBC can enhance pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and mood stabilization, making total active cannabinoids matter more than just high THC content alone.
Knowing the difference between TAC vs. THC helps you in selecting cannabis products that align with their desired effects, whether that be euphoria, relaxation, or therapeutic relief.
Does Higher TAC Mean a Stronger High?
While a high percentage of TAC includes THC, it doesn’t necessarily mean a more intense high. Other factors, such as terpenes, cannabinoid ratios, and individual tolerance, also influence the overall experience.
A product with high THC levels but a low amount of other cannabinoids may result in a sharper, more intense high, whereas a high TAC product with balanced cannabinoids can lead to a more well-rounded, lasting effect.
Why TAC Matters for Cannabis Users
For cannabis consumers, TAC offers a more complete picture of a product’s potency and potential effects than just THC levels alone. Instead of focusing on a single cannabinoid, TAC accounts for the full spectrum of active cannabinoids, each playing a role in how a strain interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Beyond THC and CBD, minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, and CBN contribute to the entourage effect, where different compounds work together to enhance therapeutic and psychoactive benefits. A strain with high THC but low TAC may produce a strong high but lack the nuanced effects that a broader cannabinoid profile provides. Conversely, a product with moderate THC but a high TAC percentage can offer a more balanced, full-spectrum experience.
Since TAC includes both active and acidic cannabinoids, such as THCA and CBDA, which convert into their active forms when heated, it serves as a more reliable measure of total cannabinoid content. For those using cannabis for relief from pain, stress, or sleep issues, considering TAC rather than just THC alone can lead to better product choices.
As dispensaries and THC brands place greater emphasis on TAC, consumers have access to more accurate potency information. By looking beyond THC percentages, cannabis users can find products tailored to their needs, whether for recreational enjoyment or therapeutic benefits.
How to Read TAC on a Cannabis Label
Deciphering a cannabis product label can be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with TAC and cannabinoid content. While THC levels often take center stage, TAC provides a more complete picture by accounting for all active cannabinoids present in a strain or product.
On a label, TAC refers to Total Active Cannabinoids, which include THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, and their acidic precursors. Rather than focusing on THC alone, reviewing TAC allows consumers to better assess the overall potency and potential effects of a product.
Some labels may also distinguish between active cannabinoids (which directly influence psychoactive and therapeutic effects) and acidic cannabinoids (like THCA and CBDA), which must be heated through decarboxylation to convert into their active forms, THC and CBD. Recognizing these details helps consumers make more informed choices based on their preferences and needs.
The Future of TAC Testing and Standardization
As the cannabis industry evolves, TAC testing is gaining recognition as a more accurate measure of potency and therapeutic effects than just THC content. However, inconsistencies in testing methods across dispensaries and companies create variations in TAC measures, making standardization essential for reliable labeling.
Advancements in lab testing are improving TAC accuracy, with future protocols expected to include minor cannabinoids and acidic cannabinoids that contribute to the entourage effect. Understanding the THC level is crucial for both therapeutic and recreational users, as it helps in reading labels and assessing cannabinoid profiles to make informed decisions.
As scientific research refines testing methods, industry-wide regulations will help ensure consistent, transparent product labels, allowing consumers to make informed choices based on total active cannabinoids, not just high THC levels.
Should You Consider TAC When Buying Cannabis?
As the cannabis industry evolves, consumers are becoming more informed about cannabinoid content and how it impacts their experience. TAC measures more than just THC, providing insight into all the active cannabinoids present, which can significantly affect a strain’s potency and therapeutic benefits.
Whether you’re shopping for relaxation, relief, or a balanced high, checking TAC on a product label ensures you’re getting the full range of cannabinoids and their benefits.
For high-quality TAC-rich cannabis products, explore Everyday Delta’s selection and experience the power of total active cannabinoids today!