Now that all recreational and medical cannabis products require extensive testing and other information, it can be difficult to decipher all the jargon. However, people usually notice two main numbers on most cannabis products, and that is: Total THC and Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC). In this article, we’ll be focusing on what Total Active Cannabinoids are and what it means for your cannabis products.
What Do Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC) Mean?
Total active cannabinoids (TAC) refers to a cannabis strain’s cannabinoid profile. It is the sum of all the cannabinoids that are active and can give consumers a better understanding of the cannabinoid content in their chosen strain, product, or seed. In essence, TAC indicates the effects a consumer can expect from a product and lets them tailor it to what they need.
What Information Does TAC Provide?
TAC takes into account minor cannabinoids within the plant, not only the CBD and THC content. If you find a product with the TAC on the label, you’re likely to see cannabinoids like cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). Sometimes you may also see terpenes and flavonoids.
It’s common for TAC to be given in a cumulative figure, but sometimes manufacturers will disclose the individual constituents of the cannabinoids present in the product. By including this information, individuals can determine what kind of medicinal properties a product will provide based on the TAC.
What Makes a Cannabinoid Active?
Cannabis plants contain more than 100 cannabinoids, but not all of them can be detectable. TAC provides information about the total number of active cannabinoids within a cannabis strain and its potency. But what does it mean for a cannabinoid to be “active”? In the context of cannabinoids, “active” refers to tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa) becoming “active” after undergoing decarboxylation. That is when heat is applied to the THCa, either by smoking, vaporizing, or other heating methods, and the acidic element of the THCa is removed.
Where to Find TAC on a Cannabis Product Label
Since the legalization of cannabis varies from state to state, the regulations for what is required to be on the labels of cannabis products are not heavily standardized yet. That can make it challenging to understand your medicinal cannabis product and the effects it may produce. As a general rule, most cannabis products include this information on their labels:
- Name of the strain
- Manufacturer
- Warning labels
- Expiration date
- Terpene profile
If your product label includes TAC, it will be listed as one number. However, as previously noted, the label can also include other percentages of cannabinoids.
Learn More About Medical Cannabis at CannaLeaf Health
The medical cannabis experts at CannaLeaf Health are here to help. Whether you want to learn more about medical marijuana, its effects, and how you can use it or want to apply for a Maryland medical cannabis card, the medical professionals at CannaLeaf Health can help.
Call us at 443-800-0670 to talk to an expert, or click here to schedule an online evaluation today!
