Potency Math 101: From THCA % (Flower) & mg (Gummies) to Real-World Doses
Dec 07, 2025
Potency Math 101: From THCA % (Flower) & mg (Gummies) to Real-World Doses
Ever stared at a THCA label and wondered, “Okay… but how strong is this really?”
You’re not alone. Between percentages on flower jars and milligrams on gummies, potency math can feel like a secret code. So let’s decode it — in plain English — using the products you’ll actually find at thisthatCBD.com.
1. What THCA % Really Means on Flower
When you see 26% THCA or 30% THCA on a label, that number represents how much THCA is in the flower before it’s heated. Once you light up or vape, THCA converts into THC — the active compound responsible for the high.
Quick math:
- Each 1 gram of 30% THCA flower contains about 300mg of THCA.
- After heating, roughly 85–90% converts to active THC (the rest burns off).
- So, that 1g equals about 255–270mg of THC in potential total potency.
That doesn’t mean you consume all of it — you’ll absorb only a fraction depending on temperature, device, and inhalation style. But it’s a reliable way to compare strengths across strains.
2. Translating mg on Gummies
Gummies are labeled by milligrams per piece, not percentages.
For example, a 10mg live rosin gummy = 10mg total cannabinoids — already activated and ready to take effect.
If you’re new to THC or THCA edibles:
- 2.5–5mg → Mild start; body relaxation without intensity
- 10–20mg → Moderate; ideal for most regular users
- 25mg+ → Strong; better for experienced users or evening use
Each person’s tolerance varies, so start smaller and wait before redosing.
3. Why THCA Flower Hits Differently
Even with similar math, THCA flower tends to feel clearer and faster than edibles. That’s because:
- Inhaled THCA converts to THC instantly and hits the bloodstream quickly.
- Edibles take 30–90 minutes to activate but last much longer.
- Live resin or rosin-infused products add extra depth thanks to terpenes and minor cannabinoids.
In other words: THCA % tells you potential strength, but delivery method decides the experience.
4. Comparing Flower and Gummies Side by Side
| Product Type | Example Label | What It Means | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| THCA Flower | 30% THCA | ~270mg THC per gram potential | 1–3 hours |
| Live Rosin Gummies | 10mg per gummy | 10mg active THC equivalent | 4–6 hours |
| Delta-9 Gummies | 5–10mg THC per gummy | Already active; no heat needed | 4–8 hours |
So your 0.25g bowl of 30% THCA flower roughly matches one 10mg gummy — just with faster onset and shorter duration.
5. How to Find Your Sweet Spot
Think of potency like caffeine — everyone’s limit differs.
- Light users: 5mg edibles or small bowls of 20–25% THCA
- Moderate users: 10–15mg edibles or mid-size bowls of 25–30% THCA
- Heavy users: 20mg+ edibles or high-potency 30%+ THCA strains
If you’re mixing methods (say, a gummy and a small bowl), reduce your dose to stay balanced.
6. Real Products, Real Potency
Explore THCA flower and gummies designed for clean potency and full-spectrum flavor:
👉 Shop thisthat THCA Flower Collection
👉 Shop Live Resin Delta-9 Gummies
Quick FAQ
Q: Is THCA weaker than THC?
A: Not once it’s heated — it becomes THC. The difference is activation, not strength.
Q: Can I mix THCA flower and gummies?
A: Yes, but start small. Combining inhaled and edible doses multiplies total intensity.
Q: Does higher THCA always mean stronger effects?
A: Not always. Terpenes, genetics, and how you consume matter just as much as numbers.
Final Thought:
Potency labels are just the beginning. True cannabis understanding comes from knowing how THCA % and mg translate into real experiences — and fine-tuning your sessions to match your own comfort zone.
