November 17, 2025

If you’ve ever said, “Cannabis today is way stronger than it used to be,” you’re not alone. Many longtime consumers walk into modern dispensaries and feel overwhelmed by THC percentages, new product types, and strains they’ve never heard of.

So what actually changed? Is cannabis stronger than it used to be? And more importantly — how should you shop if you prefer something smoother and more balanced?

Let’s break it down.

Did Cannabis Really Get Stronger? Yes and No.

Yes — some of today’s strains are more potent

Through selective breeding, cultivators have emphasized traits like:

  • higher THC production

  • denser trichomes

  • stronger terpene expression

As a result, modern flower often tests higher than what was circulating decades ago.

But no — you don’t have to buy high-THC products

New York’s dispensary menus have plenty of options that stay in the gentle, classic range — often between 12 percent and 18 percent THC, with balanced CBD ratios available too.

If you miss the “Dad Grass” style of cannabis (light, uplifting, chill), the good news is: it still exists, and it’s easier to find safely in a regulated market than ever before.

THC Percentage Doesn’t Tell the Full Story

Here’s one of the biggest misconceptions in cannabis: High THC does not automatically mean a stronger experience.

The real magic comes from the entourage effect, the synergy between:

  • cannabinoids

  • terpenes

  • flavonoids

Two strains with the same THC level can feel completely different depending on these other compounds. That’s why some people use a 32 percent THC strain and feel mellow and social, while others try a 16 percent strain and feel lifted, creative, or intensely relaxed. THC is just one piece of the puzzle.

Why Cannabis Might Feel Stronger to You — Even at Lower THC

Many customers tell us that even mid-range strains feel “stronger” than they remember. This usually isn’t the THC — it’s the terpene profile.

Terpenes like:

  • myrcene (heavy, relaxing)

  • limonene (bright, energizing)

  • linalool (calming, soothing)

  • caryophyllene (comforting, grounding)

A strain high in myrcene may hit “harder” even at a lower THC percentage. Meanwhile, a high-THC strain full of limonene and pinene might feel smooth, uplifted, and social. It’s all about the blend.

So Should You Shop by THC or by Effect?

Short answer: Shop by effect — not THC percentage.

THC shopping leads to:
 ✘ Anxiety for some users
 ✘ Overwhelming experiences
 ✘ Misleading expectations
 ✘ Missing out on amazing strains that test lower

Effect-based shopping gives you what you actually want:
 ✔ Calm
 ✔ Creativity
 ✔ Focus
 ✔ Energy
 ✔ Relief
 ✔ A classic “Dad Grass” vibe

At Cannabis Corner, our online and in-store menus let you filter by effect or terpene profile so you can find products that match your experience goals — not just a number on the label.

Missing the Old-School Mellow High? Here’s What to Look For

If you want that classic chill sesh feeling, look for:

Balanced THC levels

Try flower testing between 12 and 18 percent THC — plenty of options exist from New York cultivators.

CBD blends

1:1 or 2:1 CBD:THC ratios offer mellow, functional highs without intensity.

Specific terpenes

Look for products high in:

  • caryophyllene (warm, comforting)

  • limonene (mood-lifting)

  • pinene (clear and bright)

  • terpinolene (old-school sativa vibes)

Strains known for mellow effects

Ask our budtenders for suggestions, we’ll help you find smooth, nostalgic options that match what you enjoyed “back in the day.”

There’s Nothing Wrong With Wanting Something Milder

Cannabis is personal. Your ideal experience might be:

  • gentle

  • functional

  • relaxing

  • old-school

  • social

And that’s great. The legal market offers more variety, and more safety, than ever before. Whether you want cutting-edge live resin or something that feels like a classic front-porch puff, there’s a product for you. Let us help you find it.