Both beginners and seasoned connoisseurs should learn about the contents of things they are consuming. Cannabis contains a large variety of naturally derived compounds, and cannabis products can contain specific components for specific effects. To pick a desired product, understanding TAC is the essential step. Here’s everything you should know about it.
What is TAC?
TAC stands for total active cannabinoids in a cannabis product. The TAC label can be found on the packaging of any cannabis product from reputable, licensed dispensaries. Some are displayed on the front, while others are on the back of the packaging. TAC can be found across a variety of cannabis products, including:
- Cannabis flower
- Pre-rolls and infused pre-rolls
- Concentrates
- Edibles
- Vape cartridges
- Tinctures
TAC can be displayed in several ways, depending on the product type. Edibles like gummies, chocolate, baked goods, as well as tinctures and oils display TAC in mg (milligrams). TAC can also be displayed in percentages, for instance, a product can have 20% total active cannabinoids.
Understanding Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally derived chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Every cannabis product contains certain cannabinoids, including the most notable ones, THC and CBD. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound, while CBD, also known as canabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound. Other cannabinoids include:
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Acidic Cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA)
Acidic Cannabinoids become active cannabinoids through a process of decarboxylation (heating), turning THCA or CBDA into THC or CBD. Each cannabinoid has a function and offers specific effects when it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
THC vs TAC
The difference between TAC and THC is that the TAC number represents the total percentage of every active cannabinoid within a cannabis product, while the THC number only states the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) percentage. Oftentimes, cannabis products would separate THC from TAC and display it as the primary cannabinoid, while having the rest of the active cannabinoids on a separate label.
What is Included Within the TAC
The majority of the cannabis products on the market contain THC, with a clear label that states the THC levels. But a lot of products also contain other cannabinoids, and the label should include a list and the percentage of active cannabinoids that can be found in the product.
What is Not Included Within the TAC
Not all labels are the same, as a lot of them can also include terpenes and flavonoids of that strain, which is separate from the total active cannabinoids content list (TAC). Terpenes can shape the overall taste of the cannabis flower, as they offer distinct flavors. Some notable terpenes include:
- Limonene (citrusy aroma)
- Pinene (pine-like aroma)
- Linalool (floral aroma)
- Myrcene (earthy or musky aroma)
Why is TAC so Important?
Cannabis products sold by credible, licensed sellers have labels that state the overall potency of the product, which cannabinoids it includes, and their percentage. Reading and understanding TAC can tell the cannabis users what to expect, depending on their preferences and personal tolerance to cannabis. This can also help the consumer decide if the product is good for them or not, so reading the label is always recommended before purchasing.
For a safe, pleasurable cannabis experience, always check the label. Find your nearest dispensary and explore the selection of cannabis products.