What Is TAC (Total Active Cannabinoid Content) and Why Is It Important?

What is TAC, and why do people seek this information when reading a cannabis product label? In short, TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids, a molecular profile indicating the chemical composition of a marijuana strain.

With adequate knowledge of 420 acronyms, you’ll know the expected intensity of the effects, allowing you to tailor the usage according to your needs.

Are you seeking comprehensive details about the listed active cannabis compounds on brand labels? Discover the information they provide and their importance, as we compare TAC vs. THC and discuss everything you should know.

Let’s jump in.

What can you find on a cannabis product label?

You’ll find basic information about a commodity on its label. The details may include the following:

Product name

This information typically describes the strain. It gives brand recognition, improves trust, and keeps customers familiar with the item.

Testing information

Don’t know what TAC is on a weed product? It’s usually on the same label as the test tag that lets you see the assessment date, time, and location. It provides details of the licensed lab that evaluated the strain for purity, quality, and potency.

Batch number

These digits help dispensaries keep records of marijuana commodities produced within the same period. It’s also a powerful tool for tracking and recalling goods with early expiration dates.

CBD and THC content

THC properties in marijuana products have an intoxicating impact, and research suggests that CBD counteracts these psychoactive effects. They’re the main compounds in weed, inducing sensations by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Whether TAC makes you high is another common question among curious users. The cannabinoid section displays THC and CBD content in mg on disposable vapes, topicals, and edibles. You’ll also find this information in percentages on extracts or vape cartridges.

Warning labels

You can learn about the associated risks and potential consequences of using the product on this label. It allows you to take proper precautions to prevent injuries. You might also find warnings from the government regarding consumption.

Terpene profile

TAC in weed products includes information about the terpenes responsible for its distinctive flavors and scents. Eucalyptol, limonene, linalool, and pinene are examples of these aromatic molecules.

Genetic information

This section defines your strain’s genetic composition and cannabis category. Pure sativas effects tend to be uplifting and energizing, while indicas are more sedating and relaxing.

You might also encounter hybrids, which combine sativa and indica properties and may induce balanced physical and mental sensations. 

Some dispensaries also compare THC vs. TAC to help users understand the content. You might also find the CBD information.

Manufacturer

You’ll learn details of the individual or company responsible for producing and processing the product. This information helps you make better buying and safeguarding decisions. It also enables you to avoid counterfeit, toxic, and defective items.

Expiration date

This previously determined date states the time after which consuming the goods is unsafe. It’s best to check the numbers because marijuana is enjoyable and most effective within a year of production.

What is TAC in weed and what information does it provide?

What does TAC mean in weed products? It offers greater insight into a cannabis strain’s overall active cannabinoid content at the time of testing. Most dispensaries and distributors require brands to provide this information.

Popular compounds include cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other examples include the active acidic versions, such as cannabidiolic or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).

TAC provides information about the strength and concentration of detectable cannabinoids in marijuana products before any decarboxylation (heating) occurs. It directs your attention to the flavonoids and terpenes profile, which determines the flavor and smell.

Novices who don’t know what TAC is in weed products can typically find the information on the packaging. Check the section providing the testing date and location. It might also take a QR code form or a table listing.

TAC and the entourage effect: Why does it matter?

What is TAC in weed, and what is its importance in the entourage effect? It matters because the theory describes the synergistic interaction between all the cannabinoids in marijuana.

These naturally occurring compounds, such as phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work simultaneously to produce the best results.

For example, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have unique effects but induce better physiological experiences when indulged together. They provide uniquely beneficial effects like whole-plant extracts.

Does TAC matter when selecting weed strains? It indicates what medical enthusiasts should expect from the entourage effect. It also improves dabbing or smoking experiences for recreational users, allowing you to tailor your desired results.

TAC vs. THC: What’s the difference?

Understanding cannabinoid information comprehensively is crucial when differentiating between TAC vs. THC. These components interact and enhance each other but come with a significant difference.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s euphoric and cerebral effects.

The Total Active Cannabinoid content offers information about all the cannabinoids, not just THC. It indicates the molecules interacting with the body directly and indirectly, influencing the overall effect.

Research shows that marijuana contains over 400 compounds. They’re generally categorized as follows:

• Flavonoids

• Terpenoids

• Cannabinoids

• Glycoproteins

• Alkaloids

This information is helpful when determining the product’s quality and potency. Some key marijuana cannabinoids include:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

This compound is an active cannabis ingredient, also known as delta-9-THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

THC binds and interacts with CB1 receptors to simulate endocannabinoids responsible for body functions. It’s generally believed that lower consumption delivers less intense effects. Higher doses might induce psychedelic effects, making you feel like your head is in the clouds.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is a non-intoxicating active ingredient in marijuana. Unlike high THC content, it’s not overwhelming and offers holistic benefits.

The compound’s effects negate the highness induced by psychoactive cannabinoids like THC. It’s a homodimeric enzyme that breaks down anandamide, also called a bliss compound. It could potentially benefit inflammation or migraine patients.

Cannabinol (CBN)

This lower version of THC is a cannabinoid found in marijuana plants with a wide array of therapeutic effects. It’s becoming increasingly popular as a sleep aid and contributes to joint, nerve, and muscle discomfort relief.

CBN doesn’t contain intoxicating properties and has neuroprotective abilities to protect nervous system structures and cells.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Another essential component in the Total Active Cannabinoids assessment is CBG. It’s a compound in weed that doesn’t impair your reasoning. It reduces the intoxicating effects of THC and sets the pace for other components to form.

CBG is known as cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) in the early stages. It’s where CBD forms before breaking down into nutrients with more UV light absorption. It turns into chemicals such as cannabidiolic and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a precursor to THC.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is a potent non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from CBGA. It interacts with the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which bring holistic efficacy to the entourage effect.

The compound’s presence amplifies the health benefits of marijuana when directly linked with other cannabinoids. The effects might help inflammation patients.

Total Active Cannabinoids vs. Total Aerobic Count

The content of Total Active Cannabinoids (TAC) is essential information for consumers on a product label. It gives you the necessary details to fine-tune your experience as desired.

People with access to the full laboratory testing results could encounter the aerobic count displayed in numbers. It has a similar acronym expression as the active cannabinoids count that often confuses enthusiasts.

TAC also refers to Total Aerobic Count, which is a term in the agriculture industry. It’s a microbial testing or lab assessment that determines the number of microbes in a commodity. It gives consumers insights into the product’s harmful organisms, such as mildew and mold.

The Total Aerobic Count can’t determine if the microbial content is beneficial or pathogenic. A low or high percentage doesn’t mean the cannabis commodities are free of pathogens or harmful to consumers.

For example, many marijuana cultivators use Bacillus subtilis, a remarkably diverse bacterial species, for plant protection. This benign organism isn’t toxigenic or pathogenic to humans, plants, and animals. It also doesn’t possess traits that cause harmful diseases.

Manufacturers provide the results of TAC in weed strains as required by regulators. It’s a requirement before they reach the consumer.

Key takeaways

TAC isn’t present in every cannabis product. You might not find the sum of detectable compounds on a label but rather a percentage of the chemical composition.

Learning what TAC is and how to read labels is crucial when selecting the best marijuana products. It makes it easier to tailor your dosage for specific needs, experiment with different cannabinoids, and predict the impact of your experience.

Whether you enjoy recreational or medical cannabis, you’ll find different molecules working to improve your experience. Check out our blog for more insightful articles.