Getting a high from using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the key reasons people use marijuana. But the potency level of THC has been rising quickly over the years, and pot is much stronger than it was in the past. However, not everyone is looking to get as high as possible, and that's why there could be a more prominent trend among casual users: "lite" bud.

Company launches "LiteBud" brand

In January, Vireo Health (OTC:VREOF) announced it was launching a brand of products dubbed "LiteBud" in an attempt to meet the needs of consumers looking for a buzz as opposed to getting downright stoned.
One of the dangers for new marijuana users is that THC levels can be very high and lead to some bad experiences and unwanted side effects. Rather than producing a calming effect, high THC levels can lead to panic attacks and increase a person's paranoia and anxiety. For people consuming marijuana for the first time, this can create a negative experience with pot and put people off cannabis right from the get-go.
A cannabis greenhouse
IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES.
The THC percentage, which is the THC content as a percentage of the flower's dry weight, indicates how potent the cannabis product is. From 1995 to 2014, the Drug Enforcement Agency saw THC potency levels rise from 4% to 12%. Today, however, it's possible to find products that have THC levels of more than 25%.

Why there's a need for low-THC products

Cannabis users don't need high levels of THC to get a high or the calming effect they're after. And that's where a "lite" product may have a broad appeal. A less potent product may help users avoid unexpected side effects. Delivering a positive, consistent experience can be key to attracting and keeping new cannabis users.
Relying on potency to evaluate marijuana also may not be ideal, as THC percentages can often be inaccurate and inflated. Different testing labs in different states test cannabis using varying methods and technology, and thus some of those highly potent marijuana products may not be as potent as users expect them to be.
Without standardized testing procedures across the country, there's plenty of room for discrepancies to take place. That's an additional reason why mainstream cannabis consumers may not have an incentive to seek out high-THC products. Not only could the effects be adverse, but the potency levels may not be as advertised.