Why THC Isn’t Everything
When many people begin exploring medical cannabis, THC percentage is often the first number they look for. It’s become one of the most recognizable measurements on cannabis packaging, leading many consumers to assume that higher THC automatically means a better product. The reality is far more nuanced.
In this edition of the Mendo Education Series, Glen Coyle, Founder of Six One Charlie and Canadian Armed Forces veteran, shares his perspective on how cannabis products should be evaluated, why consistency matters, and why choosing the right product starts with understanding the desired outcome—not simply chasing the highest potency.
Watch the full conversation below.
Why Six One Charlie Was Created
Six One Charlie was founded with a clear objective: simplify product selection while maintaining uncompromising quality. After experiencing inconsistencies within the medical cannabis market, Glen drew upon his military reconnaissance background to develop a different approach to product selection. Rather than offering the largest catalogue possible, Six One Charlie focuses on carefully evaluating products before they become available to members.
The philosophy is straightforward: perform the research, evaluate the products, and provide members with options that meet a consistent standard of quality.
THC Is Only One Part of the Story
One of the most common misconceptions in cannabis is that THC percentage alone determines quality. While potency certainly plays a role for many members, it does not tell the complete story. Throughout the discussion, Glen explains that some cultivars testing in the low twenties consistently deliver a better overall experience than products with significantly higher THC percentages. Factors such as genetics, terpene profile, cultivation practices, curing and overall product quality all contribute to how a product performs.
For many members, understanding these factors can be more valuable than simply selecting the highest number on the label.
Start With Your Goal
Rather than asking, “What’s the strongest product available?”, Glen encourages members to begin with a different question:
What are you trying to accomplish?
The answer helps guide product selection.
For example:
- Supporting restful sleep
- Managing discomfort
- Promoting daytime function
- Reducing anxiety
- Relaxing after work
Different products may be better suited to different situations, making education an important part of the decision-making process.
Cannabis Is Personal
One of the recurring themes throughout the conversation is that cannabis affects everyone differently. A cultivar that works exceptionally well for one member may produce very different results for someone else.
For this reason, there is no universal “best” product. Finding the right cannabis often involves understanding personal goals, individual tolerance and the unique characteristics of each product.
Looking Beyond THC
The conversation also explores the growing interest in cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD. Compounds such as CBN and THCV are becoming increasingly important as research continues to explore their potential roles within medical cannabis.
As product innovation continues to evolve, members have access to more targeted options than ever before, allowing product selection to focus on specific goals rather than simply potency.
Every Product Must Earn Its Place
Quality assurance extends well beyond laboratory results.
Before a product becomes part of the Six One Charlie lineup, it undergoes extensive evaluation for factors including:
- Visual appearance
- Aroma
- Moisture content
- Flavour
- Consumption experience
- Overall consistency
This philosophy extends across multiple product categories, including flower, edibles and wellness products. The objective is not to offer the largest selection—but to offer products that consistently meet a high standard.
The Value of Education
As the medical cannabis landscape continues to evolve, education remains one of the most valuable tools available to members. Understanding cannabinoids, terpene profiles, cultivation methods and intended outcomes allows members to make more informed decisions and move beyond selecting products based solely on THC percentage.
Conversations like this are designed to provide insight directly from the people developing, evaluating and advancing cannabis products across Canada.
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