Total Active Cannabinoids, or TAC, is a comprehensive measurement found on cannabis product labels. It represents the combined percentage of all potentially active cannabinoids within a product. While many consumers are familiar with individual cannabinoid percentages like THC or CBD, TAC provides a broader overview of the product’s overall cannabinoid composition. This metric considers both active compounds and their inactive, acidic precursors, offering a more complete picture of what a cannabis product truly contains.
Components of TAC
TAC encompasses a range of cannabinoids, including well-known compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It also includes other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). The measurement also accounts for acidic precursors, like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These acidic forms are naturally abundant in raw cannabis.
Cannabinoids in their acidic form, such as THCA and CBDA, transform into their active forms (THC and CBD) through decarboxylation. This conversion typically occurs when cannabis is exposed to heat, for example, during smoking, vaping, or cooking. TAC reflects the full spectrum of cannabinoids that can become active and contribute to the product’s effects after this conversion.
Understanding Its Significance
Understanding TAC provides consumers with a more complete assessment of a cannabis product’s potential effects and potency. Rather than focusing solely on the percentage of THC, which indicates psychoactive potential, TAC offers a holistic view of the entire cannabinoid profile. This broader perspective allows consumers to make more informed choices tailored to their desired experience, whether for recreational enjoyment or specific wellness goals.
The significance of TAC is closely tied to the “entourage effect,” a concept suggesting that various compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes, work together synergistically. This combined action can enhance the overall effects and therapeutic benefits beyond what any single cannabinoid might offer alone. A product with a higher TAC value suggests a richer and more diverse cannabinoid profile, which may contribute to a more nuanced or comprehensive experience.
Measuring TAC Content
TAC content is determined through specialized laboratory testing processes. Laboratories utilize methods like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to precisely measure the levels of individual cannabinoids in a cannabis sample. Unlike older methods that might degrade acidic cannabinoids with heat, HPLC can accurately quantify both active cannabinoids and their acidic precursors.
After individual cannabinoid levels are measured, TAC is calculated by summing the percentages of these identified active compounds. This calculation often includes a conversion factor for acidic cannabinoids to estimate their potential active form. This standardized approach provides a comprehensive percentage representing the total active cannabinoid content.