Do Percentages Matter in Cannabis?
Most people would assume cannabis is like alcohol, the higher the percentage the more you feel it, but that’s not the case with cannabis. With cannabis, many researchers refer to the _entourage effect_ when exploring the effects of cannabis _._ The _entourage effect_ is a concept suggesting that the different compounds inside cannabis work together synergistically (cooperative manner) to create therapeutic effects unique to each individual. Instead of one single compound (like THC or CBD) acting alone, the whole spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids within the plant interact with one another to enhance and generally modify the overall effect. This can potentially amplify the desired effects of the user, such as pain relief, and reduce adverse side effects, as the various compounds balance each other out. This is why percentages of THC don’t make a difference for most cannabis smokers, the specific terpenes are much more significant.
How To Shape Your Cannabis Experience
Ever wonder why two cannabis strains with similar THC percentages can feel so different?Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and are responsible for the distinctive scents of different strains. However, they do more than contribute to smell; terpenes play a vital role in shaping the quality of the cannabis experience, influencing not only the aroma but also the therapeutic and psychoactive effects. More studies are still needed to understand exactly how the _entourage effect_ works and its impact on individual responses. Each cannabis strain has a unique terpene profile, and these profiles can create specific sensations.
Myrcene, a terpene also found in hops and thyme, has a musky, earthy aroma and is known for its sedative properties, often promoting relaxation and enhancing the calming effects of THC
Limonene, which carries a citrusy scent, can elevate mood and reduce stress, potentially complementing cannabis strains intended for daytime use or social settings.
* Linalool, a terpene found in lavender, has anti-anxiety and analgesic properties, often enhancing the calming effects of CBD-dominant strains.
How Do Terpenes Impact Your Health?
Terpenes can impact how cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS regulates various physiological processes such as mood, pain, and immune response. The presence of specific terpenes can amplify or balance out these effects. For instance, the combination of THC with myrcene might provide more potent relaxation than THC alone, due to a process often associated with the _entourage effect_. This synergy means that terpenes play a significant role in determining whether a strain will feel more energizing or sedating, proving the lack of significance of sativa and indica. Many terpenes exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, or antimicrobial properties. For example, beta-caryophyllene, often found in black pepper and cloves, has anti-inflammatory properties and uniquely interacts with the ECS by binding to the CB2 receptor, potentially providing pain relief without psychoactivity. Such properties suggest that terpene-rich, full-spectrum cannabis products may offer broader health benefits.
The traditional distinction between _sativa_ and _indica_ cannabis strains—where sativas are said to produce uplifting effects and indicas are thought to be relaxing—is increasingly seen as an oversimplification. The terms _sativa_ and _indica_ have become entrenched in cannabis culture, despite their oversimplification of the diverse range of cannabis strains and their effects:
Historical Context: The classification of cannabis into sativa and indica has roots in botanical taxonomy, dating back to the 18th century. These terms were used to describe different physical characteristics of the plants, such as leaf shape and growth patterns.
Consumer Familiarity: Many consumers are more familiar with the sativa/indica dichotomy than with more complex classifications like chemovars. These terms have become shorthand for the effects that users can expect, even though the relationship is not scientifically precise. This familiarity is seen as an easy way for users to navigate the overwhelming variety of cannabis products available.
Marketing and Branding: The cannabis industry often relies on these terms for marketing purposes. Strains labeled as "sativa" may be promoted as energizing or uplifting, while "indica" strains are marketed as relaxing or sedating. This simplistic classification can be a straightforward way to communicate potential effects to consumers who may not have a deep understanding of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cultural Tradition: The distinction between sativa and indica has become a part of cannabis culture and conversation. Many users share their experiences based on these categories, reinforcing their use in community discussions and social settings.
Limited Understanding of Terpenes: While there is growing awareness of the role terpenes and the entourage effect play in the cannabis experience, many consumers may not fully understand these concepts. As education about cannabis chemistry increases, the reliance on sativa and indica may diminish, but for now, they are widely recognized labels.
Ease of Communication: For many, using sativa and indica provides a quick way to express and discuss cannabis preferences, even if it's a simplification. It can serve as a jumping-off point for more in-depth discussions about specific strains and their effects.
While the cannabis community is slowly shifting toward a more nuanced understanding of strains through chemovars and chemical profiles, the legacy of sativa and indica continues to influence how cannabis is categorized and consumed. As awareness grows, it’s likely that consumers will increasingly seek out information about the specific chemical compositions of strains to make more informed choices.
This conventional categorization is based largely on the plant’s physical characteristics, such as leaf shape and growth pattern, rather than what actually matters- its chemical profile. What actually drives the effects of a given strain are its cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes, not necessarily its classification as sativa or indica. This is where terpenes come into play, reshaping how we understand the effects of different strains.Terpenes influence whether a strain feels energizing, calming, or something in between, which means that the effect often attributed to a sativa or an indica may actually come from the strain’s specific terpene profile rather than its plant type. For example, limonene, a terpene mentioned earlier is associated with alertness and mood enhancement, is commonly found in what people consider “sativa” strains, leading to an uplifting effect. Meanwhile, the terpene myrcene mentioned earlier, known for its sedative properties, appears in many “indica” strains, which explains the calming,_couch-lock_ effect typically associated with indica varieties. In reality, a high-myrcene “sativa” can feel sedating, and a high-limonene “indica” can feel energizing, illustrating that terpenes are substantially more influential than the plant’s classification. With this in mind, cannabis researchers and experts are moving away from the binary classification of indica and sativa in favor of a chemical profile approach. They focus on a strain’s “chemovar”—a chemical fingerprint that includes its cannabinoid and terpene content. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how a particular strain will affect a person and helps consumers select strains based on desired effects rather than by outdated labels.
Ultimately, because terpenes drive the effects of cannabis, the sativa-indica distinction is increasingly irrelevant for predicting a strain’s impact. Instead, knowing a strain’s terpene content offers a more accurate and reliable way to anticipate its effects, aligning it with specific therapeutic needs or experiences. However, much about how terpenes influence the overall cannabis experience remains under study. Individual responses to terpenes can vary significantly, with genetics, tolerance, and even personal scent preferences playing a role. As research advances, a deeper understanding of terpenes and chemovars may allow for customized cannabis experiences, tailored to desired effects and therapeutic needs. For now, terpenes continue to add a layer of complexity to cannabis, making them essential for the unique effects they bring to each strain and experience.
