If you’re a newer cannabis user, chances are you look at one of a strain’s properties more than any other to determine its effects. What’s that trait? THC percentage, of course!
It makes sense at first. THC gives cannabis its distinct psychoactive high. That must mean that a higher THC concentration means more powerful marijuana, right?
Not exactly. In fact, hundreds of other active ingredients in cannabis plants play a role in determining a strain’s properties. In this post, we’ll dive into exactly what those traits are.
Decoding THC Percentage and Its Effects
Don’t get us wrong. THC percentage is definitely an important factor when determining a strain’s properties. For one, THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, according to scientific data. As a partial agonist for your body’s CB1 receptors, it triggers the altered state known as a “high.”
What Plays a Role in a Strain’s Effects Other Than THC?
Other ingredients in cannabis can give us a fuller picture of a strain’s effects. Generally, these ingredients fall into one of two broad categories. The first includes cannabinoids, while the second consists of a family of compounds called terpenes.
Cannabinoids
CannabinoidsCannabinoids have the biggest impact on a strain’s effects. While the percentages of the two main cannabinoids, THC and CBD, get the most attention, hundreds of individual cannabinoids exist in nature.
Cannabinoids develop naturally in marijuana plants as they mature. What’s more, they all have a part to play in how a strain makes you feel.
Unfortunately, minor cannabinoids are still fairly mysterious. Scientists have yet to scratch the surface of many cannabinoids’ traits. However, scientists have discovered traits apparently inherent to some minor cannabinoids. Some of these include:
- Cannabigerol (CBG), which may help a strain reduce stress along with a host of other possible benefits.
- Cannabichromene (CBC), a rare cannabinoid that appears to reduce inflammation and could help reduce seizures.
- Cannabinol (CBN), a minor cannabinoid that’s seen a lot of recent interest. It also may be able to reduce inflammation and banish stress. In addition, it may exhibit sedative properties.
When you’re looking at new strains, search their ingredients for any significant amounts of minor cannabinoids (greater than 1 percent). Even trace amounts of minor cannabinoids can influence how a strain makes you feel.
Terpenes
Cannabinoids aren’t the sole determinant of a strain’s traits, though. Another class of organic compounds called terpenes appear to play an increasingly important role in a strain’s high.
Terpenes are well-known for their powerful aromas and flavors. But that’s not all. Cannabis terpenes also have just as important a role in a strain’s effects as THC percentage. Some common terpenes in cannabis include:
- Linalool: One of the most abundant terpenes in the world, you can also find linalool in aromatic plants like lavender. It appears to demonstrate some anti-inflammatory effects.
- Pinene: Another common terpene that often appears in coniferous trees. It possesses a distinct piney scent and may also be able to reduce inflammation.
- Caryophyllene: This unique molecule appears to act both as a terpene and as a cannabinoid. It also gives pepper its flavor!
The next time you stop by our Lake Elsinore dispensary, take a look at the COA (certificate of analysis) on your products to see what cannabinoids and terpenes are in your favorite products! Or better yet, ask us about our Medcare Flower and what effects you can feel from the different strains.
