SCIENCE

“Cannabis consumers have always maintained that different types (strains, or chemical varieties, chemovars) produce distinct effects, whether this be with respect to their psychoactivity or to their therapeutic attributes. Strains are often designated as sativa, indica, or a hybrid. These labels are quite misleading as applied in the marketplace, however. In contrast, the scientific community has generally focused on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as the primary or only important variable. It is clear that until very recently, selective breeding in cannabis for the recreational and medicinal markets have produced THC-predominant cannabis to the exclusion of other cannabinoids. Some researchers have stressed the importance of additional components, especially terpenoids, the aromatic components of cannabis that like cannabinoids are produced in glandular trichomes, as important modulators of cannabis effects (McPartland & Russo, 2001, Russo 2011).”

 

Terpenes, while primarily known for their role in the aroma of cannabis, also have various effects on the body and mind. They interact with cannabinoids and other compounds to influence the overall experience of a cannabis strain.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis. It’s the terpenes that are primarily responsible for the distinctive scents of different strains. Each terpene contributes its own unique aroma, which helps to characterize and differentiate strains (Terpinolene is that turpentine thickness you get in Durban Poison and Gary Payton). The combination and concentration of terpenes creates its overall fragrance. Terpenes impact our physiology; they can influence mood, stress levels, and other bodily functions through their interactions with cannabinoids and their own therapeutic properties.

How the flower smells, gives you an idea of what it’s going to do for you.

The effects of a cannabis strain are the product of interactions between the cannabinoids available (THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, etc.) and the terpenes. This interaction is known as “The Entourage/Ensemble Effect.” These reactions transform each strain into something unique. Higher THC is not necessarily a better ‘high’, but high in terpenes? Yes, please. Conversely, strain names are notoriously unreliable and that doesn’t even take into account a possible 20% in pheno variation. If you’re in a dispensary, ask to see the specific COA for the flower you are purchasing, it should tell you the percentage of terpenes and which ones are dominant. If you’re ‘in the wild’ – rely on your nose.

Terpene profiles can vary considerably from strain to strain and even within a strain depending on how each plant was grown (e.g., full sun versus light deprived or indoor). The seemingly unlimited combinations of terpenes found in cannabis can result in a spectrum of effects, some pronounced and others more subtle. Effects will vary from person to person as well as with dosage size, method and frequency.

Previously, and inaccurately, the effects of cannabis have been described as either ‘stimulating’ or ‘sedating’ – sativa or indica respectively. We now know that things are a bit more complex – what we previously thought of as one-or-the-other, is actually more of an integrated spectrum.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that have the unique ability to interact and impact our endocannabinoid system and produce a wide array of effects throughout the body. Over 100 different cannabinoids have been identified, each with their own effects. Except for THC, most cannabinoids are not psychoactive. 

Phenols, thiols and flavonoids are additional compound that can contribute to the aroma of a flower in different ways:

• Phenols: often have strong, distinctive odors and can add smoky, woody or medicinal notes.
• Thiols: are strong, pungent smells often providing ‘sulphurous’ or ‘dank’ undertones.
• Flavonoids: may be a modifier.