Have you ever walked into a dispensary and asked for the highest testing flower?
It’s not surprising that percentage may seem like a good indicator of the quality of the flower.
After all, it’s what the majority of consumers search for when they shop at a dispensary. So why not go for the product that is flying off the shelves? The products your friend recommended because it tests above 30%. Percentage and pricing are the main selling points for many budtenders, but others might take the time to explain the importance of terpenes rather than THC percentage.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the primary components of essential oils. They are responsible for the smell of many plants. In cannabis, terpenes play an important role in the influence of the effect as well.
Terpenes and Effects:
There are over 200 different types of terpenes found in cannabis plants, about 10 main terpenes or “terps”. As mentioned before, different terpenes have different effects in cannabis, such as mitigating inflammation, or aid sleeping problems. If you were able to familiarize yourself with the different effects these terpenes provide, it can make choosing a strain that works for you easier.
Example of Terpenes
Pinene:
Pinene, like the name suggests, is found in trees like pine trees. It has a woody aroma, and is one of the most commonly encountered terpenes in nature. It is also found in parsley, rosemary and basil. The therapeutic effects Pinene provides include anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and pain relieving properties. This terpene is abundant in both sativa and indica dominant strains, like AK-47, Grape Ape and Blue Dream.
Myrcene:
Myrcene is also an abundant turbine found in Cannabis. This terpene gives off an earthy and musky aroma. It is found mainly in Indica dominant strains and is known for its sedative properties. High Myrcene strains include Nightmare Cookies, OG Kush and Bruce Banner. This terpene is found in mango, lemongrass, and hops. You may have heard that eating a mango after smoking increases the effects of cannabis. That’s because Myrcene not only works in synergy with cannabinoids like THC but it allows for a higher absorption through the blood-brain barrier because it makes cell membranes more permeable.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are compounds that are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. Some include THC, CBD, and CBG. Cannabinoids have different effects. For example, THC is a psychoactive and CBD is non-psychoactive. Cannabinoids work better together than they do alone just like terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids to increase the effect of strains.
THC
THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It interacts with the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, mainly. The therapeutic properties of THC have been known to help aid the side effects that cancer patients experience, such as nausea and pain.
CBD
CBD is one of the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. This cannabinoid interacts with both the CB one and CB2 receptors making it a popular option for those looking for relief without the “high”. It has many therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-epileptic properties.
Entourage Effect: Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Tepernes work effectively on their own but when combined with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD, then the effects of both are enhanced.
THC Percentage
So when does THC percentage come into play? Does percentage have a major influence on the effect of different cannabis strains? The demand for high THC percentage is a relatively newer demand for cannabis cultivators. Retail numbers have made many in the industry aware that it does not matter if it is indoor or outdoor grown cannabis, if the percentage on a strain is high enough, it will most likely be the first to sell out on the shelves.
Testing
38,681 samples of confiscated cannabis materials submitted by DEA regional laboratories from from 1995 to 2014 were analyzed. The samples showed that the percentage of THC in cannabis plant material had risen over the span of almost 2 decades. Material from 1995 tested at 4% compared to material from 2014 which tested at approximately 12%.
Science and Percentages
According to a study conducted by the University of Colorado and published in JAMA Psychiatry, THC potency levels do not create higher intoxication levels. It was observed that the main effect high testing THC products had was a spike of THC in blood levels, which suggested that a quicker tolerance builds up with regular consumption of higher testing THC products. This study also suggested that biological differences can cause a faster metabolism of THC for some.
Synergy in Cannabis
Many factors play an important role when it comes to the effect of cannabis strains. As mentioned above, terpenes and cannabinoids have a major influence in cannabis and on our Endocannanbinoid System. Researching what effects each terpene have can help curate your cannabis experience exactly to your liking, so remember to look past THC percentage!
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/myrcene
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4987131/
