Beyond THC
Cannabis Phenotype: The cannabis plant is renowned for its unique chemical compounds, which contribute to its effects. While THC may be the most well-known cannabinoid, it’s far from the only one that plays a role in the plant’s impact on your mind and body. Since 1964, when chemist Raphael Mechoulam isolated THC, researchers have discovered over 75 other cannabinoids that interact to produce unique effects.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The magic of cannabis doesn’t lie solely in its THC content. Instead, it’s the combination of cannabinoids working together that creates the plant’s full range of effects. This synergy is known as the Entourage Effect, a term coined by Dr. Mechoulam. The idea is that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds interact to enhance or modify the overall experience in ways that isolated THC cannot.
For example:
- A strain with high THC and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) levels may deliver an energetic, uplifting experience similar to a vodka energy drink.
- In contrast, a strain with higher levels of cannabichromene (CBC) combined with THC might produce a more dreamy, relaxed effect, akin to sipping on absinthe.
Potency Percentages: Understanding Cannabinoid Profiles
The potency of cannabinoids in each strain is determined through a process called chromatography, which measures the percentage of each cannabinoid relative to the overall weight of the sample. Here’s a breakdown of typical cannabinoid levels found in most cannabis strains:
- THCV: Less than 1%
- CBC: Less than 1%
- CBG: Less than 1%
- CBN: Less than 1%
- CBD: 1-4%
- THC: 8-20%
How Cannabinoids Influence Your Experience
Cannabis chemistry is often compared to alcohol chemistry. Just as the flavor and effects of different alcoholic drinks vary, so do the effects of cannabis strains. According to e#image_titlexperts like Klaas Hesselink and Derek Houston from Cannatest Labs, the combination of cannabinoids can significantly change how a strain feels:
- A 21% THC strain with 3% CBG might feel less potent than a 16% THC strain with a mix of CBC or other modulating cannabinoids.
- Drinking a heavily hopped IPA may leave you feeling relaxed and sleepy, just as a strain rich in CBG might induce a similar effect.
Finding the Right Balance
Ultimately, it’s not just about the THC percentage. The entourage effect teaches us that the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and even the growing conditions can alter how a strain impacts you. This is why a strain with lower THC but a richer mix of cannabinoids may provide a more balanced and enjoyable high.
Discover cannabis strains that harness the full power of the entourage effect at BuyBudzUK and explore a selection tailored to your desired experience.
