THC v. Terpenes

#CannaLaw

Dec 20

Reposted with permission from @SHALWETOKE

What’s More Important? THC or Terpenes?

That’s been the hot question all 2021 whenever a consumer purchases cannabis. Should they be focusing on the THC percentage, or the Terpene profile, or perhaps both and more?

Consumers, particularly new ones, are now usually looking at the THC percentage to determine the potency and effect of the product. They’ve associated this to be there “determining factor” of the best cannabis.

However, this doesn’t always paint an accurate picture of whether or not the cannabis one is consuming is in fact at the desired potency, taste, and effect one hopes for.

A study was done in Boulder, Colorado where half of participants were given cannabis flower and half were given cannabis concentrates.

The THC percentage in the flower that was given to participants ranged from 16-24% while the THC percentage in concentrates was at either 70 or 90%.

Interesting to note, the self-reported intoxication levels were about the same for both the flower and the concentrates.

This is why the percentage of THC alone doesn’t seem to be the determining factor.

Instead, we should look to the “entourage effect” to determine potency, taste, and effect which takes the combination of THC, CBD and terpenes.

Not all cannabis flower has the same terpene or cannabinoid profile. Terpenes alone have their own distinct smell which can help determine what type of strain the flower is.

For example, if you’ve ever had a Lemon Haze strain you’ll definitely smell limonene which is a type of terpene that produces a citrus-lemon like scent.

Cannabis brands should really to step out of this THC percentage craze. Instead, they should focus on what’s truly important in determining the quality of cannabis. Its best to focus on highlighting the different types of terpenes in that particular cannabis strain on their packaging to help educate consumers.

Education is a vital part of helping the legalization movement. Most people who haven’t been smoking for years or are uneducated about cannabis even if they do smoke, are especially vulnerable to falling prey to these latest trends.

Focusing on the terpene profile and other qualities instead of only the THC percentage is an important step in educating consumers the right way.

Because believe me, the plant has more benefits than just getting you high.

This was my headline as a weekly Correspondent on The State of Cannabis NewsHour: Your Daily Dose exclusively on Clubhouse.