Ever wonder why there is not just a difference in the experience, when using different Cannabis varieties, but also between people using the exact same product? When friends who have never used or are new to using cannabis find out about our business, High Mountain Organics and my part in it, the questions start coming and this generally leads to me saying “the effect is different for everyone”.
As a big part of my processing experience comes from the alcohol-beverage world, I am used to a product that comes in a variety of versions all promising a different experience. In the end, alcohol is alcohol, the difference is not necessarily in the effect but in the experience and taste. Cannabis on the other hand, gives you the same plus different experiences in the body, mind and some people say even soul.
Cannabis contains multiple cannabinoids, most people know about THC and CBD, but there is CBG, CBN, CBC, THCA, THCV, CBDA, Delta-9, Delta-10, Delta 8, Delta-6, Delta 11, CBE CBB CBI (still new ones are being discovered and isolated). Each different Cannabinoid will have different effect on the body and are being studied by labs for their use in other products and medicines. THC is THC, regardless of the product e.g. indica, sativa or hybrid. It’s the combination of all these cannabinoids that create the experience. The effects or experience is more than how strong the THC is, different levels and combinations which lead to different experiences whether you are on the couch unable to move or in contrast are being creative and active while “high”.
In addition, there are terpenes in cannabis which supply the taste and smells of the product, enhancing certain experiences and adding another factor to the experience. There are over 20,000 types of terpenes out there and at about 120 of them have been identified in Cannabis. There is extensive research being done on terpenes and their effect on the body. Combine that with each person having a different body chemistry and cannabinoid receptors you have the statement “the effect is different for everyone”.
This is the Entourage Effect which is why only looking at the THC percentage can be deceptive when trying to explain or quantify the effect of a particle strain to a newbie. As a plant, there are so many differences between strains and even inside strains. A good analogy is that of tomato plants, each variety is different in its taste and use. In addition, there are differences even between plants of the same stock.
The human body is a complex system, composed of multiple cannabinoid receptors. Add the different metabolism, different types of cannabinoids, terpenes and different absorption rates for each person based on the body chemistry and it is no wonder the difference in effect at the individual level.
The Terpene profile, the Cannabinoid profile and your metabolism all play a role in your “high”. Yes usually, the higher the THC the higher the high. That being said, if you are one that want to be functional, try different varieties and do your research and remember, higher is not necessarily better.
Richard HMO QAP
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