When it comes to cannabis products, stronger isn’t always better. Many people enjoy potent cannabis products, but it’s important to note that THC percentage doesn’t always tell the full story. There are a few other factors that play a role in how you experience a cannabis product. At the Superior Dispensary, we believe that once you find the right product, “you’re ganja have a good time.”

When you’re looking at cannabis products, THC percentage matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Here’s what else you should consider.

 

Why THC Percentage Matters in Your Weed Experience

When shopping for cannabis, THC percentage, or potency, is the main factor people focus on. This makes sense because THC is easy to understand; more potent strains typically feel stronger, while less potent strains feel less strong.

But THC is not the only compound that plays a role in your experience with a cannabis product, and strength is not the only indicator of a good cannabis product. A good cannabis product should feel balanced. Some people enjoy highly potent cannabis products, but many people just want to feel better, not overtly high.

Much of what shapes an enjoyable experience with cannabis is the right dose of THC, not the most potent product possible.

Focusing only on THC potency ignores a host of other factors that influence how a cannabis product affects you. More and more, research is showing that the effects of cannabis are due to many components working together – including minor cannabinoids and terpenes, in what’s called the entourage effect.

What Really Shapes Your Weed Experience

 

Minor Cannabinoids

The cannabis plant makes over 100 cannabinoids, and THC is just one of them. Other cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN are increasingly common in cannabis products and may help provide a balance to the potency of THC.

While the plant makes many cannabinoids, most of these occur in tiny quantities. There are only a handful of cannabinoids, at present, that occur in large enough quantities in the plant for us to take advantage of them.

The most common cannabinoids you may see in an Arizona dispensary, other than THC, are these.

CBD

A widely popular, non-intoxicating cannabinoid. CBD brings balance to THC’s potency and is enjoyed even by people who don’t want to get high.

CBG

CBG is the first cannabinoid made in the plant, often described as feeling similar to CBD.

CBN

CBN is a degradation of THC and has gained popularity for its potential sleep benefits.

CBC

Uncommon but found occasionally in tinctures or gummies. CBC is actually the third-most abundant cannabinoid in the plant.

Acidic Cannabinoids

There are also acidic forms of the cannabinoids (THCa, CBDa, CBGa, and so on). These cannabinoids can only exist in certain product forms, like tinctures.

 

Terpenes

Terpenes, or terps as they’re often called in dispensaries, are aromatic compounds that are found in every plant in nature. Terpenes influence how a plant smells and tastes, including cannabis. Additionally, terpenes are thought to act as a part of the entourage effect, where all the compounds in cannabis work together to create stronger synergistic effects.

You already know and recognize many terpenes; just think about the bright pop of lemon in your kitchen cleaner or the soothing scent of lavender in an aromatherapy candle. Many common terpenes are found in cannabis, and all of them play a part in your experience with a certain product.

There are thousands of terpenes in the world, but a handful of them are common in cannabis.

Most Common Terpenes in Cannabis

1. Myrcene: the single most common terpene found in cannabis; if you’ve consumed, you’ve had this terpene before. Commonly associated with “couch-lock” sensations and strong body highs.
2. Beta-caryophyllene: also called “caryophyllene”, this terpene holds the rare honor of interacting with your endocannabinoid system. Some people report that BCP feels relaxing.
3. Limonene: bright like ripe citrus, many people notice specific notes of lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit in limonene-rich strains. Often thought to be energizing and cerebral.
4. Linalool: aromatherapy’s favorite scent, like walking through a blooming field of lavender. Research suggests this terp can be calming and relaxing.
5. Pinene: fresh like a pine forest. There are two kinds of pinene you may see in cannabis, alpha and beta-pinene. Many people feel pinene is cerebral and invigorating.
6. Terpinolene: not quite as common as other terps, Terpinolene is beloved in strains that it is dominant in, like Jack Herer.
7. Humulone: often smells like hops or brewing beer, thought to be slightly sedating.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is a theory that states that the compounds in the cannabis plant work synergistically together and that consuming these compounds together may produce more therapeutic effects. These products that hold all of the compounds are called “full-spectrum” products.

Some believers of the entourage theory only consider cannabinoids, while others expand their theory to include terpenes and other compounds like flavonoids as well.

Superior Terpene Education at Superior Arizona Dispensary

The Superior Dispensary in Phoenix, Arizona, offers a full-service retail experience for cannabis, catering to consumers of all experience levels.

Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you walk through different terpene profiles and minor cannabinoids and make selections you’re excited to try. You can explore a wide selection of lab-tested THC and CBD products, from flower, prerolls, and concentrates, to edibles, topicals, and tinctures with many different terpene profiles.

At Superior, it’s not about how strong your cannabis product is; we’re here to provide clear guidance without pressure so you can try products and find what works best for you.

Key Takeaways:

• THC potency isn’t the only thing that affects your experience with a cannabis product
• Terpenes and minor cannabinoids also play a role in how a product feels
• Learning which terpenes you like can help you better tailor your product selection
• Superior Dispensary carries a wide range of products with minor cannabinoids and many different terpenes
• Ask questions—Superior budtenders are there to help

Find What Feels Good at The Superior Dispensary

What makes cannabis amazing for so many people is how customizable it is, with options for potency, terpenes, consumption methods, and minor cannabinoids. When you’re trying to find what works for you, The Superior Dispensary is here to help. Visit our Phoenix dispensary for a full-service, beginner-friendly shopping experience.

Cannabis should be enjoyable! Browse our wide selection of lab-tested THC and CBD products, and let our experts help you consume with confidence.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.