Terpenes and the Ensemble Effect

Generally, when someone is buying cannabis the first thing most people ask for is the THC content and the strain type (Indica, Sativa  or Hybrid). There is a long standing misconception that the higher the THC level, the greater the "high" will be. Now that cannabis is legal, studies are showing that there is more at play in producing the psychoactive effects associated with THC. Those players are called Terpenes.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that determine the taste and smell of plants, herbs, trees and cannabis. Recent studies are showing that the psychoactive effects of cannabis are produced by the combination of THC and the terpene profile present in a specific strain. For example, a cannabis strain with high levels of Myrcene, like OG Kush, will produce a calming, relaxing, sleepy effect. While a cannabis strain with high levels of Limonene, like Emerald Jack, will evoke an energetic and uplifting effect. The budding understanding that the psychoactive effect of cannabis is determined by the combination of terpenes and THC level is called the Ensemble Effect (also known as the Entourage Effect). In an orchestra, each musician has a role to play, be it big or small. The same can be said for cannabis. THC may be the main player, put it's the supporting partners found in cannabis that determines the overall experience of smoking, drinking or ingesting THC.

To further your knowledge, on the Ensemble Effect, read on!

• Terpenes Are The Smart Way To Predict Your High
• What to know about terpenes
• Terpenes and the Entourage Effect