What's actually in cannabis
The experience isn't set by a strain name, it's set by chemistry. These are the cannabinoids and terpenes that do the real work, and what each one brings.
Cannabinoids
The active compounds. THC and CBD lead, but the minor ones increasingly matter.
The main "high", euphoria, relaxation, appetite, pain relief. Too much can bring on anxiety.
The dominant cannabinoid in most modern cannabis.
Calm and clear-headed. Often chosen to take the edge off, and it tempers THC’s intensity.
Hemp and CBD-rich strains.
Associated with sedation and sleep. Forms as THC ages.
Older flower and CBN sleep products.
The "parent" cannabinoid others form from. Being studied for anti-inflammatory effects.
Small amounts in most plants; more in CBG strains.
A minor cannabinoid studied for anti-inflammatory effects, thought to work best alongside others.
Trace amounts across many strains.
The raw, inactive form in fresh cannabis. Heat converts it into active THC.
Living and freshly harvested plants.
Terpenes
The aromatic compounds behind a strain’s smell, and a big part of how it feels. Read these on a label to predict the character.
Relaxing, sedating, common in calming, "indica-style" profiles.
Also in: Mango, thyme, lemongrass
Bright and mood-lifting.
Also in: Citrus rind, juniper
Alert and clear-headed; may offset some of THC’s fog.
Also in: Pine needles, rosemary, basil
Calming and soothing.
Also in: Lavender, mint
Soothing, uniquely, it binds the body’s cannabinoid receptors directly.
Also in: Black pepper, cloves
Uplifting and bright.
Also in: Nutmeg, apple, cumin
Earthy and grounding; studied for anti-inflammatory links.
Also in: Hops, coriander
This is the idea behind the entourage effect, compounds working together. Put it to use with the effect finder or read up on CBD vs THC.
Turn this into a shopping plan
Tell the effect finder what you want to feel and it'll translate it into what to look for.