Shifting the ‘THC Conversation’ Towards the Bigger Picture

The cannabis plant is unique in reacting with our bodies to produce many therapeutic and beneficial effects. While various products and flower you’ll find at our Detroit and Newport dispensaries are marketed with high THC content, there are many more compounds that make cannabis so valuable.

Read on to learn how we’re shifting the ‘THC conversation’ toward the bigger picture of cannabis and what this plant is truly all about!

The Influence of THC & Our Bodies

As you may recall from our blog on terpene education, these aromatic compounds are not specific to just cannabis plants. In fact, terpenes contribute to the overall essence and aroma of all types of plants we see on a daily basis.

Terpenes in cannabis not only provide the pungent, sweet, or skunky smell of your bud but also induce an influx of effects and therapeutic symptoms when consumed.

When it comes to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), this cannabinoid has become widely known and favored for inducing psychoactive effects when consumed. Especially in larger doses, THC can often create distorted vision and thinking, increased blood flow, or full body relaxation – all these effects, and more, create the ultimate “elevated experience” many consumers often seek out.

What many consumers don’t understand, however, is that THC isn’t the only compound responsible for these desired psychoactive effects you feel when smoking. So, where and how do you receive these therapeutic and beneficial effects cannabis is known to produce?

The answer isn’t quite that simple; it requires a cluster of canna-compounds to do the job!

Why is the Entourage Effect Important?

Aside from THC and CBD, there are far more cannabinoids in cannabis that influence our bodies when we consume. In fact, there are more than 100 cannabinoids, and counting, discovered in the single cannabis plant species!

Between CBN, CBG, THCV, THCA (and the many other minor cannabinoids), each hold significant similarities and differences in how they react and respond within our bodies and the endocannabinoid system. The same goes for the hundreds of different terpenes identified in the plant.

However, it’s important to know that just because each of these compounds may have effects on their own, they all operate slightly differently when working together and in conjunction with other compounds.

This is known as — a theory that describes how the behavior of these botanical compounds is altered and influenced by the presence of the other compounds consumed.

Depending on the specific terpenes and cannabinoids present in the cannabis product being consumed, these compounds work together to contribute to the overall feelings and effects felt.

This is why it’s also helpful to keep in mind that not every cannabis strain or product will work exactly like the other, due to the various content levels of THC, terpenes, and cannabinoids available:

Think of it this way – if each cannabinoid and terpene was responsible for one “superpower” or therapeutic effect when consumed, imagine just how powerful the effects would be when working together with other “superpower” compounds. 

The Entourage Effect works like an orchestrated symphony; each compound plays an instrumental role in creating the ensemble of effects. Not only does this prove that THC isn’t the one and only indicator, but that each compound consumed is playing an important part in the experience!

Gram’s Five & Dime: Shifting the Cannabis Wellness Conversation

As you can see, cannabis is far more than merely its THC compound. Depending on your specific intention for consuming cannabis, learning and exploring the different cannabinoids and terpene contents available in various products can help you tailor your experience to fit your unique and personal needs.

The traditional indica and sativa classification may give you a decent general overview of what a specific cannabis strain has in store.

However, understanding the particular terpene and cannabinoid content, plus how they will work together when consumed, is the ultimate true indicator of what cannabis wellness may provide for you.

To learn more about how we’re shifting the ‘THC conversation’ towards the bigger picture, visit our blog page! Check out our Gram’s Five & Dime dispensary menu to explore all the various cannabis products that offer these full-spectrum effects & experiences!