Is it Time to Reconsider How We Gauge Quality?
Grandpa told me that when he was a young buck, he and his friends were very lucky to get weed with anything more than one to five percent THC content. By the time he was in college and “sinsemilla” was coming up from Mexico and into the southwest USA in the saddle bags and gasoline tanks of patriotic biker types, things had improved a little bit, but 15% THC was still considered a miracle whose acquisition was worthy of a party featuring ZZ Top on the record player, a truckload of PBR, and an army of bikini-clad babes armed to the teeth with zig-zag rolling papers and an Apogee Bong or two.
Things are so different now, he reminded me while drifting off to the sounds of Dark Side of the Moon after a particularly intense solo smoke sesh with his buddy, the bubbler.
And he’s right. If I wanted to, I could take a quick trip to the neighborhood dispensary—while the old dude is napping—and pick up a strain with a 32% THC rating, or anywhere between 17 and 29%, generally speaking, from most cannabis shops in my hometown. Those numbers don’t even speak to products like kief or hash-infused joints with a 45%-60% THC content … or the various cannabis extracts and edibles commonly available for both medical and recreational consumers: some of them have very high THC content (like on the order of 70%-90% THC).
The question is, does any of that number stuff really matter? And if it does, at what point does THC content improve the consumer experience? Further, can too much THC crash an otherwise healthy cannabis interaction? More importantly—and relevant to this discussion as well—what’s the entourage effect, and how do terpenes play a role in each personal cannabis experience?
That’s a lot to ask. But that’s why we’re here at Headquest. And, of course, sometimes surprising answers to those very questions lay ahead, so keep on reading as you reach for that favorite lighter of yours.
In order to get a better idea of what’s at stake here—while answering the fundamental question about the relevance of THC potency to everyday consumers—I let Grandpa nap while I consulted Professor Dr. John Scariano, a researcher and cannabis expert working at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. (Full disclosure: Scariano, a respected academic, is not speaking on behalf of, or in representation of, the University of New Mexico or the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, where he is employed.)
Scariano has an intense and practical knowledge regarding the weed’s medical uses and has a lot to say about THC content. In a wide-ranging interview, he discussed THC potency, among related subjects, with this humble journalist. Dr. Scariano argues that THC forms one of the fundamentals of today’s personal cannabis experience, stating at the beginning of our meeting that “The THC content of cannabis can be as high as 30% or more from some growers, which is mind-boggling to me, as that’s nearly a third of the mass of the flower! Furthermore, the concentrates and waxes contain much more. I’ve never smoked any of those, as I saw many a co-worker in the industry indulge and then experience twenty-minute asthmatic-like coughing fits, wheezing, and respiratory distress afterwards. I know many medical and recreational users who, I suppose, like those who drink light beer, prefer a THC range around 20-25%, and some who like even less. I surmise there’s a wide variety of genetically determined between-individual variability in our disposition and response to the many types of cannabinoids present in the product, as well as a short-lived tolerance of the effect. Let’s keep in mind that other cannabinoids and terpenes can modulate classical and non-classical cannabinoid receptor-mediated effects, and the cannabinoid network is a complex system that interacts with our brains and immune systems simultaneously. In short, some like a ‘stiff drink’ at happy hour, and some prefer a lighter beverage.”
Asked to describe the difference between flower rated at 17 percent and the new crops of super weed clocking in at as much as 31 percent, as well as the prudence in always seeking the higher ranges, Scariano is clear in his assessment, relating the following scientific information: “To couch the question of THC content in a real-life context, I offer the following anecdote: I’ve had friends a little older than I [Scariano is in his early 60s] be able to handle flower that ranges from 15-25% without much ado—in terms of being able to hold good conversations and finish dessert. But a few puffs over the line with strains containing 30 percent or more puts them on the sofa or recliner for a ‘refractory period’ lasting anywhere from 45 – 90 minutes.”
When asked about the physiological and long-term health effects of heady experiences involving high-potency weed, Dr. Scariano strikes a cautionary note that emphasizes consumer safety. “I’ve always maintained that a powerful strain of marijuana could cause a slight tachycardia and induce a bit of paranoia. But carried too far, there are those in the circles in which I travel who believe that prolonged and excessive cannabis use can lead to cardiomyopathy and perhaps unmask underlying psychiatric disorders. But to get back to the gist of the question we’re discussing, I would caution the beginner to start with a 20 percent flower and work their way upwards slowly, comfortably.”
Further, Scariano recommends that consumers learn about terpenes and the role the entourage effect—the idea that the interaction between all of the compounds from a cannabis plant, such as phytocannabinoids and terpenes, come together to enhance their effects—in order to make better and healthier choices about their cannabis consumption. He stated that cannabis users should be more interested in the various terpenes associated with their favorite strains than by in THC content. “They should absolutely look into terpenes! I think it’s closely analogous to wine, which also contains various terpenes and terpenoids. The biochemistry of terpenes is fascinating: how they’re put together from common building blocks, how they interact with our sensory and immune systems, and how they please us. For beginners, I’d recommend that consumers take a look at the blog at thcdesign.com, where they have a complete, easy-to-read rundown of terpenes in cannabis and their various physiological and health effects. Anyone can access this information at [see QR code below].”
At the end of the day, consumer education is just as important in making personal THC decisions as is judicious use, Scariano believes, saying, “It depends on how hardcore or experienced one is. If you’re Willie Nelson, I’d say knock yourself out. And, of course, have a designated driver and a trip-sitter always handy. If you’re [New York Times reporter] Maureen Dowd, who overdosed on edibles in Denver after Colorado first legalized recreational marijuana because she wasn’t getting an immediate effect and kept eating away, and became eventually so stoned that she couldn’t even drink a glass of water, then I’d take a slower approach. It’s always good to have friends around just in case.”
And edibles are a special case in these encounters, says the professor. “Edibles pose a particular danger to the novice and have resulted in many an ER admission in states with recreational programs. Smoking is a safer approach as one can better fine-tune the desired range. With edibles, there’s no going back except for gastric evacuation and a gram of Xanax. My shrink friends caution against cannabis use in those prone to anxiety. An additional aspect of edibles is that if you’re a regular eater, you’ll go to the grave testing positive for THC. Smoking, since it has a more volatile delivery, gives you a better chance of passing a drug test if one gives themselves a couple weeks to abstain.”
Right before our meeting ended – and before I trucked it home from the university to visit Grandpa and tell him all that I learned from my meeting with a real cannabis expert—the good doctor added the following to top off our visit: “General knowledge of the biochemistry and physiology of cannabis and its receptors is highly recommended, including an honoring and understanding of terpenes! As Frankenstein often repeated in his classic eponymous movie, ‘SMOKE GOOOOOOD!!!’ The best answer to your question is that the user has many choices and, with the appropriate guidance, can achieve a level of use best suited to their individual needs. Marijuana helped me become a better, more responsible, and compassionate person when I was in a period of development and chaos. For others, it was a gateway into worsening problems. Responsible, moderate marijuana use should be the goal of those who wish to see legalized cannabis become a steadfast part of our economy, culture, and fabric.”
The Entourage Effect
definition: (grossly oversimplified) the synergistic interaction between the various compounds in cannabis—such as THC, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes—resulting in enhanced therapeutic effects and a more balanced overall experience than any single compound would provide on its own.
THC: THE RINGLEADER
For better or worse, THC is the star of the crew. He brings the fun, but without his friends around, he’s been known to misbehave.
DESIRED EFFECTS: Pain relief, euphoria, relaxation, appetite stimulation, sedation, etc.
POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS: Anxiety, paranoia, cognitive impairment, increased heart rate, cotton mouth, red eyes, etc.
MINORS: THE SIDEKICK
For a general audience, the minors don’t provide much on their own, but when hanging with THC, they not only become the best versions of themselves, but also bring out the best in THC.
THE PLAYERS: CBD: Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory | CBN: Sedative, sleep | CBG: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective | THCV: Appetite suppression, energy | & more
ENTOURAGE CONTRIBUTION: Minor cannabinoids can balance the psychoactive effects of THC, reducing side effects like anxiety and paranoia.
TERPENES: THE DRIVER
The terpenes determine the direction and flavor of the experience, making sure the ride is smooth, balanced, and enjoyable. With their unique scents and therapeutic benefits, they guide the entourage to ensure that everyone works together harmoniously.
COMMON EXAMPLES: Myrcene: Sedative, enhances THC | Limonene: Elevates mood, relieves stress, antimicrobial | Pinene: Promotes alertness, enhances memory, anti-inflammatory | Linalool: Sedative, anti-anxiety | Caryophyllene: Anti-inflammatory, pain relief | & more
ENTOURAGE CONTRIBUTION: Aromas and Flavors: Terpenes give each cannabis strain its unique smell and taste. Synergistic Effects: Different terpenes can enhance or modulate the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, creating a more balanced and effective experience.