There seems to be several divides within the cannabis community. Many people, especially those who have worked in weed for a while, have strong opinions on the way things “ought to be.” This runs the gamut from how pot should be packaged to rules around testing. But one topic seems to have a general consensus within the shopping space – although a disconnect seemingly still exists.
I’m talking about the great indica/sativa debate.
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Walk into pretty much any dispensary, and the menu will be broken out into sativa, indica, or hybrid varieties. Budtenders typically describe sativas as uplifting, indicas as relaxing, and hybrids as balanced. It’s a system consumers understand, and most will adhere to the rubric while perusing the menu.
But cannabis connoisseurs will argue that the sativa, indica, and hybrid designations are an inaccurate and ill-informed way to buy weed. These arguments deduce that the labels are a misnomer. They actually describe the physical characteristics of the plants themselves, like height and density—not their effects.
The chemical composition is the true driver of an individual strain experience, namely cannabinoids and terpenes. The cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, or CBG) are the gas in the tank. But terpenes, responsible for the flavor and aroma, are the GPS guide.
Pretty much any weed expert will argue this fact. And yet, the indica, sativa, hybrid descriptors continue to be perpetuated. Perhaps it’s simply easier for the retailers and consumers. Not to mention the fact that many states do not require cannabis to be tested for terpene content. If the information is not available, how can customers ask for it?
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It’s a chicken and egg scenario, no doubt. And there seems to be no good answer. Testing and labels cost a lot of money, even if it’s better for the consumer. In an industry struggling to survive, it’s a subject seemingly on the back burner. However, many weed varieties have established terpene content available online and in stores.
Sometimes, you will see terpene ratios or percentages on weed packages and menus, depending on the state or the brand. The most common cannabis terpenes are earthy myrcene, peppery beta-caryophyllene, and citrus-forward limonene. Other prevalent terps include evergreen pinene, gassy terpinolene, hoppy humulene, and floral linalool. Myrcene, caryophyllene, linalool, and humulene tend to be more relaxing, while terpinolene, limonene, and pinene tend to be more uplifting.
The next time you’re in a dispensary, ask the friendly budtender about the terps. You may be surprised by what you learn and what strains they recommend. You might even find a new favorite in the process. And when you get home, write the information down—along with how you feel after.
Before you know it, you’ll be shopping like a true weed pro and you’ll soon discover that the indica, sativa, hybrid distinction is for noobs.
