Tag: Entourage effect

The global cannabis concentrate market is projected to reach over $50 billion in 2025 [1.7.1]. With this growth, many users ask: is concentrate stronger than carts? Generally, raw concentrates used for dabbing are more potent than the oil found in most vape carts [1.3.1].

Cannabis has been classified into two main categories, indica and sativa, for over 300 years, based primarily on the plant's physical characteristics rather than its effects. When people ask, 'What kind of high does an indica give you?', they are typically seeking a specific experience traditionally associated with this plant type: profound physical relaxation and a calming, sedative 'body high'. However, modern research reveals that the high is much more complex, influenced by a unique cocktail of compounds in each strain.

While the average THC content in illicit cannabis quadrupled between 1995 and 2022, determining what strain gets you higher is a complex interplay of cannabinoids, terpenes, and individual biology, not just the THC percentage alone. This multifaceted interaction, known as the 'entourage effect', is the key to understanding a strain's true potency.

According to data from recent years, cannabis strains with THC percentages exceeding 30% are becoming more common, far surpassing the typical range of classic Kush varieties. This shift in potency challenges a long-held belief among many users: is Kush the strongest strain, or have modern genetics surpassed the classic?

While cannabidiol (CBD) has long held the spotlight, cannabigerol (CBG) is gaining recognition for its therapeutic potential. Often called the “mother” cannabinoid, CBG is the precursor from which all other cannabinoids, including CBD, are synthesized. A closer look at what is CBG vs CBD reveals key distinctions in their effects and how they interact with the body.

Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant, but a majority of scientific research has focused on six key compounds, often referred to as the big six cannabinoids. These phytocannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, a complex network that helps regulate numerous physiological processes.

According to the World Health Organization, pure cannabidiol (CBD) exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential and does not cause a 'high'. This means that for those asking, 'Is 15 mg of CBD enough to give you a buzz?', the answer is firmly rooted in the fundamental differences between CBD and its intoxicating counterpart, THC.

Despite the common belief that cannabidiol (CBD) is entirely non-intoxicating, a significant number of consumers report feeling a subtle 'buzz' or mild euphoric effect after use. The scientific reason behind this phenomenon is not the CBD itself, but rather a result of other compounds, primarily delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), present in improperly manufactured or specific types of CBD products.

According to a 2024 Forbes Health survey, nearly 60% of U.S. adults have tried CBD. For those new to the market, distinguishing between the product types can be confusing, but understanding what are the four types of CBD is crucial for making an informed choice. The primary distinctions involve the presence or absence of other cannabis plant compounds, which can significantly influence the product's overall effect.

While anecdotal reports often characterize sativa strains as producing a more intense "head high" compared to indica, modern pharmacology shows that the simple strain label alone doesn't explain **why does sativa hit harder** for some users. The perception of a "harder hit" is a nuanced interaction of the plant's chemical profile, the synergistic entourage effect, and the user's own body chemistry.