Cannabis in British Columbia — Part 5: Potency, Strains & Terpenes

 Cannabis in British Columbia — Part 5: Potency, Strains & Terpenes

The cannabis market today is vibrant but confusing. Potency, strains, and chemical profiles make a big difference in effects, function, and safety.

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💎 Potency: The Big Shift

• Weak pot vs concentrates: Cannabis today is far stronger than the mild flower of the 1980s and 1990s.
• Shatter & wax: THC 70–90% vs 10–15% in traditional flower.
• Risks: High THC can trigger anxiety, paranoia, or psychosis in vulnerable users — particularly teens and young adults.

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🌱 Strains & Profiles

• Indica: Relaxing, often used for sleep or stress relief.
• Sativa: Energizing, commonly used for creativity or focus.
• Hybrids: Combinations, effects vary depending on THC/CBD and terpenes.

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🌸 Terpenes: Nature’s Aromatherapy

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that influence effects, just like essential oils:

• 🌿 Linalool (lavender-like) – calming, anti-anxiety.
• 🍋 Limonene (citrus) – energizing, mood-lifting.
• 🌲 Pinene (pine) – alertness, memory support.

Understanding strain and terpene profiles helps consumers choose cannabis for specific goals — not just “the strongest high.”

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🔑 Takeaways

• Modern cannabis potency is not the same as the pot of past decades.
• Strains and terpenes allow users to tailor effects to function and wellness.
• Education and awareness are essential — don’t rely on marketing or peer pressure alone.
• Respect potency: like aromatherapy oils, cannabis is medicine, not just recreation.

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