One of the most overlooked aspects of cannabis consumption is the importance of variety. Just like eating a diverse diet ensures you get a wide range of essential nutrients, switching up your cannabinoids and terpene profiles can help keep your endocannabinoid system in balance. If you find yourself using the same strains or concentrates over and over, it might be time to explore different profiles to see how they interact with your body.
In this edition of The Dab Digest, we’ll dive into why rotating your cannabinoids and terpenes can enhance your experience and help you achieve better balance.
Why Variety Matters
Cannabinoids and terpenes work together in what’s known as the "entourage effect," where different compounds enhance or modify each other's effects. By sticking to the same profile repeatedly, you may be missing out on other therapeutic benefits that come from lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, or THCV, and terpenes like ocimene, bisabolol, or terpinolene.
Your body’s needs also change over time. A strain that worked well for stress relief last year might not be as effective today. By varying your selections, you give your system a more well-rounded experience, avoiding potential tolerance buildup while discovering new synergies that resonate with your body’s chemistry.
How to Identify What Works for You
1. Keep a Consumption Journal
Start tracking the strains, extracts, and products you use, noting:
- Cannabinoid content (THC, CBD, CBG, etc.)
- Terpene profiles (myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, etc.)
- Effects experienced (relaxation, focus, energy, pain relief, etc.)
- Consumption method (dabs, flower, edibles, etc.)
- Time of day consumed
Over time, patterns will emerge, helping you see what combinations work best for different situations.
2. Experiment with Different Ratios
If you primarily consume high-THC products, try incorporating more CBD- or CBG-dominant options. If you always reach for indica-leaning strains, consider some uplifting sativas or balanced hybrids to see how they affect you differently.
3. Learn from Lab Testing
Many dispensaries and brands now provide full-panel lab results, including terpene profiles. Instead of picking a strain based on just the name or THC percentage, look at what terpenes are dominant. If you know that limonene gives you energy and caryophyllene helps with inflammation, seek out products with those dominant terpenes.
4. Rotate Your Selections
Make it a habit to switch up your go-to products every few weeks. Instead of always buying the same gram of live resin, try something with a new terpene blend. This prevents your body from adapting too much to one profile and helps you stay sensitive to the therapeutic effects of each.
5. Listen to Your Body
At the end of the day, your own body is the best guide. If a new combination makes you feel amazing, note that and seek out similar profiles. If something doesn’t sit right, adjust accordingly. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and part of the journey is discovering what uniquely resonates with you.
Key Takeaways
Cannabis is a deeply personal experience, and optimizing your consumption goes beyond just choosing a strain based on its name or THC percentage. By exploring different cannabinoids and terpenes, you can fine-tune your regimen to better support your wellness goals. Whether you’re dabbing, vaping, or consuming edibles, diversifying your selections will keep your endocannabinoid system thriving.
So, next time you’re picking up some fresh concentrates or flower, step outside your comfort zone and try something new, you might just discover your perfect balance.
Until next time... Happy dabbing!
-The WaxNax Team