Cannabis contains hundreds of molecules that directly affect our minds and bodies. Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids interact with different cells and receptors, influencing our experience with cannabis. These phytochemicals share similarities in therapeutic value and how we perceive cannabis through our senses. Many similarities suggest that these phytochemicals may interact or have synergy with each other. Dr. John McPartland, a well-known cannabis researcher, has stated that “cannabis is polypharmaceutical,” meaning diversely medicinal, and the “synergy arises from interactions between its multiple components.” Our intent in providing this information is to introduce and support a more holistic view of cannabis consumption and aid our customers in selecting cannabis strains and products that will fulfill their particular needs and desires.

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Every strain of cannabis we cultivate, by law, is tested for cannabinoids and its total THC and CBD content provided to the consumer. Additionally, we have all strains tested for terpene content a minimum of three times to establish an average terpene profile for each. Based on our lab test results, we created a tasting guide for our in-house strains, dependent on their terpene profiles, that provides each strain's genetics and average total THC content. We hope that these groupings will help our consumers identify the terpenes and strains they are drawn to and discover other strains to try based on desired flavors and potential therapeutic effects.

Higher Grade’s goal with providing this education is to expand our customers' and budtenders' conversations about cannabis beyond individual flavor preferences and Sativa/Indica classifications, to include the phytochemically rich and diverse nature of cannabis and its connection to flavor profiles and effects.