Can Edibles be Strain Dominant?
There have been longstanding discussions regarding the difference in the effects of Sativa and Indica. Many cultivators will speak about the genetics of the family line of the plant (sativa or indica) and others will speak about the terpenes when discussing the overall effect of a specific strain. However, modern-day production of edibles utilizes an isolate and distillate form of manufacturing. When isolating, only the compound the manufacturer wants is extracted. In one case, it might be the THC and in another it might be CBD. In other words, the only effect from that one compound.THC, THCA, CBG, CBN and CBD are being studied to find their unique therapeutic benefits as well as possible synergistic effects when taken together. Using cannabinoid distillates and isolates in edibles is beneficial because it allows for greater accuracy in measurement which maintains consistency in the products. It would be inaccurate to suggest that consuming an edible made from pure THC distillate would have the unique effects of the strain it was extracted from because some properties that make it unique are removed during the process. While it would have the effects of THC in any given strain, it would not have the synergistic or added effects of different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavinoids. The same could be said about the application of heat to a raw flower product. Heat will cause many of the terpenes, cannabinoids and flavinoids to combust prior to being consumed.
In conclusion, if the edible was made using an isolate or a distillate, then the specific strain has no bearing on the effect. If the edibles are created using whole plant extract, then all strain specific profiles may apply, until heat is added.