This article is presented by Darwin Brands, a cannabis company based in Arizona, dedicated to helping consumers and patients enjoy cannabis with confidence.
Every cannabis strain has its place, but most have places they fit better than others. Some strains may really enhance a long hike, while others might pair better with a lengthy binge-watching session. A strain that helps you study might have a composition that actively fights cannabis side-effects like short-term memory loss.
These diverse effects come from a complex network of compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes working in concert. Commonly known as the entourage effect, cannabis consumers and companies alike are starting to learn how different combinations of these compounds can impact the cannabis experience as a whole.
Cannabis connoisseurs are well-versed in what they look for in a strain. But some cannabis companies, like Darwin, are taking interest in the entourage effect to the next level, allowing consumers and patients to assemble their own custom blends.
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There’s still a lot of research being done about what makes a strain tick and how exactly compounds like cannabinoids and terpenes contribute. Biochemical exercise physiologist Jennifer Corso, the lead scientist at Darwin, has spent the last couple of years diving into the science of terpenes, sifting through studies and examining the effects through Darwin’s cannabis oil.
“There are a lot of new studies on this subject being released these days, and our body of research is growing every day,” says Corso. “Keeping up on all the new publications in the industry lately is a full-time job.”
And that’s not even taking into account the experiments Corso and her team are conducting in Darwin’s labs. By developing unique, research-backed terpene blends, the Darwin science staff is working to more accurately address the conditions that compelled consumers to seek out cannabis in the first place.
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While Corso’s team is working to develop products that patients will find helpful, they’re also helping consumers in Arizona learn what they need—and what cannabis can offer—at the Darwin Custom Bar. Starting with a base oil of only THC, THC in a 1:1 pairing with CBD, or THC with CBN, patients can then choose from a variety of terpenes and flavors to suit their specific needs.
“A patient can craft an experience that may be uplifting and energizing by adding D-limonene, and then they can aim to focus that energy by adding some alpha- and beta-pinene,” says Corso. “We’ve found the pinene blend can [also] help counteract some of the more negative aspects of THC consumption, like short-term memory loss.”
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Other custom bar options include linalool, which is also found in lavender and helps with relaxation, and α-phellandrene, a spicier, uplifting terpene that promotes alertness.
“For real connoisseurs of cannabis, the Darwin Custom Bar allows them to experiment in a way they never have before,” said Darwin co-founder James George. “Instead of us putting a product in front of them, they can come in and explore different combinations and determine what works best for them.”
