TAC is a way to have more marijuana fun

Legalization has brought millions of new marijuana users. People enjoy the joy and relax without having a hangover. Gummy candies have become the most popular, but many in their learning phase enjoy flowers. The plant is versatile and offers a variety of experiences. You may notice a tag written on packages. What is that? TAC is a way to have more marijuana fun.

RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality of Life

First of all, TAC stands for Total Active Cannabinoids. It refers to the cannabis profile of a strain. When purchasing a cannabis product or seed, consumers gain greater insight into the strain's total cannabinoid content. TAC allows users to customize their cannabis sessions.

Photo by Connor Wilkins via Unsplash

The total active cannabinoid content of a strain takes the focus away from THC alone and draws more attention to other smaller cannabinoids in the plant. TAC informs users about how strong or potent a strain may be when consumed. Most often, the TAC is indicated by a cumulative number, while some manufacturers choose to disclose the individual properties of the cannabinoids contained in the strain. This allows users to effectively decide which product they need at the moment based on its potential impact.

TAC represents the total amount and potency of the different cannabinoids found in a particular cannabis plant. Cannabis plants contain over 50 different cannabinoids, although not all of them are detectable. Current testing methods can only identify a range of cannabinoids that are available in significant quantities. So in reality, the TAC value is usually lower than the exact amount of cannabinoids in the strain.

A strain's undetectable cannabinoids are inactive or insufficient to produce a noticeable effect. The inclusion of cannabinoids in the TAC means that they have an influence on the effects experienced by the consumer. Cannatech operators have yet to find a direct mechanism to identify the mechanism of a single cannabinoid in a strain.

The entourage effect and the TAC relationship

The “entourage effect” best describes the synergy between all of the cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. The theory shows that all of the compounds available in a cannabis herb, including terpenes and phytocannabinoids, work together to produce the best effects.

The total number of active cannabinoids is important for the entourage effect. Scientists believe the TAC sheds light on how the entourage effect works. Explains why THC and CBD produce better physiological effects when consumed together or in addition to other minor cannabinoids.

RELATED: What is Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and is it legal?

Knowledge of TAC is of great benefit to medical cannabis users. It gives them a hint of what to expect from the Entourage Effect. On the other hand, recreational users use TAC to enhance their smoking or dabbing experience.

Some newbies in the industry often confuse the meaning of TAC with total aerobic number. This is different from the total active cannabinoids and has a different meaning. An aerobic total is a measure of the total number of bacteria in a cannabis sample.

Photo by VICTOR DE SCHWANBERG/Getty Images

Cannabinoids in cannabis

Over 60 cannabinoids are found in cannabis plants. Some TAC labels may list up to 100 cannabinoids in a product. However, most of these compounds are relatively unknown – they have been identified, but their mechanisms are not understood. Some of the most common cannabinoids found in large amounts or trace amounts in cannabis plants are as follows:

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is one of the two cannabinoids with the highest bioavailability in marijuana plants. It is known for its relaxing, non-psychoactive and medicinal effects.

CBD produces effects that help counteract the “high” caused by psychoactive cannabinoids. It does this by inhibiting the release of FAAH (an enzyme that breaks down anandamide). This action promotes the availability of anandamide, also known as the happiness substance. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and further therapeutic potential.

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is literally the most well-known cannabinoid in the cannabis ecosystem. This cannabinoid is the dominant compound that produces psychoactive effects in users. THC reacts with CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system to produce the “high.” It emulates anandamide to induce the release of FAAH. Unlike other cannabinoids, THC is more potent and stays in the body much longer.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

CBDV is a minor cannabinoid commonly found in wild and hybrid varieties of cannabis. Cannabis plants grown in Central Asia contain traces of this cannabinoid. Research continues to understand the compound's response to the ECS, but cannabis researchers have pointed out that it has a similar chemical structure to CBD.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

is a minor cannabinoid found in trace amounts in cannabis plants. Information on this cannabinoid is limited. Very little is known about its interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors. Some studies suggest that CBC adds holistic effectiveness to the entourage effect.

Terpenes and flavonoids

In addition to cannabinoids, cannabis contains other essential compounds such as fatty acids, terpenes and flavonoids. Most of these other compounds are poorly known in the ecosystem. Nevertheless, they all play a crucial role in the entourage effect.

Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis strains their unique flavor. Terpenes are found in plants, fruits and flowers of all crops, not just cannabis crops. Examples of terpenes include pinene, limonene, eucalyptol and linalool. Terpenes also enhance the effects of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system.

RELATED: Caryophyllene: What Is This Terpene and Why Should You Care About It Now?

Flavonoids, on the other hand, give plants their pigment. They trigger an antioxidant effect in the consumer. Their role in the entourage effect is unclear and their interaction and degradation process remain to be elucidated.

It can be important to know the TAC value of your cannabis products. This is just another reason why cannabis regulations require manufacturers to provide this information when labeling products. It is better if the total cannabinoids are listed. With this information, you can experiment with different product ratios to find the concentration that will give you the best cannabis experience. Medical professionals can use this precise measurement to determine the best therapeutic concentration for cannabis patients.