As cannabis legislation relaxes across the world, we’re finding out more about what this versatile herb has to offer. The TAC (total active cannabinoids) of a strain provides greater insight into the overall cannabinoid content of the plant, thereby making it possible for users to fine-tune their cannabis experience.
With more attention being directed toward cannabinoids other than THC, it’s understandable that cannabis users would want to know the full extent of the cannabinoids present in their strains.
Lucky for some, in regions with established cannabis markets, this is indeed the case. Instead of simply displaying THC content, each strain features a breakdown of total active cannabinoids (TAC), allowing users to decide exactly what kind of smoke they want to experience.
What is total active cannabinoids (TAC)?
Total active cannabinoids is just that; a figure that represents the full array of cannabinoids present in any given strain of cannabis. In practice, TAC only includes cannabinoids detectable by current testing methods, so it is likely that even more are present too. The “active” refers to the fact that they will, in some way, influence the effects of said strain, even if we don’t know the exact mechanisms of each cannabinoid yet.
TAC and the Entourage Effect
Why is TAC important? It has to do with the entourage effect. This theory posits that cannabis chemicals synergise in the presence of one another, achieving something greater than the sum of their parts. For instance, while THC and CBD alone have unique effects, when consumed together, they produce any number of different physiological experiences.
TAC essentially aims to give some indication of what this entourage effect may be. For those who consider themselves medical cannabis users, TAC becomes even more important. For the recreational smoker, it allows them to better tailor their high.
