Terpenes? CBN? Flavor profiles?

Choosing weed used to be as simple as texting your dealer and if they were fancy enough, deciding between an indica and a sativa. That categorization is largely now seen as arbitrary, since it only notes the difference in plant shape, not effect it has on the human body, and much more has changed in the world of weed.

With marijuana legalization on the rise, the cannabis industry is bursting with detailed descriptions of weed that inform consumers of the products' terpene content, THC and CBD levels, and the amount of cannabinoids present in each strain. Leafly, the cannabis guide known for its detailed descriptions of each strain, has updated its categorization system beyond just the indica/sativa/hybrid delineations.

Under Leafly's new cannabis guide, users can better understand exactly what they're ingesting. The system breaks down confusing details like CBD or THC into shapes and colors. CBD, the non-psychoactive molecule often marketed as a wellness product, is represented by a circle. THC, the molecule that will make you feel high, is represented by a diamond.

Terpenes, the compounds found in different plants that determine the "type" of high the user will experience, are represented by different colors. Myrcene, known for producing a calming, sedative high, is dark blue. Limonene, a citrusy terpene found in lemons that yields more energizing highs, is bright yellow.

Image: leafly Image: leafly

When you put those two together — the shapes and colors — you get a snowflake-like pattern that may help visual learners better understand weed.

Image: leafly

By working with labs across the country, Leafly recorded the common terpenes and CBD or THC content found in various weed strains. While the prominent terpenes found in strains like White Tahoe Cookies are larger and more centered, additional terpenes line the outer rings.

Lab data concludes that White Tahoe Cookies, which was previously only known as an indica, actually has pretty energizing terpenes. While there is myrcene present, White Tahoe Cookies also has hints of limonene.

Granted, not all strains under the same name have the same characteristics. Without regulation, growers can name anything a popular name even if it isn't the same strain.

Image: leafly

Leafly's new guide not only shows what you're about to smoke, but helps users understand it, too.

In a statement, Leafly's principal research scientist Nick Jikomes said he wanted to "give everyone the ability to visualize, learn, and apply information about the amazing diversity of this plant."

"One of the great benefits of legalization is the opportunity to more fully research and understand the effects of cannabis," he said in a statement. "We're embracing complexity while providing simplicity."

Whether you're trying to have a relaxing night without getting couch-locked, or you're trying to alleviate inflammation without getting baked, Leafly's new guide can help you figure out what you want to smoke.