// Definition
The theory that the subjective effects of cannabis arise primarily from the ratio between THC and aromatic volatile compounds (terpenes, flavonoids) rather than from THC potency alone. As THC levels increase past 20%, the volume of psychoactive effect may overwhelm the subtler modulating influence of terpenes.
// From the Episode
Rob Clark and Ryan Lee (Chimera) discuss how the diversity of effects in older cannabis varieties was likely due to aromatic terpene profiles, not minor cannabinoids. Chimera uses the analogy of a stereo turned up to 8 or 9 -- at high THC levels you blow out the ability to perceive finer terpene-driven effects. Clark notes that except for THC and CBD, minor cannabinoids would need to be 10x stronger than THC to match its effects given their trace amounts.