Do not use cannabis if you are under twenty-one years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
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For years, cannabis shoppers have relied on a familiar question: “Indica or sativa?”
And for decades, budtenders everywhere have politely smiled and said some version of: “Well… it’s complicated.”
Today’s cannabis is more nuanced than ever. Breeding, modern cultivation, and advanced testing have blurred the once-simple categories we all grew up with. The truth? Indica and sativa are plant shapes, not reliable predictors of how a strain will make you feel.
If you’ve ever bought a “sativa” that put you straight on the couch, or an “indica” that made you suddenly reorganize your entire kitchen, you’ve already experienced the myth in action.
So if plant type isn’t the key to choosing the right product… what is?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and in everyday plants like citrus, pine, lavender, and hops). They’re responsible for flavor and aroma, but more importantly, they work alongside cannabinoids to shape how a strain makes you feel. This is often called the entourage effect.
Some of the most common cannabis terpenes include:
Myrcene: earthy, herbal; associated with relaxing and body-heavy experiences.
Limonene: citrusy; often linked to uplifted or bright moods.
Pinene: pine-like; may promoted focus and clear-headedness.
Linalool: flower, lavender; often calming and soothing.
Caryophyllene: peppery; interacts with the body in unique ways that may help with tension or stress.
When you understand terpenes, you understand cannabis. They’re the secret language behind the experience.
The original definitions of indica and sativa were botanical descriptors and had nothing to do with effects:
Indica plants: shorter, bushier, wider leaves
Sativa plants: tall, narrow, airy leaves
But decades of hybridization mean very few products on dispensary shelves are “pure” anything. A strain labeled sativa today might have a terpene profile that leans heavy on myrcene (typically relaxing), while an “indica” might test high in limonene (typically uplifting).
In other words, your body responds to the chemical makeup of the plant, not a category on a label.
Instead of starting with indica or sativa, start with your goal:
Relaxed? Focused? Creative? Sleepy? Uplifted? Balanced?
That feeling is shaped mostly by terpene and cannabinoid ratio, rather than plant type.
Most states (including Missouri, Ohio, and Connecticut) provide terpene data on lab results or packaging. Look for your top terpenes and experiment from there.
THC percentage doesn’t tell the whole story, but it helps you understand potency. CBD can smooth out intensity. Minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, THCV) add nuance.
We see thousands of customers weekly and hear what’s working for real people in real situations. We can point you to products with the terpene profiles and effects you’re looking for, whether you shop in Missouri, Ohio, or Connecticut.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get your bearings:
For unwinding or evening use
Look for strains dominant in myrcene, linalool, or caryophyllene.
(“Indica” labels may or may not match this.)
For daytime energy and creativity
Seek out limonene, pinene, or terpinolene.
Many “sativas” do fall in this bucket, but not all.
For balanced, functional relief
Try strains with moderate THC and higher levels of terpenes like caryophyllene or humulene.
For sleep support
Look for myrcene-forward strains or blends featuring CBN.
As the industry evolves, the indica/sativa binary will keep fading. More brands are labeling products by effect, terpene dominance, or “mood categories” based on actual chemistry. Consumers are getting savvier. And research is finally catching up to what experienced cannabis users have known all along:
Terpenes tell the real story.
At Shangri-La, we’re committed to helping you understand the science and find the products that actually make you feel good—whether you’re browsing flower, vapes, edibles, solventless concentrates, or topicals. The more you learn your terpene preferences, the easier it becomes to shop with confidence.
Indica vs. sativa? Think of it as a fun historical footnote.
Terpenes? That’s where the magic really happens.
If you’re ready to explore terpene-driven shopping, stop by one of our dispensaries or check out our online menus. Our team is always here to help guide your journey!
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