There's over 50 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Even the same strain grown by the exact same grower will have a different batch consisenting of a different profile so it's arguable to say that no two harvests are exactly alike. There are an infinite number of profiles to create so no two strains are exactly the same.
There's also a handful of different terps which many say have a hand in effecting the profile.
Check out this thread and look at the various cannabinoids as they relate to strains.
http://bluelight.org/vb/threads/794883-Cannibinoid-Terpene-and-Strain-Infographics
Yeah man that's what I'm thinking, terpenes definitely have an effect. I'm thinking of strains that I have had really unique effects from and all of them have unique flavours... like strawberry cough, blueberry, or uk cheese. And there are so many cannabinoids other than THC and CBD, CBN for instance and THCV. There is also the difference between THC-A, and THC, the activated form when heated. There are also the drastic differences in effects between combustion, vaporization, and extracts. Smoking weed feels cognitively and physically completely different to me than if you took that weed and made hash or oil out of it and dabbed it. One of the most exciting things about the world of cannabis is the diversity of the plant, the methods of consumption, and its varying effects.
Very important to mention that not all 'bubba kush' for instance is the same cannabis product at all. Strains vary depending on growing environments and genetics if coming from seed and not a clone-driven strain.
If you vape pure THC, it just doesn't affect the body the same as smoking a joint. I've experienced way too many differences and variations for everything to be simply explained by THC/CBD ratios and indica vs. sativa. I personally think that the byproducts of combustion have a major effect, making the high heavier. The terpene and cannabinoid profiles include so many other potentially active chemicals that, as a whole, surely contribute to the characteristic feeling of a strain of weed.
There is really a lot to consider, and a lot of it is experimental at this point. It's really interesting to get into studying the chemistry and biology of the plant and to try unique products, especially extracts with analyzed profiles, if you have access like everyone should in an ideal world.
Thanks for the link! The next step of my journey is going to be the continued study of and medical experimentation with terpenes. I think that they are completely fascinating and having been unaware of this aspect of the cannabis plant for so long, and also having a science background, it brings so much joy to my life and concentrates in general have really enhanced my love of the herb. I don't even smoke anymore because it's all down to personal preference, there are so many options and smoking is my least preferred choice since having gotten more into concentrates. I like dropping dabs on the nail way more than smoking bong. I thought I was through experimenting with cannabis, and that there was nothing more to learn from it, but in fact I am discovering that the opposite is true. There are so many questions that I have raised to myself and yet to find answers for. It's an exciting time to be into cannabis if you're in a location that is 'with it'.