Help Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about StrainCompass, our data, and how to get the most from the platform.
About StrainCompass
What is StrainCompass?+
StrainCompass is a cannabis strain catalog with thousands of profiles compiled from multiple sources. Coverage varies: some profiles include lab data, while others contain breeder or community information. Unknown values and inferred attributes are not lab measurements.
Is StrainCompass free?+
Yes! Browsing strains, using TerpScout AI, and all discovery tools are completely free. We also offer a free API tier (1,000 requests/day per account) for developers.
Where does your data come from?+
Our catalog combines public databases, breeder descriptions, community information and available lab records. Sources are listed on strain pages. Some historical imports contain inferred attributes; these should not be treated as measured strain facts.
How often is the data updated?+
Updates depend on source availability and maintenance. There is no guaranteed refresh interval for every profile.
Can I contribute data?+
Yes! You can write reviews, submit strain requests for missing strains, and help verify data through community engagement.
Using the Platform
What is TerpScout AI?+
TerpScout translates a natural-language request into catalog filters and ranks a candidate set by matching reported attributes. A match percentage describes overlap with search criteria; it does not predict an individual response or medical benefit.
How does the Strain Quiz work?+
Answer questions about your preferences to receive catalog suggestions. Quiz results are a discovery aid, not a clinical or personalized dosing assessment.
Can I compare strains?+
Yes! Visit /compare to select up to 4 strains and see them side-by-side with effects, terpenes, THC/CBD, and growing info compared.
What are strain pairings?+
Some strain pages include editorial food, music and activity suggestions based on available profile tags. These are recreational ideas, not evidence of a predictable effect.
How do keyboard shortcuts work?+
Press ? on any page to see all shortcuts. Key ones: / for search, r for random strain, t for TerpScout, c for compare.
Cannabis Science
What are terpenes?+
Terpenes contribute to cannabis aroma. A terpene name or aroma does not establish a therapeutic benefit. Our terpene guides distinguish limited human research from animal and laboratory findings and link to primary studies.
What's the difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?+
Indica, Sativa and Hybrid are common catalog and breeding labels. The label alone does not establish potency or predict how a specific product will affect a person.
What is the entourage effect?+
The entourage effect is a hypothesis that cannabis compounds can modify one another's effects. It is not a guarantee that a combination or commercial strain is more effective than an individual compound.
How accurate are THC percentages?+
Catalog THC values are reported source values and may not describe your product or batch. When lab summaries are available they are labeled separately. Use the actual product label and batch testing information for product potency.
Account & API
Do I need an account?+
No account needed for browsing. Create a free account to save favorites, write reviews, track your journal, and manage collections.
How do I use the API?+
Create an account, go to Dashboard > API Keys, generate a key, and use it with our REST API. Free tier: 1,000 requests/day per account. See /api-docs for documentation.
Can I embed StrainCompass on my site?+
Yes! Use our embed widget: <iframe src="https://straincompass.com/embed" width="100%" height="500" />. It provides a searchable strain widget for your site.
Still have questions?
Our AI chatbot or contact form can help you find the answers you need.