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Rainbow Sherbet Strain Review: Effects, Terpenes, Flavor, and Genetics

By Aastacia Alce

Quick Answer: Rainbow Sherbet is a fruity hybrid known for sweet berry, citrus, creamy flavors and balanced uplifting and relaxing effects, but the name can refer to different genetic lines. Mellow Fellow’s Rainbow Sherbet is a THCp-infused hemp flower rather than conventional THC-dominant flower, so its cannabinoid profile and effects should be evaluated separately from standard strain data. 

Rainbow Sherbet sounds like a strain you could understand from the name alone. Sweet fruit, creamy dessert notes, and a colorful hybrid personality all seem to fit.

Dig into the genetics, though, and things get more interesting.

Several established strain databases describe Rainbow Sherbet as an evenly balanced Champagne × Blackberry hybrid. Meanwhile, the Rainbow Sherbert name has also become closely associated with the DEO Farms RS line, where Pink Guava was crossed with Sunset Sherbet and specific phenotypes such as RS-11 became highly sought-after modern cultivars.

The overlap is not just trivia for breeders. It affects nearly everything a shopper might want to know about the strain, including its expected THC level, terpene profile, appearance, and growing traits.

That is why this Rainbow Sherbet strain review separates what is broadly associated with the name from what can actually be verified for a specific product or batch.

We will cover the strain’s disputed genetics, reported effects, potency, terpene and flavor profile, appearance, cultivation characteristics, and Mellow Fellow’s current THCp-infused Rainbow Sherbet flower.

Key Takeaways

  • Rainbow Sherbet is a hybrid strain name associated with fruity, sweet, berry-forward flavor and a generally balanced combination of mental lift and physical relaxation.
  • There are at least two commonly referenced Rainbow Sherbet genetic identities: Champagne × Blackberry and the newer Pink Guava × Sunset Sherbet Rainbow Sherbert line associated with RS-11.
  • Commonly reported experiences include relaxation, focus, uplift, giggliness, tingling, and euphoria, but these are consumer reports rather than clinically established strain effects.
  • Mellow Fellow’s Rainbow Sherbet is THCp-infused hemp flower, so its cannabinoid profile is substantially different from ordinary THC-dominant Rainbow Sherbet flower.
  • The current Mellow Fellow batch COA reports 23.7% total cannabinoids and includes Delta 9 THCp, Delta 8 THC, and CBG.
  • Rainbow Sherbet makes the most sense for people who enjoy fruit-forward hybrids and want something between an aggressively energizing sativa and a heavily sedating indica.

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Quick Strain Profile

Characteristic Details
Type Hybrid; exact indica/sativa balance depends on the genetic line
Common Genetics Champagne × Blackberry in older listings; Pink Guava × Sunset Sherbet in the modern Rainbow Sherbert/RS line
Conventional THC Level Variable; Leafly currently lists about 18%, while other databases commonly cite the high teens to low 20s
Common Terpenes Caryophyllene, Limonene, plus Humulene, Myrcene, or Linalool depending on the cut
Commonly Reported Effects Relaxed, Focused, Uplifted, Giggly, Tingly, Euphoric
Flavor Sweet berries, fruit, citrus, creamy sherbet, occasional mint or gas
Best Fit Social downtime, creative hobbies, relaxed afternoons or evenings
Featured In THCp 3.5g Infused Flower + One Hitter – Rainbow Sherbet

What Is the Rainbow Sherbet Strain?

Rainbow Sherbet is a hybrid cannabis strain best known for a dessert-like fruit profile and effects that consumers often describe as balanced rather than strongly one-sided.

Leafly’s Rainbow Sherbet listing describes the cultivar as a hybrid with a sweet-fruit character and user-reported effects that include giggliness and tingling. Weedmaps similarly highlights relaxed and focused reports along with sweet and berry flavors.

That makes Rainbow Sherbet easy to place conceptually: it sits in the broad family of modern flavorful hybrids that aim for enough cerebral activity to remain interesting while retaining a noticeable body component.

The exact plant behind the name is where things become less straightforward.

Rainbow Sherbet Strain Genetics and Lineage

If you look up Rainbow Sherbet strain genetics, you will encounter two different answers.

The first is the older Rainbow Sherbet or Rainbow Sherbert associated with Apothecary Genetics. Weedmaps, Leafly, Hytiva, and breeder databases trace this version to Champagne or Champagne Kush crossed with Blackberry.

The second is the modern Rainbow Sherbert or RS line associated with DEO Farms, Wizard Trees, and strains such as RS-11. That family traces to Pink Guava crossed with Sunset Sherbet.

These should not automatically be treated as the same genetic cultivar.

Research on nearly 90,000 commercial cannabis samples found that commercial strain labels do not consistently align with underlying cannabinoid and terpene chemistry. The PLOS One study on the phytochemical diversity of commercial cannabis also found variable chemical consistency among products sold under the same strain names.

For Rainbow Sherbet, that problem is visible without a microscope. Two established lineages circulate under nearly identical names.

Mellow Fellow’s current Rainbow Sherbet THCp infused flower is labeled as a hybrid, but the live product page does not identify a breeder or parent strains. It would therefore be inaccurate to claim that the specific infused flower has one of those two lineages without additional first-party genetic documentation.

Is Rainbow Sherbet Strain Indica or Sativa?

Rainbow Sherbet is best described as a hybrid. The Champagne × Blackberry version is commonly presented as balanced or close to balanced. The modern Rainbow Sherbert/RS family is more often described as slightly indica-leaning, with sources commonly placing it around 60% indica and 40% sativa.

That does not mean the ratio will predict exactly how a particular batch feels.

Genetic research has repeatedly found that modern commercial indica, sativa, and hybrid labels are imperfect predictors of the actual chemistry in the flower. A genomic study of commercial cannabis strains likewise found that samples did not group neatly according to their marketed indica, sativa, and hybrid categories.

For a deeper look at why these labels have limits, read Mellow Fellow’s guide to sativa vs. indica.

Why Rainbow Sherbet Became a Cannabis Favorite

The easiest answer is flavor.

Rainbow Sherbet sits squarely inside the fruit-and-dessert side of cannabis, where sweet berry and citrus notes make the strain approachable even for people who are not especially interested in skunky, earthy, or aggressively diesel-heavy profiles.

Its reported effects also occupy useful middle ground.

Some consumers describe feeling focused or creative early in the experience. Others emphasize giggliness, physical relaxation, or a heavier finish. That range gives Rainbow Sherbet a reputation for versatility.

The modern Rainbow Sherbert line also became important as breeding material. Mellow Fellow’s Zoap strain review explores a cultivar closely connected to Rainbow Sherbet genetics and the same broader candy-forward breeding family.

Rainbow Sherbet Strain Effects and Experience

Rainbow Sherbet strain effects are generally described as a combination of mental uplift and physical ease. That does not mean every Rainbow Sherbet product produces the same sequence.

Leafly users currently report effects including giggly, tingly, and aroused, while Weedmaps users more frequently report relaxed, sleepy, and focused. The fact that two large consumer databases emphasize different effects is another reminder that phenotype, batch chemistry, dose, tolerance, and individual biology all matter.

What Does Rainbow Sherbet Strain Feel Like?

At a manageable amount, Rainbow Sherbet is commonly described as mentally bright without behaving like an extremely stimulating sativa.

People often report an initial sense of:

  • uplift
  • focus or creative interest
  • sociability
  • giggliness
  • tingling or light physical buzz

As the experience develops, relaxation may become more prominent.

Some users describe that later phase as comfortable and mellow. Others find larger amounts substantially heavier.

That pattern makes Rainbow Sherbet a plausible choice for relaxed socializing, music, movies, drawing, casual gaming, or other activities where being engaged matters more than maximum productivity.

If a clearer, creativity-forward hybrid is what you are after, compare it with Blue Dream. If you prefer a heavier, fuel-forward relaxation profile, the Cali Gas strain review covers the other end of that spectrum.

What Users Commonly Report

Across current strain databases, recurring Rainbow Sherbet experiences include:

  • physical relaxation without an immediate knockout feeling
  • an upbeat or euphoric mood
  • focus or creative engagement in moderate amounts
  • laughter and social energy
  • tingling body sensations
  • a heavier, more relaxed finish as intake increases

These are consumer observations, not proof that Rainbow Sherbet treats anxiety, depression, pain, or another medical condition.

No clinical trial has established Rainbow Sherbet itself as a treatment for a health condition.

Potential Considerations

Leafly users also report dry mouth, dizziness, and anxiety among possible unwanted effects.

Those concerns become more important as cannabinoid exposure increases.

Health Canada’s lower-risk cannabis guidance recommends starting with a low amount, allowing inhaled cannabis time to develop, and avoiding rapid additional intake. It also notes that individual responses can vary.

The same caution is particularly important with Mellow Fellow’s THCp-infused version because it is not chemically equivalent to conventional Rainbow Sherbet flower.

Rainbow Sherbet THC Percentage and Potency

There is no trustworthy single Rainbow Sherbet THC percentage.

Leafly currently displays approximately 18% THC for Rainbow Sherbet. Hytiva gives a broader 18% to 22% range. Weedmaps is internally inconsistent, showing a lower numerical range in one field while its written description references online reports closer to 20% to 22%. The right takeaway is not to average those numbers together.

A strain name does not determine the potency of a flower batch. Genetics, growing conditions, harvest timing, curing, testing methodology, and the specific phenotype can all change the final cannabinoid profile. The label or COA for the actual flower is what matters.

Is Rainbow Sherbet Strain Strong?

Conventional Rainbow Sherbet flower is usually marketed in the moderate-to-high THC range, but “strong” is relative to the person and product. An 18% THC batch may already be significant for an infrequent consumer. A concentrate carrying Rainbow Sherbet terpenes can have an entirely different cannabinoid concentration.

Mellow Fellow’s Rainbow Sherbet product requires an even bigger distinction because it is THCp-infused flower, not conventional Delta 9 THC flower. The original Scientific Reports paper identifying Delta 9 THCP found that the cannabinoid has substantially greater CB1 receptor binding affinity than Delta 9 THC in vitro and produced THC-like effects in mice.

That does not establish a reliable “X times stronger” conversion for humans. There is still limited human pharmacology for THCp, so consumers should be skeptical of simple claims that convert receptor-binding ratios directly into human potency. Mellow Fellow’s THCp potency guide goes deeper into that distinction.

Rainbow Sherbet Strain Terpenes

Rainbow Sherbet strain terpenes vary depending on which Rainbow Sherbet lineage and batch you are discussing.

Caryophyllene and limonene recur across many current listings.

Leafly lists caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene for its Champagne × Blackberry Rainbow Sherbet profile. Other strain databases commonly list myrcene or linalool among the prominent secondary terpenes. That variation is more realistic than pretending every jar of Rainbow Sherbet contains the same three compounds in the same order.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene contributes peppery, woody, and spicy aromatic notes. It is also unusual among common cannabis terpenes because it has demonstrated direct activity at cannabinoid CB2 receptors.

The landmark PNAS study identifying beta-caryophyllene as a CB2 agonist showed receptor activity in laboratory experiments and animal models. That pharmacology is interesting, but it does not mean the amount of caryophyllene in Rainbow Sherbet has been shown to treat inflammation, pain, or another condition in humans.

For this strain, its most defensible role is sensory: it provides warmth and spice beneath the sweeter fruit notes.

Limonene

Limonene is responsible for bright citrus aromas found in lemon peel and many cannabis chemovars. It is also one of the few cannabis-associated terpenes with recent controlled human data involving THC.

A 2024 double-blind study of 20 healthy adults found that vaporized d-limonene reduced some anxiety-related ratings produced by THC under the study conditions.

That is much more specific than saying limonene simply “makes Rainbow Sherbet uplifting. The study tested controlled doses of isolated compounds, not Rainbow Sherbet flower, so it should not be treated as proof that a limonene-rich strain will produce the same result for every person.

Myrcene and Humulene

Depending on the Rainbow Sherbet cut, myrcene or humulene may appear alongside caryophyllene and limonene.

Myrcene has earthy, herbal, and musky aroma characteristics. A scientific review of myrcene’s biological and toxicological evidence found substantial preclinical research but emphasized that human research is lacking.

Humulene adds woody, earthy, and hop-like notes and is structurally related to caryophyllene. For consumers, the useful point is that these secondary terpenes can change how fruity, earthy, spicy, or floral a particular Rainbow Sherbet batch smells. For a broader reference, see Mellow Fellow’s complete guide to cannabis terpenes.

Rainbow Sherbet Strain Flavor and Aroma

Rainbow Sherbet strain flavor is the reason the name makes sense. The profile is typically sweet and fruit-forward, but the exact fruit changes depending on the source and phenotype.

Common descriptions include:

  • ripe berries
  • blackberry or blueberry
  • apricot and tree fruit
  • tropical fruit
  • citrus
  • creamy sherbet
  • sugary candy
  • mint
  • herbs
  • light pepper or gas underneath the sweetness

The Champagne × Blackberry interpretation leans naturally toward darker berry notes. Modern Rainbow Sherbert/RS expressions often move toward tropical fruit, guava, citrus candy, cream, and a stronger gas component.

Mellow Fellow’s Rainbow Sherbet THCp flower is currently described with ripe berries, tropical citrus, melon, sugar, and a minty finish.

That flavor description belongs to the Mellow Fellow product specifically. It should not be used as proof that every Rainbow Sherbet flower batch tastes identical.

Rainbow Sherbet Strain Appearance

Rainbow Sherbet is generally associated with dense, resinous hybrid-style flowers.

Depending on the cut and growing conditions, descriptions commonly include:

  • medium to deep green flower
  • occasional blue or purple coloration
  • orange pistils
  • visible trichome coverage
  • compact or rounded bud structure

Modern RS-line Rainbow Sherbert selections are particularly known for colorful, highly resinous flower and strong visual appeal.

Appearance is one of the least reliable ways to authenticate a strain, though.

Purple color can be influenced by genetics and environmental conditions. Heavy trichome coverage can occur across many unrelated cultivars. Dense flower structure does not prove a specific lineage. Mellow Fellow’s product also should not be used as a reference for natural Rainbow Sherbet appearance because it is infused flower. Post-harvest cannabinoid infusion can change how the finished flower looks and feels compared with an untreated bud.

Experience Rainbow Sherbet With Mellow Fellow THCp Infused Flower

Mellow Fellow currently offers Rainbow Sherbet as THCp 3.5g Infused Flower + One Hitter.  The package contains 3.5g of infused hemp flower and a signature one hitter.

More importantly, Mellow Fellow publishes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis through its Lab Results page.

COA Measurement Lot 2523928293705
Total Cannabinoids 23.7%
Total Cannabinoids Per 3.5g Package 828mg
Delta 9 THCp 7.05%
Delta 9 THCp Per Package 247mg
Delta 8 THC 7.27%
Delta 8 THC Per Package 254mg
Total CBG 7.73%
Total CBG Per Package 270mg
Total Active Delta 9 THC Below the laboratory’s limit of quantitation

The same COA reports passing results for the tested pesticide, heavy-metal, mycotoxin, residual-solvent, pathogenic-microbiology, microbiology, Vitamin E acetate, and 2,3-butanedione panels.

That chemistry makes this product fundamentally different from ordinary Rainbow Sherbet marijuana flower. The flavor profile may be built around Rainbow Sherbet, but the psychoactive experience is influenced by the added cannabinoid formulation, particularly the substantial THCp and Delta 8 content.

If you are unfamiliar with the category, read What Is THCp Flower? before assuming it should be approached like ordinary cannabis flower. For the production side, How Is THCp Flower Made? explains why commercially available THCp flower is generally infused rather than a naturally THCp-rich flower variety.

Who Is the Mellow Fellow Rainbow Sherbet Product Better Suited To?

This is not the product we would use as evidence that conventional Rainbow Sherbet is beginner-friendly. The current batch contains a meaningful concentration of THCp, a cannabinoid without standardized human dosing guidance.

Experienced cannabinoid users who specifically want a potent infused-flower format may find the Rainbow Sherbet profile appealing because the sweet fruit character is more approachable than some heavily diesel-forward strains.

People mainly interested in learning what Rainbow Sherbet flower tastes like would get a cleaner cultivar comparison from conventional, batch-tested Rainbow Sherbet flower without additional intoxicating cannabinoids.

That difference is important.

Rainbow Sherbet vs. Similar Strains

Rainbow Sherbet occupies useful middle ground among fruity hybrids.

Strain Common Flavor Character Commonly Reported Character How It Compares
Rainbow Sherbet Berry, citrus, fruit, cream, mint Relaxed, focused, giggly, uplifting Balanced fruit-forward hybrid
Blue Dream Blueberry, sweet herbs, light citrus Creative, relaxed, uplifted Often feels brighter and more daytime-oriented
Cali Gas Diesel, citrus, earth, spice Euphoric, physically relaxed Heavier and much more fuel-forward
Zoap Floral, tropical, sweet, soapy Social, euphoric, relaxed Closely connected to the modern Rainbow Sherbet breeding family
Zkittlez Candy, tropical fruit, berry Calm, euphoric, relaxed Sweeter candy emphasis and generally more relaxation-oriented

If you love Rainbow Sherbet because of the fruit-dessert profile, Zoap and Zkittlez are natural next comparisons. If it is the combination of mental lift and physical comfort that appeals to you, Blue Dream offers another version of that balance. If the sweet profile feels too light and you want more fuel and weight, Cali Gas moves decisively in that direction.

Who Might Enjoy Rainbow Sherbet?

Rainbow Sherbet has broad appeal because neither its flavor nor its reported effects sit at an extreme.

Often Appreciated By

Flavor-focused consumers are the most obvious audience. Berry, citrus, cream, and occasional mint or gas give the strain more complexity than a one-note candy profile.

Hybrid fans may also appreciate that consumer reports span both mental and physical effects rather than pointing exclusively toward stimulation or sedation.

Creative or social users often gravitate toward Rainbow Sherbet because focus, giggliness, uplift, and relaxation all appear in current consumer-report databases.

People who already enjoy Blue Dream but want something more dessert-forward may also find the comparison useful.

May Want to Consider Alternatives If

Rainbow Sherbet may be less appealing if:

  • you prefer strongly diesel, pine, or skunk-dominant flavor
  • you want a very stimulating sativa profile
  • you want predictable heavy nighttime sedation
  • you need a strain with one clearly documented breeder lineage
  • you are highly sensitive to THC and are looking only at stronger Rainbow Sherbet batches
  • you are considering THCp-infused flower but have little experience with potent cannabinoids

First-Timer Notes

A conventional Rainbow Sherbet batch in the high teens or low 20s for THC should not automatically be considered mild.

Health Canada advises people using inhaled cannabis to start with a small amount and wait for the effect to develop rather than repeatedly consuming in quick succession.

Mellow Fellow’s THCp-infused Rainbow Sherbet deserves additional caution because its current COA shows substantial THCp content. bDo not translate ordinary flower tolerance directly into THCp tolerance. Cannabis can impair attention, judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Do not drive or operate machinery while impaired.

Growing Rainbow Sherbet

Rainbow Sherbet growing information depends heavily on which genetic version you actually have.

That makes breeder identification more important here than with a strain that has one universally accepted lineage.

Growing the Champagne × Blackberry Rainbow Sherbet

Weedmaps reports a flowering period of approximately 43 to 63 days for its Champagne × Blackberry Rainbow Sherbet profile and describes it as relatively approachable for indoor or outdoor cultivation.

Growers commonly describe compact hybrid-style flowers and a sweet berry aroma developing during flowering.

Growing the Modern Rainbow Sherbert or RS Line

The DEO Farms-derived Rainbow Sherbert line is generally associated with a longer window closer to nine or ten weeks.

Modern RS selections are known for dense, resin-heavy flowers, strong aroma, and the potential for pronounced coloration.

Because dense flowers can hold moisture, consistent airflow and humidity management matter during flowering.

The bigger lesson is to buy genetics from a source that identifies the breeder and lineage.

If your seed or clone is labeled only “Rainbow Sherbet,” generic online grow instructions may be describing a completely different plant.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Rainbow Sherbet Strain

Rainbow Sherbet earns attention because it combines an easy-to-like fruit-dessert profile with a hybrid reputation that does not live exclusively at either the energetic or sedating end of cannabis.

Sweet berries, citrus, cream, and light mint make up the familiar sensory side. Consumer reports add focus, uplift, giggliness, tingling, and relaxation.

The genetics require more care.

Champagne × Blackberry Rainbow Sherbet and the Pink Guava × Sunset Sherbet Rainbow Sherbert line are both established in the market, and they should not be quietly collapsed into one cultivar. Batch chemistry matters more than the name on the jar.

That becomes even more important with Mellow Fellow’s version.

If you want Rainbow Sherbet in Mellow Fellow’s current flower lineup, explore the THCp 3.5g Rainbow Sherbet Infused Flower + One Hitter and check the matching batch on the Mellow Fellow Lab Results page before comparing potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Rainbow Sherbet Strain?

Rainbow Sherbet is a hybrid cannabis strain associated with sweet berry and fruit flavors plus a mixture of uplifting and relaxing effects.

The name is used for multiple genetic lines, so checking the breeder and batch is important.

What Are the Rainbow Sherbet Strain Genetics?

Older strain databases generally identify Rainbow Sherbet as Champagne or Champagne Kush crossed with Blackberry.

The modern Rainbow Sherbert or RS line associated with RS-11 instead traces to Pink Guava crossed with Sunset Sherbet.

Do not assume those are interchangeable.

Is Rainbow Sherbet Strain Indica or Sativa?

Rainbow Sherbet is a hybrid.

The Champagne × Blackberry version is often described as balanced, while modern Rainbow Sherbert or RS-line versions are commonly described as slightly indica-leaning.

What Are the Rainbow Sherbet Strain Effects?

Consumer reports commonly include relaxation, focus, uplift, giggliness, tingling, and euphoria.

Effects vary with the product, cannabinoid content, dose, tolerance, and person.

What Does Rainbow Sherbet Strain Feel Like?

Many users describe a brighter or more social mental phase paired with physical relaxation.

Higher intake may make the experience feel heavier.

These are user-reported patterns rather than clinically proven strain effects.

What Is the Rainbow Sherbet THC Percentage?

There is no universal percentage.

Leafly currently lists Rainbow Sherbet around 18% THC, while other strain references commonly place conventional flower in the high teens to low 20s.

Check the COA for the actual batch.

Is Rainbow Sherbet Strain Strong?

It can be.

Conventional flower around 18% to 22% THC can already be potent for an infrequent consumer.

Mellow Fellow’s Rainbow Sherbet is a different category because it is infused with THCp and should not be compared to conventional flower using THC percentage alone.

What Are the Main Rainbow Sherbet Strain Terpenes?

Caryophyllene and limonene appear consistently in current Rainbow Sherbet listings.

Depending on the genetic line and batch, humulene, myrcene, or linalool may also be prominent.

What Does Rainbow Sherbet Strain Taste Like?

Rainbow Sherbet is generally sweet and fruity.

Berry, citrus, tropical fruit, cream, apricot, melon, and mint all appear in current descriptions. Modern RS-line expressions can add a stronger gas component.

What Does Rainbow Sherbet Strain Look Like?

Rainbow Sherbet flower is generally described as dense and resinous, with green buds, orange pistils, and strong trichome coverage.

Some phenotypes can develop blue or purple coloration.

Appearance alone cannot authenticate the strain.

Is Rainbow Sherbet the Same as RS-11?

Not automatically.

RS-11 means Rainbow Sherbert #11 and is a specific phenotype from the DEO Farms Rainbow Sherbert line involving Pink Guava and Sunset Sherbet.

A different Rainbow Sherbet strain from Apothecary Genetics has long been documented as Champagne × Blackberry.

Is Rainbow Sherbet Related to Zoap?

The modern DEO Farms Rainbow Sherbet line is closely connected with Zoap breeding.

Is Mellow Fellow Rainbow Sherbet Regular Cannabis Flower?

No.

Mellow Fellow’s current Rainbow Sherbet product is 3.5g of THCp-infused hemp flower packaged with a one hitter.

Its cannabinoid profile therefore differs substantially from ordinary THC-dominant Rainbow Sherbet marijuana flower.

How Potent Is Mellow Fellow Rainbow Sherbet THCp Flower?

The current linked COA for lot 2523928293705 reports 23.7% total cannabinoids.

It includes 7.05% Delta 9 THCp, 7.27% Delta 8 THC, and 7.73% total CBG, while total active Delta 9 THC was below the laboratory’s quantitation limit.

THCp does not have a validated human potency conversion relative to Delta 9 THC, so do not interpret its receptor-binding data as a simple multiplier.

Sources

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