Learn About Cannabis
Are you new to the world of cannabis? The following articles will help you learn how to use cannabis, what type you should be using, and how cannabis works.
What is Cannabis?
The term cannabis refers to a family of three plants with psychoactive and medical properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Once the flowers of these plants are dried and harvested, you’re left with one of the most common forms of relief in the world. Some call it pot, some call it weed, and others call it marijuana. As marijuana becomes legal in more areas, names for it are evolving.
Today, more and more people are using the term cannabis to refer to weed. Cannabis is usually consumed for its calming and relaxing effects. In some U.S. states, it’s also prescribed to help with a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, glaucoma, poor appetite, etc….. Always keep in mind that even though cannabis comes from a plant and is considered natural, it still possesses strong effects, both positive and negative.
History Of The Plant
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, pot, grass, etc….. Has a long history of human use. Most ancient cultures didn’t grow the plant to get the effects of being high, but as herbal medicine, starting in Asia and dating back to around 500 BC. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope.
The hemp or cannabis plant originally evolved in Central Asia before people transported the plant into Africa, Europe and eventually the Americas. Hemp fiber was used to make sails, paper, clothing and rope, and its seeds were used as food.
Due to the fact that it’s a fast-growing plant that has many uses and is easy to cultivate, hemp was widely grown throughout colonial America and at Spanish missions in the Southwest. Back in the early 1600s, the Virginia, Massachusetts and Connecticut colonies required farmers to grow hemp. These colonial hemp plants had very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering effects…
Sativa, Indica or Hybrid?
A wide variety of retailers classify cannabis into three main categories: sativa, indica or hybrid. Over the years, there has been an increasingly considerable debate over these terms and their applications. Some have claimed there is little difference between the two species and their effects, contrary to popular belief. It is important to consider the commonly associated effects:
Sativa strains are associated with an upbeat, stimulating head high and are commonly associated with daytime use. This will leave users feeling invigorated.
Indica strains are associated with relaxation, drowsiness and pain relief. Indica strains are commonly associated with nighttime use and are considered to promote a mellow feel.
Hybrid strains are a type of cannabis created by combining the two species of weed: sativa and indica. This will produce effects that will be more balanced throughout the body. This makes hybrid strains a great choice for a wide variety of users.
One type of marijuana classification is sativa. Leaves of this species of marijuana plant tend to be lighter in color as well as narrower than that of Indica.
Cannabis harvested from this species of plant is associated with a boost of energy, stimulating effect that gives users a buzz that doesn’t make you drowsy as much as it is uplifting. Sativa marijuana plants tend to grow in hot, dry climates and can be found growing in various regions across the world. Sativa also typically has less CBD and more THC and promotes productivity as well as creativity.
A cannabis plant that’s bred to inherit the most favorable characteristics from its two parent plants.
Hybrid strains can be a combination of any plant varieties and will typically depict phenotypes that are either sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or equally balanced. Hybrid weed plants may also contain genetics from ruderalis varieties, a third variety of the cannabis plant that isn’t dependent on light exposure to start flowering, a process known as “auto-flowering.”
Another type of marijuana classification is indica. Leaves of this species of marijuana plant tend to be darker in color as well as wider than that of sativa.
Cannabis harvested from this species of plant can be associated with sleepiness, relief to those suffering from chronic pain, appetite, reduced nausea, relaxing and therapeutic qualities. Indica typically grows faster, strains tend to have higher doses of CBD and lower levels of the psychoactive compound THC.
The Terpene Breakdown
Terpenes are aromatic molecules that are responsible for the unique aroma and taste of any individual strain. They assist other cannabis molecules to produce a desired effec and Important to the overall cannabis experience due to their influence on the body and mind. Shopping by smell can help consumers find strains that can best suit their needs.
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis, which is where it’s mostly found in nature. In fact, one study showed that myrcene makes up as much as 65% of the total terpene profile in some strains. Myrcene smell often reminds of earthy, musky notes, resembling cloves. Also, it has a fruity, red grape-like aroma. Strains that contain 0.5% of this terpene are usually indicas with sedative effects. It has also been reported that myrcene is useful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain, which is why it’s usually recommended as a supplement during cancer treatments.
The indica vs sativa contrast was once the most helpful way to distinguish between different subspecies of cannabis and the psychoactive effects they produce.V
THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid commonly described as coinciding with the feeling of being extremely relaxed. It is the most researched cannabinoid, and has 3 reported phases: THCa, Delta-9 THC, and CBN.
Can help with: Pain, Glaucoma, Insomnia, Low Appetite, Muscle Spasticity, Nausea
High THC Strains: Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), Ghost OG, Bruce Banner
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that reduces and modulates the intoxicating effects of THC. While it does not typically produce psychoactive effects, it can have calming and relaxing effects in most individuals.
Can help with: Seizures, Inflammation, Pain, Nausea, Migraines, Anxiety
High THC Strains: Harlequin, Ringo’s Gift, ACDC
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a cannabis compound. Unlike marijuana’s famous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives the user the characteristic high that makes weed usage famous, tetrahydrocannabinol acid is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that researchers have found in both raw and live cannabis plants.
As the marijuana plant’s leaves, stems, buds, and flowers dry out, the plant’s THCA turns into THC. Heat also makes the THCA convert even faster to THC. Nowadays, the most coveted strains of cannabis have been honed by scientists and researchers to contain not only high levels of THC, but also large amounts of THCA.
It is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of the THC in raw marijuana is stored in the form of THCA within the plant.
CBN is what THC will break down into over-time due to exposure to oxygen, UV light, or heat
Mildly psychoactive, inducing little to no
Strongest cannabinoid identified for
Cannabinoids all start off as CBG
The “stem cell” of other cannabinoids
Can kill or slow bacterial growth, reduce
inflammation, inhibit cell growth in tumor/cancer cells, and promote bone growth
Psychoactive, causes more of a psychedelic, clear-headed effect,
Causes the effects of THC to hit you much faster
Energetic, an appetite suppressant, may help with diabetes, reduces panic attacks, stimulates bone growth and has anticonvulsant properties
Benefits include antimicrobial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties
It can help with pain relief, depression brain cell growth and migraines