Cannabasics: Exploring Cannabis

History has been made!

95 years of cannabis prohibition has come to an end. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to sort through the propaganda, misinformation and lack of research available, so we can begin to educate and break down the stigmas attached to cannabis.

Cannabis is a beautifully complex plant that is made up of active compounds that all play an important role in your experience and relationship with cannabis.

Let’s explore the cannabis plant and its elements further:

Cannabinoids

Are active compounds that have the ability to imitate compounds our bodies naturally produce. Once consumed, cannabinoids activate receptor sites in the brain and body, which determine the effects you experience.

THC (delta 9- tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is cannabis’ most popular cannabinoid. It is best known for its psychoactive properties that produce the desirable high feeling. Depending on the type of cannabis consumed, and your unique body chemistry, THC may amplify sensory functions, increase arousal, produce strong feelings of euphoria and increase hunger.

CBD (Cannabidoil)

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid. Its claim to fame is its non-psychoactive properties; this means, CBD cannot get you high. In fact, it can help reduce the psychoactive effects of THC while promoting calmness and relaxation.

Terpenes

Are aromatic compounds commonly produced by plants and fruit. They are secreted by the same glands that produce THC and CBD. They are the essential oils that make cannabis smell like berries, citrus, pine, fuel, etc. Cannabis terpenes can make us feel stimulated or sedated, depending on which ones are present in the strain.

Read more about these fascinating essential oils in our blog, Cannabasics: What’s the Buzz About Terpenes?

Trichomes

Tiny crystals or resin glands seen on the surface of the bud; this is where THC, CBD and Terpenes are secreted.

The “Entourage Effect”

This is the concept that the plant’s individual components magnify and expand each other, so that the impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of each component.

Decarboxylation

In its raw form, cannabis contains THC-A. In order to activate the psychoactive effects of cannabis, it needs to be heated to a minimum temperature of 104˚C. This is when THC-A undergoes decarboxylation and converts into THC, the chemical component that produces the intoxicating effects.

Indica

Indica’s were named by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck in 1783. Indica describes the psychoactive varieties discovered in India, where it was harvested for its seeds, fiber, and hashish production. “Indica” has come to describe stout, broad-leaf plants, thought to deliver sedating effects. They are typically thought to promote body relaxation. These full body effects may make you feel sleepy, calm, and mellow; it is recommended to use these strains at night.

Jean-Baptise Lamarck a famed French naturalist noticed there was a difference between cannabis in Europe and India, thereby naming his discovery Cannabis Indica. He is best known for his Theory of Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics –If an organism changes during life in order to adapt to its environment, those changes are passed to its offspring.

Sativa

Sativa’s were named by Carlous Linnaeusin 1753. Sativa’s described hemp plants found in Europe and western Eurasia, where they were cultivated for fiber and seeds. “Sativa” refers to tall, narrow-leaf varieties of cannabis, thought to induce energizing, uplifting effects that can make you feel creative, social, cheerful, alert and energetic. These strains are perfect for daytime consumption.

Carolus Linnaeus is the father of botany and is credited with formalizing binomial nomenclature – the modern system of naming organisms.

Hybrids

While pure indica and sativa strains do exist, the market is almost entirely dominated by a mix of the two, or hybrids. However, hybrids can be heavily sativa or indica dominant depending on their lineage.

Want to learn more about the strains of cannabis? Read our Cannabasics blog: Get To Know Your Sativas, Indicas , and Hybrids.

The complexity of a strain and how it interacts with you as a consumer goes far beyond just knowing if it is indica or sativa. It’s important to understand the plant, its elements and how they interact, react and create the experiences you feel. Learning the science behind cannabis will help you better navigate the strains available to you.

Our RARE Experience Guides are here to help you find a strain that’s perfect for you. We believe that knowing the differences between the strains of cannabis can help gauge your expectations when consuming cannabis leading to a better, more informed experience.

Let’s get to know one another, reach out to [email protected] . We love to hear your ideas and how you #livelifeRARE.

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