Cannabis 101 | Basic Guide
Introduction
CBD has been gaining immense popularity amongst the public, making headlines as a natural way to relieve a plethora of ailments. With the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabidiol accessibility has surged and permitted much of the groundwork for future research and widespread, medicinal potential. Although many are cognizant of the effects of cannabis, have you ever wondered what gets you high?
THC, scientifically known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is a phytocannabinoid commonly sourced from the cannabis plant that permits psychoactive effects on the body; with CBD, however, such is not exactly the case. Although the term “psychoactive effects” is largely misleading — that is, due to CBD exhibiting psychoactive effects albeit not the “high” associated with THC-rich cannabis — both the molecular structure of cannabidiol and the ways in which it interacts with the body is slightly different than that of THC.
Although clinical studies concerning CBD are recent developments, our current conceptions have suggested that cannabidiol bears promising health benefits. Be it in managing anxiety and depression, or alleviating acute pain and other ailments, cannabidiol has attested on many occasions its promising potential as an up-and-coming medicinal substance.
CBD and other cannabinoids target a physiological system referred to as the Endocannabinoid System. In all mammalian species (i.e., humans, furry friends, etc.) these species bear receptors and other associated structures that regulate a multitude of paramount functions including those previously mentioned. To summarize, CBD binds with these receptors, thereby improving one’s body with said functions.
Cannabis Anatomy
Flower, more colloquially regarded as "buds," is the household of the various parts of the plant itself. There are four main parts to a bud:
Cola
Calyx
Pistil
Trichomes
These terms act as the fundamental anatomy of a cannabis plant. Species of the cannabis flower, however, are classified into three distinct categories:
Sativa
Indica
Hybrids
Physically, flowers of varying classifications will differ in appearance. A Sativa-dominant is known to be tall in stature, and have narrow leaves, whereas an Indica-dominant flower is commonly associated with being short in stature and having broad leaves. Hybrids are a category that is simply a mix between Sativa and Indica; as such, they will inherit characteristics of both.
This information may warrant the relevant question as to the differences between these three types. Although largely anecdotal, a Sativa is thought to be stimulating and is typically used during the daytime; an indica, however, is thought to be sedating and typically used at night. The question, thus, lies in whether these observations are valid beyond one’s subjective, personal experiences. The bottom line is that the effects strains have on one’s body consist of a complex combination of factors, and consequently, results vary between individuals as a result of our unique biological composition.
Terpene Overview
Likewise to us humans, although we all constitute the human race, our biology and inherited traits makes for each of us unique. Similarly, each cannabis strain is utterly unique compared to one another. Their overall effects on the body can certainly vary in a fashion similar to the classes of cannabis flower described above, as well as their flavors and aromas. These phenomena are the result of terpenes, and comprehending the basics of this topic is vitally important in distinguishing various strains. Terpenes are pungent oils that are secreted in glands of the cannabis plant — the very reasoning behind why each cannabis strain is unique. These naturally-secreted oils impact both the aroma and flavor of each strain. There are more than 100 different identified terpenes that have been discovered in the cannabis plant, of which common examples include:
Pinene (Woody)
Myrcene (Peppery)
Limonene (Citrusy)
Caryophyllene (Herbaceous)
Linalool (Floral)
With this information, it must be stated that each contains its own unique characteristics, similar to that of previously mentioned cannabinoids.
Modes of Cannabis Use
There are also various methods by which the medicinal potential of cannabis is utilized. As of current, popular methods include:
Ingestion (the process of consuming.)
Inhalation (method of smoking.)
Topical application (placed on the skin for absorption.)
Sublingual administration (using products under one’s tongue.)
Each method, however, differs in the duration in which cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and modulate function within the body. Smoking, as example, is the quickest way to receive the effects of CBD, THC, or any other cannabinoids; however, smoking has the shortest duration of effect compared to other methods. Each method of consumption has both pros and cons, but the preferred method is obtained by individual experiences and overall personal preference.
Phytocannabinoids
Aside from the increasingly popular compounds of both CBD and THC, and as previously described, there are over 100 discovered cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. A cannabinoid is a category that consists of a diverse group of chemical compounds without any distinction between those existing in nature or produced by the body. For example, CBD and THC are considered cannabinoids as they are both chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Such can be further subcategorized into the term “phytocannabinoid,” denoting its origination/source from a plant.
What’s more, other cannabinoids referred to as “minor cannabinoids” include CBG, CBC, and CBN, which similarly are responsible for immense but largely undiscovered and intriguing medicinal potential.
An additionally significant concept to comprehend includes the acid forms of these chemical compounds. CBDa and THCa are phytocannabinoids found in the raw cannabis plant. When smoking, for example, the compound CBDa is activated by heat into cannabidiol. On a molecular level, this exposure to temperature alters CBDa’s chemical composition, ultimately removing a group that, once removed, is thought to increase bioavailability and enhance the potency of the plant. Decarboxylation, or ‘decarb’ for short, is the technical term for this process; that is, in which an acid form of a cannabinoid is activated through heat — an essential process in the production of cannabis-infused products.
Conclusion
Overall, cannabis and its associating structures/compounds are the subjects of complex discussion in which new information is continually being published on the topic regularly. Although future studies will hopefully be conducted to reinforce many of the presumed claims associated with the plant, understanding the basic principles and characteristics of cannabinoids will allow one to make educated decisions on purchasing cannabinoid-rich products.
More in-depth information on this topic will be posted soon in future journals. These publications will be updated periodically to ensure the information contained within them is up-to-date and relevant to current cannabis research.
