CANNABIS 101

There are thousands of cannabis strains, or cultivars. Each strain has unique properties. Strains are classified by different names (like blue dream, purple punch, etc), and each strain contains a unique blend of compounds that distinguish one strain from another. Strains are commonly broken down into Sativas, Indica’s, or hybrid’s (mix of both sativa and indica). Cannabis strains have long been classified by either sativa or indica. Sativa strains are known to provide invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects. Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed. However, research suggest that these classifications are not always accurate.

Cannabinoids are organic chemical compounds derived from the cannabis plant that provide relief to an array of symptoms including pain, nausea, anxiety, and inflammation. Cannabinoids work naturally with our bodies endocannabinoid system, a system that contains cannabinoid receptors. There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids, many of which have documented medical value. CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most common types of cannabinoids.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a specific type of cannabinoid found within the cannabis plant. CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the flower of cannabis plants. Today, the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A safe, non-addictive substance, CBD is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids which are unique to cannabis and supply the plant with its robust therapeutic profile. CBD does not have psychoactive properties (make a person feel high). In fact, CBD lessens the effect of THC, the compound that does have psychoactive effects

THC is the compound found in cannabis flower that creates the psychoactive high feeling that has made marijuana famous. THC is the only compound found in the cannabis plant that has psychoactive properties, but THC also contains many therapuetic properties as well. Some of the therapeutic properties include pain relief, nausea and vomiting calmer, muscle relaxant, mood enhancer, appetite stimulant, and sleep aid.

Terpenes are organic compounds within the cannabis plant that enhance the effects of cannabis, affect taste, and hold numerous medical benefits. There are over 100 terpenes that have been identified in the cannabis plant. Broadly, terpenes can be broken down into sweet, sour, spicy, or bitter — with each category further breaking down into more specific smells. These specific smells consist with certain strains, which in turn correlate to the effects of that plant.

If you are familiar with “essential oils” you already have some experience with terpenes. Terpenes are found in high quantities in various essential oils. For example, limonene is in the essential oil of lemons and limes, alpha and beta-pinene are found in the essential oil of pine needles. The terpenes in these essential oils contribute to the uplifting effects you experience if you smell the rind of a lemon or walk through a pine forest. All of these terpenes, and thousands more, are found in high concentrations in the flower of cannabis.

The entourage effect is a unique scientific observation in whole plant cannabis medicine. Cannabinoids (like THC & CBD) and terpenes synergistically work together to create therapeutic effects. There are over 400 compounds in the cannabis plant (different terpenes and cannabinoids, among other compounds). Many of these compounds interact synergistically to create what scientists refer to as an “entourage effect” that magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components—so that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. This is an important observation, because what is means is that whole plant medicine, whether its inhaling or oil extraction, is superior to single compound extract products. For example, most edible’s just have THC added back into the edible. The problem is that the edible just has one compound, the THC. It’s missing hundreds of other compounds that together, create a more comprehensive therapeutic effect. There is much more research that needs to be done regarding the entourage effect, but it’s another way that cannabis continues to amaze doctors, researchers and patients alike.