In the last few years, you might have noticed an explosion in the popularity of cannabis. That might mean that you want to learn a lot more about this topic so you can better understand what everyone is talking about. There’s a lot to know about THC and cannabis itself, so let’s get into it!
1. There are Many Different Strains of Cannabis
Not everyone is aware of this, but there are actually a lot of cannabis strains. For example:
- Northern lights
- OG Kush
- Granddaddy Purple
- Sour Diesel
- God’s Gift
- AK-47
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Blue Dream
- Green Crack
- Bubba Kush
- White Widow
- Skywalker
- Purple Haze
- Cheese
- Lemon Skunk
Each strain has its own unique effects. For example, some strains might make you feel more relaxed while others might give you more energy. Some strains are also better for certain medical conditions than others.
2. THC is the Main Compound in Cannabis that Gets You High
THC is the main compound in cannabis that gets you high. It stands for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC binds to receptors in your brain and produces the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Many people believe that the higher the THC content, the stronger the effects will be, but that’s not always the case. We could go down the whole rabbit hole, but in short, other cannabinoids and terpenes can change the way that THC affects you in something commonly called the entourage effect.
3. CBD is Another Important Compound in Cannabis
CBD is another important compound in cannabis. It stands for cannabidiol. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. In fact, it actually counteracts some of the effects of THC (such as anxiety). CBD is thought to have a variety of medical benefits, such as reducing inflammation and pain relief.
4. Indica and Sativa are the Two Main Types of Cannabis Plants
There are two main types of cannabis plants: Indica and Sativa. Indica plants are shorter and bushier, while Sativa plants are taller and thinner. The different effects of Indica and Sativa strains are due to their different ratios of THC to CBD. Indica strains tend to have higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, while Sativa strains tend to have higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD.
That being said, unless a plant is grown specifically to yield high levels of CBD, odds are the percentage of CBD will still be a pretty low number. If you are looking for CBD products you can find them pretty easily, so don’t worry if that’s what you want rather than something that’s stronger in THC.
5.’Skunk’ refers to Certain Strains of Cannabis with a Strong Smell
The term ‘skunk’ actually refers to certain strains of cannabis with a strong smell. These strong-smelling strains are typically Indica dominant (meaning they have more Indica than Sativa). The strong smell is due to the high concentration of terpenes (aromatic compounds) in skunk weed.
Terpenes do provide a bit of their own therapeutic effect, and there are a lot of terpenes that are commonly found in weed. For example:
- Myrcene:
- This terpene is found in high quantities in Indica strains and is thought to produce sedative effects.
- Limonene:
- This terpene is found in high quantities in Sativa strains and is thought to produce uplifting and energetic effects.
- Pinene:
- This terpene is found in both Indica and Sativa strains and is thought to improve alertness and memory.
- Caryophyllene:
- This terpene is found in both Indica and Sativa strains and is thought to produce anti-inflammatory effects.
- Linalool:
- This terpene is found in both Indica and Sativa strains and is thought to produce sedative and anxiety-reducing effects.
6.’Hybrid’ Strains are a Mixture of Indica and Sativa Plants
Hybrid strains are a mixture of Indica and Sativa plants (usually 50/50). Hybrid strains usually have moderate levels of both THC and CBD, so they produce balanced effects that are somewhere in between those produced by Indica and Sativa strains.
You can find hybrid strains pretty easily if you go to a dispensary or have your weed products delivered to your door through a delivery service. It’s just as common as Indica and Sativa strains are.
7.’Edibles’ are Foods Containing Cannabis Extracts or Infused with Cannabinoids
Edibles are foods containing cannabis extracts or infused with cannabinoids (such as THC or CBD). Cannabinoids can be extracted from cannabis plants or made synthetically in a lab. Edibles provide a different experience than smoking or vaporizing weed because they take longer for the body to process. The effects also last much longer – anywhere from 6 to 12 hours.
This method is highly preferred by people who don’t want to smoke weed but still want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis use.
8.’Topicals’ are Cannabinoid-Infused Ointments, Lotions, & Salves Applied to the Skin
Topicals are cannabinoid-infused ointments, lotions, & salves applied to the skin. They’re absorbed through the skin & don’t produce any psychoactive effects. However, they’re thought to be helpful for treating various conditions, such as pain, inflammation, & skin conditions like psoriasis.
9.’Concentrates’ Are Highly Potent Forms Of Cannabis
Concentrates refer to highly potent forms of weed that have been processed to remove all plant material, leaving only select active compounds. This results in a much higher concentration of cannabinoids like THC & CBD. There Are Many Different Types Of Concentrates Including:
- Hash Oil
- Wax
- Shatter
- Budder
- Live Resin
- Rosin
Hash oil is perhaps the most popular type of concentrate. It’s made by extracting cannabinoids using either butane or CO2. Wax & budder concentrates look similar but differ slightly in texture – wax being crumbly & budder being smooth like butter.
Shatter is another type of concentrate that’s known for its transparency when it’s held up to a light. It shatters easily when touched.
Live resin concentrates contain plant material that was frozen immediately after harvest rather than dried & cured. This preserves more aromatic compounds resulting in a stronger flavor. Rosin concentrates are made without using any solvents – only heat & pressure applied plant material.
10. ‘Hydroponics’ Is A Method Of Growing Plants Without Soil
There are a lot of ways to grow cannabis, and one of the most interesting ways is to do it without any soil at all. That’s right: no dirt, no mess, no fuss. Just plants and water. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based solution.
The plants are supported by a growing medium, such as gravel or clay pellets, and the roots are constantly bathed in nutrient-rich water. This type of growing is extremely efficient and can produce large yields in a small space.
It also eliminates the need for costly fertilizers and pesticides, since the water solution can be carefully controlled. If you’re interested in trying hydroponics, there are a few things you’ll need to get started:
- A growing medium:
- This can be anything from gravel to clay pellets to vermiculite. You’ll need enough to fill your growing container and support your plants’ roots.
- A growing container:
- This can be anything from a plastic tub to a fish tank to a barrel. Make sure it has drainage holes so that excess water can escape.
- A pump:
- This will circulate the nutrient-rich water through your system.
- An air stone:
- This will oxygenate the water and keep your roots healthy.
Learning More About Cannabis
There is a lot to know about cannabis in general. Scientists all over the world have spent a lot of time and resources studying this very thing. We’ve gone over a handful of things today, but there are a lot of places you could look if you wanted to learn more. For example:
- The NIH’s NCBI website:
- This is a place where you can find peer-reviewed scientific papers on cannabis. You can also find information on government-funded studies that have been conducted on the plant.
- Leafly:
- This website is a great resource for learning about different strains of cannabis and their effects. They also have a section on medical uses for the plant.
- Cannabis Education:
- This website is run by two cannabis industry insiders. They offer a free online course that covers everything from the history of cannabis to its current legal status.
If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to remember that there is a lot of misinformation out there about the plant. Be sure to check your sources and make sure they are reputable before believing anything you read or hear about cannabis.
Second, keep in mind that everyone’s experience with the plant is different. What works for one person may not work for another, so don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit to find what works best for you. Also, don’t try to make someone partake in cannabis that doesn’t think it will work for them. Everyone has different needs, and that means that sometimes they won’t want to ever try ingesting weed through any method.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions! There are plenty of people who are willing to help you learn more about this amazing plant.
