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What is Marijuana?

Learn the basics of marijuana.

Marijuana offers a variety of benefits for the mind and body. The use of marijuana and its cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, show significant potential in providing an array of positive effects. Only in recent years has the medical community has begun to study and document its beneficial effects, making this an exciting time as we start to fully understand all the possibilities marijuana can offer.

How does marijuana affect the body?

Marijuana reacts directly with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a group of receptors located in the brain and throughout the central nervous system

What is THC?

THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the best-known cannabinoid. It is the main psychoactive component of the marijuana plant.

What are the possible benefits of THC?

The possible benefits of THC include:

  • Increasing appetite
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Relieving pain
  • Stimulating the mind

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that mitigates THC’s psychoactive effects.

What are the possible benefits of CBD?

The possible benefits of CBD include:

  • Controlling seizures
  • Enhancing sleep
  • Lowering inflammation
  • Reducing anxiety

What are the parts of a marijuana plant?

Female flower - Marijuana plants are male, female or both. The female marijuana plant produces large flowers containing trichomes, which we trim down and turn into the marijuana products we offer.

Male flower - Male marijuana plants pollinate the female plant, which in doing so kicks off flower and seed production. While male flowers serve a purpose for production, they are not used for marijuana products.

Fan leaf - Perhaps the most recognizable part of the marijuana plant, fan leaves vary in size and shape across different marijuana species.

Trichomes - Trichomes appear on marijuana buds as crystal resin and develop with the specific purpose of protecting plants against natural elements and predators. They also produce cannabinoids and terpenes.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are fragrant, organic oils that give marijuana plants their unique beneficial qualities and flavor. There are more than 200 known terpenes, each with a different profile and set of effects. Terpenes bind to the endocannabinoid system throughout the brain and body to deliver beneficial qualities and effects.

Alpha Pinene [al-fuh py-neen]

A pine-scented compound found in marijuana. Pinene’s known effects & benefits include anti-inflammatory properties and bronchodilation; it also promotes alertness and helps combat short-term memory loss.

Caryophyllene Oxide [kar-e-oh-fy-leen ahk-syd] 

A terpene that typically has a woody or earthy aroma. Caryophyllene Oxide has antifungal properties and exhibits significant antiplatelet aggregation activity in vitro.

 

Limonene [li-muh-neen] 

A naturally occurring terpene with a citrus aroma. Limonene’s mood-enhancing, antibacterial, and anticarcinogenic effects have proven beneficial; it also has antidepressant properties.

Linalool [luh-na-lool]

A naturally occurring terpene found in many spices, including lavender and coriander. Linalool is known to lower stress levels, fight inflammation, and combat depression. Other benefits include it's antianxiety, sedative, and antiepileptic effects.

Myrcene [mur-seen] 

Carries earthy & herbal aromas. Effects include sedation and relaxed disposition. Beta Myrcene’s properties consist of antioxidant and anticarcinogenic traits, as well as relief from muscle tension that causes pain & inflammation.

Nerolidol [ne-raw-luh-dawl] 

Has strong aromatics of florals, tea tree, and lemongrass. This terpene is known to have sedative effects as well as antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic effects

Terpinolene [turp-in-no-leen] 

Terpinolene is characterized by a fresh, piney, floral, herbal, and occasionally citrusy aroma & flavor. It is found in a variety of plants including nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs— also used in soaps, perfumes, & lotions.

What are the types of marijuana species?

There are two types of marijuana species: Sativa and Indica species contain many active compounds. THC and CBD are the most well-known. Hybrid strains occur when Sativa and Indica species are bred together to achieve a specific cannabinoid profile based on the traits they inherit from their parent strains.

Sativa

Sativa strains are invigorating and provide cerebral effects including euphoria and increased energy. They are recommended for patients with symptoms that include fatigue, depression or mood disorders.

Possible effects include:

  • Uplifting euphoric effect
  • Creativity
  • Clarity
  • Increased activity

Indica

Indica produces more sedative and relaxing effects and provides deep body relaxation. These strains are recommended for patients suffering from symptoms such as insomnia, pain or anxiety.

Possible effects include:

  • Soothing body euphoric effect
  • Comfort
  • Calmness
  • Enhanced focus

What is a marijuana strain?

 A strain is the variety of plant within a species. Strains define a specific cannabinoid profile (mix of THC & CBD). Each strain has its own physical characteristics, or phenotypes, such as height, leaf structure, and color. Depending on the strain and its cannabinoid profile, the plant will deliver varying effects. Strains can be pure or hybrids of Sativa and Indica.

What is a sativa strain?

Sativas are more invigorating and provide more cerebral effects, including euphoria and mental clarity. Sativa strains are best for daytime use.

What symptoms are sativas recommended For?

  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Lack of focus

What are the possible benefits of sativas?

  • Creativity
  • Clarity
  • Increased activity
  • Increased focus
  • Reduced stress

What is an Indica strain?

Indica produces more sedative and calming effects and provides deep body relaxation Indica strains are best for nighttime use.

What symptoms are Indicas recommended for?

  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Stress

What are the possible effects of Indicas?

  • Reduce anxiety & stress
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Relieve pain
  • Relieve nausea and vomiting
  • Stimulate appetite

What is a Hybrid strain?

Hybrids blend the phenotypes of Indica and Sativa, and the presence of THC and CBD will fall along a spectrum between the two.

What symptoms are Hybrids recommended For?

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Pain

What are the possible effects of Hybrids?

  • Reduce anxiety & stress
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Relieve nausea
  • Relieve pain
  • Stimulate appetite
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