Everything You Need to Know About the Marijuana Plant

Cannabis has a rich history dating back at least 2500 years in what is now central China. Initially cultivated for practical purposes, like making rope, paper, and clothing, it quickly entered the realm of ancient medicine. As cannabis awareness spread, its medicinal applications did as well. By the 19th century, it was a common ingredient across the continents. However, its respect and use suffered a serious setback in the United States in the mid-20th century as regulatory restrictions grew. It would not be until the mid-1990s that legalization for medical purposes and later recreation would gain steam at a state level across the country.¹

As the popularity of cannabis grew, different regions developed different strains based on what grew best due to climate, elevation, and soil factors. Regional variants include what are called landrace strains today, such as the Hindu Kush of Pakistan.²

Trichomes

Cannabis trichomes are resin glands that decorate the surface of marijuana leaves and flower buds. They’re sticky and shiny, and they usually have a strong aroma that can be pungent, sweet, woodsy, and more. While they look like little hairs, they’re actually tiny factories that produce all of the incredible cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are bioactive compounds secreted by the plant’s trichomes. Scientists have discovered over 100 known cannabinoids, but you’ve likely heard of a few as well–specifically THCA (which becomes THC) and CBDA (which becomes CBD).⁵

Terpenes

Cannabis flower buds contain terpenes, chemical compounds that produce distinctive tastes and smells. These fascinating chemicals also contribute to the Entourage Effect, a theory that suggests the different properties of the cannabis plant work together to influence your body’s endocannabinoid system.⁶

Flavonoids

Flavonoids sounds like it refers to "flavor," but the term actually comes from a Latin root that means the color yellow. Flavonoids can create many colors in a plant, and in the cannabis flower, they include anthocyanins – chemical compounds that create purple, red, or blue colors in strains like Purple Haze and Blue Dream.

The cola refers to a cluster of buds. Plants have many of these closely-knit groups, but one stands out as the primary cluster, positioned at the top of the plant.⁷ The cola is sometimes also called “bud site” and it contains:⁵

• Cannabis flower: This consumable part contains various compounds: trichomes (multicellular appendages that produce cannabinoids), cannabinoids (chemicals of the cannabis plant responsible for various psychoactive and non-psychoactive effects), terpenes (plant compounds that produce distinct plant scents), and the reproductive elements of the female plant.
  
  
• Sugar leaves: These small, colorful leaves found all over the flower contain very little trichomes, and are often saved to make trim.
  
  
• Bract: These tiny leaves protect the reproductive parts of a female plant, safeguarding the seed pod.
  
  
• Pistil and stigma: The pistil is the primary reproductive part of the female plant and includes an ovule (seed sac). Thin hair-like structures from the bract will catch the male pollen.

Outside of the cola, other important plant parts support its function.⁵

Cannabis plants are primarily categorized by one of three types: indica, sativa, and hybrid.⁸

• Indica strains grow short and fast as they are native to colder climates with short growing seasons. They are associated with relaxation and sedative effects; however, individual reactions can vary.¹⁰
  
  
• Sativa strains tend to grow tall and take longer to mature. They are associated with energizing effects.¹⁰
  
  
• Hybrid plants are developed through the combination of sativa and indica genetic materials. In other words, the male and female plants came from different types (sativa, indica, or another hybrid).¹⁰ 

Now that you know the basics about cannabis plants, you may have more questions. Here are some of the frequent questions we hear at our dispensary and answers to these questions.

Is cannabis a weed?

Cannabis is a native-growing plant which can grow wild without human intervention. It can, therefore, be classified as a weed depending on the definition used.

Can you smoke marijuana leaves?

You can, and it is technically possible to experience psychoactive effects. However, the amount of THC found within marijuana leaves is very small, so you would need a lot of leaves to experience any effects.¹¹

What's the difference between indica and sativa?

Indica is a fast-growing, cold-weather climatized cannabis plant, while sativa is acclimated to longer growing seasons and grows taller. Indica is believed to have more relaxing effects, while sativa is believed to be uplifting. However, individual responses vary. Modern research suggests these effects are more accurately attributed to specific cannabinoids and terpenes rather than the plant type itself.¹⁰

Learn More About the Cannabis Plant 

Now that you know more about the anatomy of a cannabis plant, you can learn more about what’s available and the strain that’s right for you by chatting with the budtender at your local dispensary.