By Nakiesha Jordan
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March 15, 2021
Starting off new to cannabis use can be intimidating with so many new terms to learn. Cannabinoids, terpenes, Endocannabinoid System, and more can appear confusing or complex but there is no reason to feel overwhelmed! This blog will break down some of the common cannabis terms so that you can use this knowledge to feel more empowered when selecting cannabis products! In order to understand the foundation of common cannabis terms you will first need to know what the Endocannabinoid System is. The Endocannabinoid System is a complex cell signaling system that regulates body functions such as homeostasis, your nervous system, and your immune system. The Endocannabinoid System also produces the runner’s high. The Endocannabinoid System involves endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes that help your body to function properly. The main endocannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are found predominantly in your Central Nervous System where as CB2 receptors are found in your Peripheral Nervous System. Enzymes are useful for breaking down endocannabinoids once they have fulfilled their purpose. Now that you know a bit about the Endocannabinoid System let’s discuss how cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with it! Cannabinoids are the compounds within the cannabis plant that produce effects within the body by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoids can regulate how cells communicate by directing how they send, receive, or translate their functions. Some common cannabinoids include CBN, CBG, CBC, THCV, CBD, and THC. THC, otherwise known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most common psychoactive cannabinoid within the cannabis plant. It is the cannabinoid that interacts with the Endocannabinoid System producing a feeling of being euphorically high. CBD, known also as Cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid within the cannabis plant that may offer therapeutic benefits. CBD can block out THC from interacting with endocannabinoid receptors when taken in larger amounts than THC which may help lessen its effects. When THC and CBD are taken in equal amounts the effects of THC are heightened and may produce a more balanced and pleasurable high. TAC is another acronym that is seen on a dispensary’s menu. TAC is Total Active Cannabinoids. It measures the potency of the product through adding the amounts of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds present within it. What are Terpenes you ask? Terpenes are the aromatic compound of the cannabis plant. Terpenes are what gives each cannabis strain its own unique taste, smell, and effects. Terpenes are known to possibly provide therapeutic effects. Terpenes are oftentimes more important than a high THC content when choosing the affects you wish to experience. When terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically together to create many unique benefits and effects caused by the full spectrum aspect within a product it is called the Entourage Effect. Terpenes and cannabinoids each have different boiling points. The different temperatures when heating cannabis flower or oil causes different terpenes and or cannabinoids to be more bioavailable for your body. When in doubt about what temperature to use always opt for a lower temperature setting. There are three different strains that cannabis can be categorized in. Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis (Hybrid). Cannabis Sativa plants tend to have longer leaves and grow in warmer climates. The effects of Sativa strains may be energizing, uplifting, and may have more cerebral effects. Indica strains tend to have shorter leaves and grow in cold climates. Indica strains may produce sleepy and more body focused effects. Hybrid strains are the combination of Indica and Sativa strains and may have more balanced, relaxing, and or creative effects. Some other terms you may see or hear in a dispensary tend to be in regard to products. Cannabis flower is the bud of the cannabis plant, pre-rolls are cannabis filled cigarettes, topicals are cannabis infused lotions and body care items, and edibles are cannabis infused food, drinks, capsules, or oils. Some terms you may not be familiar with are chillums and concentrates. Chillums are glass pipe pieces that can come pre-packed with flower. Cannabis concentrates are extracted THC products that are intended to be smoked or vaporized. Concentrates come in different textures and are often very potent. They can be smoked sandwiched in between flower or vaporized in a dab rig or concentrate vaporizer pen. Cannabis concentrates, like cannabis flower, can be decarboxylated to make your own edibles! Many people start with vape cartridges before moving to concentrates, however there are a few that are less potent. Kief, moonrocks, and hash rosin are great when transitioning to trying concentrates. Kief is the extracted trichomes from the cannabis plant and can be sprinkled and smoked on top of flower. Moonrocks are cannabis flower rolled in cannabis oil and kief and can be smoked with flower. Avoid placing your moonrock in a grinder! Now that you know a bit about some of the common terms used within the cannabis industry you can share your knowledge with others or use it to discover the best products for you! If you still have questions don’t be shy to reach out to your budtender when you are placing your order. We are always here to help!