In The Cannabis World, These Are Terms to Know! 

 CBD vs THC - Quick Breakdown

• CBD = Non-psychoactive, calming, balancing

• THC = Psychoactive, stronger, more intense

• Both interact with CB1 & CB2 receptors

CBD (Cannabidiol) - Natural Support for Balance & Relief

• Supports the body’s endocannabinoid system

• May help reduce pain, inflammation, and stress

• Promotes relaxation without a 'high'

• Supports mood, sleep, and nervous system health

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) - Powerful Relief with Psychoactive Effects

• Stronger pain relief and relaxation

• Helps with appetite, nausea, and sleep

• Produces the 'high' associated with cannabis

• Works synergistically with CBD

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) was identified in the early 1990s by THC researchers. It plays a role in regulating metabolism, motor control, inflammation and other immune system responses, cardiovascular system function, muscle formation, bone remodeling and growth, liver function, skin and nerve function, sleep, mood, appetite and digestion, learning and memory, and reproduction and fertility. So almost everything! The ECS is active in the body whether you use cannabis or not, and involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. These all play a part in homeostasis, the stability of your internal environment. So, when you are injured or have a fever, throwing off your body’s homeostasis, your ECS kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation.

Cannabinoid is “any group of closely related compounds which include cannabinol and the active constituents of cannabis”. Cannabinoids are the little guys who live in the trichomes on the buds (flowers). There are well over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis.

Tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid - THC-A is non-psychoactive, and a precursor to THC. Actually, it’s unheated THC. As soon as it’s heated (the term for that is decarboxylated) it turns into the more potent, and psychoactive, THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol - THC is the one most people have at least heard of. It’s the one that is psychoactive. It stimulates the pleasure center in your brain, unleashing dopamine into the body. There isn’t a standard effect of THC, because of so many variables, including other cannabinoids in the strain, terpenes, whether it’s an indica or a sativa, and your own individual endocannabinoid system and body chemistry.

Cannabidiol - CBD has become quite popular, as people have heard about its uses for seizures, and pain relief. It is non-psychoactive, making it a option for those who like a clear mind. It’s also used to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. It’s commonly used to treat anxiety, pain, seizures, digestive issues, and insomnia.

Cannabinol - CBN is created when THC-A oxidizes and can be used effectively as a sedative.

Cannabigerol - CBG works to fight inflammation, pain, nausea, and works to slow the proliferation of cancer cells. Strains high in CBG are used with great success with glaucoma patients as well, and those who suffer from digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s, and more.

Terpenes are found in many plants. We normally associate them with our sense of smell, because they give plants an aroma. Terpenes create the characteristic scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, lavender, mango, and orange peel to name a few. Most folks attribute them as adding color and aroma to cannabis, but for example: lavender is calming, orange peel is uplifting, pine can elicit any number of things. Terpenes play a major part in the cannabis profile. It’s a synergistic delight of cannabinoids and terpenes swirling around to make the perfect medicine. Terpenes are what give cannabis that unmistakable smell. Once you’ve smelled it and been told what it is, you will forever recognize that smell!