CANNABIS 101

One of the cannabis community’s most substantial dilemmas is a lack of education regarding the cannabis plant and how exactly it works to produce the psychoactive effects we all know and love. Florescence acknowledges this issue. With this said, Florescence has prepared an educational page comprised of relatively general information to help you better understand crucial aspects of cannabis and cannabis use. Please read all of the information below, as gaining a general cannabis education is inherently vital towards not only your experience and safety but towards shaping a better and more informed community as well.

THE MAIN COMPONENTS

We will start this educational lesson off with the bare cannabis basics. Cannabis is comprised of an incredibly vast number of components; however, when discussing psychoactive effects, taste, aroma, and colors, there are three main constituents to become familiar with:

  1. Cannabinoids

    When discussing psychoactive effects, cannabinoids are the fundamentals. Cannabinoids are compounds that bind to endocannabinoid receptors, triggering various and diverse effects throughout the body. These effects can range from impaired/altered perception to reduced inflammation to diminished stress/anxiety. Some major cannabinoids you may have heard of include THC, CBD, CBN, CBC, CBG, and THCV.

  2. Terpenes

    Terpenes are a group of volatile compounds that are found throughout nature. For instance, the smell of evergreens, plants, flowers, and spices, the taste of fruits, wine, and coffee; these aromas and flavors are all due to various blends of terpenes. The same goes for cannabis, as these terpenes dictate the aromas and tastes of many diverse cultivars. In terms of effects, extensive research is still being done on terpenes; however, studies have shown that terpenes can contribute towards particular effects within the body and may possibly work synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance and produce new mental/bodily effects.

  3. Flavonoids

    Flavonoids have no effect on the body; however, they do influence the various colors seen in cannabis. Flavonoids are in all plants and are responsible for the many colors seen throughout various species of trees, flowers, and so on. Because flavonoids hold purely aesthetic contributions, they are not discussed as much compared to cannabinoids and terpenes.

THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a critical role in regulating a variety of physiological and cognitive processes, including pain, appetite, mood, and sleep.

The ECS consists of three primary components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the body that are similar in structure to cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The two most well-known endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

The receptors of the ECS are found on the surface of cells throughout the body, including the brain, immune system, and peripheral nervous system. The two primary types of receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system and play a role in regulating pain, appetite, and mood. CB2 receptors are found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues and play a role in regulating inflammation.

Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids after they have fulfilled their functions. The two primary enzymes are fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which breaks down anandamide, and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which breaks down 2-AG.

The ECS is involved in many physiological and cognitive processes, including the regulation of pain, appetite, mood, and sleep. When the body is in a state of imbalance, such as in the presence of inflammation or pain, endocannabinoids are produced and bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, activating a cascade of cellular responses that help restore balance.

Cannabis and other cannabinoids can also interact with the ECS by binding to CB1 or CB2 receptors, producing a variety of effects depending on the specific compounds and the individual's biology.

When cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are ingested or inhaled, they bind to these receptors and activate a range of downstream signaling pathways.

THC, for example, has a high affinity for CB1 receptors in the brain and can produce a range of effects, including euphoria, altered perception, and impaired coordination. CBD, on the other hand, has a lower affinity for both CB1 and CB2 receptors but can modulate the activity of other signaling pathways throughout the body.

In addition to interacting with cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids can also affect the ECS by modulating the levels of endocannabinoids, which are natural cannabinoids produced by the body. For example, THC can increase the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, which is involved in regulating aspects such as mood and pain.

Overall, the interaction between cannabinoids and the ECS is complex and still not fully understood. However, ongoing research into the mechanisms by which cannabinoids affect the ECS may provide insights into the therapeutic potential of these compounds for a wide range of health conditions.

INDICA, SATIVA, AND HYBRID

When discussing the differentiation between indicas, sativas, and hybrids, it is imperative to note the abundance of misinformation circling the cannabis community and the internet. The classification of cannabis cultivars into indica, sativa, and hybrid categories is a commonly used system in the cannabis industry and among users. Indica cultivars are thought to be more relaxing and sedative, while sativa cultivars are thought to be more energizing and uplifting. Hybrid cultivars are a combination of the two.

However, this classification system is not necessarily a good predictor of the effects of a given cannabis cultivar. In fact, it has been suggested that the differences between indica and sativa cultivars are largely a result of their physical characteristics, such as the shape of their leaves and the height of the plant, rather than their chemical composition. Furthermore, choosing a cannabis cultivar based on it being an indica, sativa, or hybrid is the equivalent of choosing between two different types of apples based on which tree has wider leaves.

Recent research has suggested that the effects of cannabis are primarily determined by the chemical profile of the cultivar, which is influenced by factors such as the plant's genetics, growing conditions, and harvesting methods. For example, the ratio of THC to CBD, the two primary cannabinoids in cannabis, has been shown to be a better predictor of a cultivar’s mental/bodily effects than its classification as an indica, sativa, or hybrid.

Additionally, many cannabis cultivars are now hybrids, making it even more difficult to classify them based on these categories. In fact, some researchers have suggested that a more accurate classification system would involve categorizing cultivars based on their chemical profile, such as high-THC, high-CBD, or balanced THC/CBD ratios, for example.

In summary, while the indica/sativa/hybrid classification system is widely used, it is not necessarily a good predictor of the effects of a given cannabis cultivar. Instead, the chemical profile of a cultivar, particularly the ratio of THC to CBD, is likely a more accurate indicator of its effects.

CANNABINOIDS, TERPENES, AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

There are an extraordinary number of terpenes and cannabinoids present within cannabis alone; however, we will be focusing on the most common and dominant varieties for convenience and ease of understanding. The effects listed below are just what we know of these components as of now; however, ongoing research continues to uncover both new cannabinoids and new effects associated with numerous cannabinoids. Please note that all effects listed for each terpene are heavily speculated and more research needs to be conducted to support these associations further.

Five most common cannabinoids and their effects:

  1. THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

    Psychoactive; Sense of euphoria; Relaxation; Sense of relief; Accelerated appetite; Red eyes; Dry mouth; Altered perception

  2. CBD (Cannabidiol)

    Psychoactive; Mellow; Calming; Sense of relaxation; Pain relief; Reduced stress/anxiety

  3. CBN (Cannabinol)

    Mildly psychoactive; Sedative; Sense of relaxation; Pain relief; Calming

  4. CBG (Cannabigerol)

    Aids in enhancing sense of pleasure; Reduces stress/anxiety; Reduced inflammation

  5. THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)

    Psychoactive; Enhanced motivation; Heightened energy; Sense of euphoria; Improved alertness and focus; suppressed apetite

Ten common cannabis terpenes and their aromas/tastes:

  1. Pinene: Sweet, Herbal, Earthy, Pine, Sharp, Floral

    Uplifting; Energetic; Focus

  2. Myrcene: Herbal, Musk, Cloves, Diesel, Citrus

    Uplifting Calming, Relaxing; Creative

  3. Limonene: Lemon, Herbal, Citrus, Fruity, Sweet

    Energy; Uplifting; Creative; Focus;

  4. Terpinolene: Floral, Herbal, Diesel, Herbaceous

    Uplifting; Energetic; Focus

  5. Humulene: Earthy, Woody, Dry

    Relaxing; Focus; Calming

  6. Linalool: Spice, Floral, Herbal, Fresh,

    Calm; Uplifting; Focus; Creative

  7. Caryophyllene: Earthy, Floral, Woody, Pepper

    Relaxing; Calming; Relieving

  8. Camphene: Floral, Herbal, Citrus, Earthy, Musky

    Relaxing; Calming

  9. Borneol: Woody, Pepper, Dry, Earthy

    Relaxing; Calming; Sedative

  10. Terpinene: Floral, Diesel, Herbal, Woody, Spicy

    Focus; Energetic; Lightening; Uplifting; Creative