Cannabis Basics
Whether you are new to Cannabis or just want to learn more information, we’ve got you covered with the basics of Cannabis!
Inside the Anatomy of Cannabis
A Cannabis plant is made up of hundreds of chemical compounds, mostly cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds that interact with receptors in the brain and body to create various effects. Of the many cannabinoids within cannabis, the most well-known are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
THC, when consumed, produces the psychoactive effects that most people refer to as “getting high.” Common effects you may receive from consuming THC are:
- Euphoria
- Increased Appetite
- Relaxation
- Focus
- Sedation
- Pain Relief
- Heightened Sensory Perception
- Feelings of creativity
CBD, when consumed, does not produce any psychoactive effects, but is used by many for therapeutic reasons. While there is still much research to be done, initial studies show that CBD can help with a wide range of ailments from anxiety and pain to neurological disorders and acne.
Terpenes are the oils that produce the individual smell, taste, and color of cannabis plants. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis leading to the development of terpene profiles. These profiles interact with cannabinoids to play a role in determining the effects that you will experience when consuming certain strains of cannabis.
The Appearance of Cannabis: Sativa vs Indica
The words Sativa and Indica were developed to describe different species of the cannabis plant. Sativa appears to have narrow leaves and tall plants, while Indica appears to have broad leaves and shorter plants. Over time, these classifications developed into an easy way for consumers to classify how a certain cannabis strain will make you feel. Generally speaking, an Indica strain will make you feel sedated, tired, and relaxed and a Sativa strain will make you feel energetic, focused, and creative. A fun way for consumers to remember the difference is to refer to Indica as “Inda-couch,” attributing to the couch-lock effects it is known for. Many think that placing cannabis into only two groups is not specific enough to give consumers an idea of how they will feel, so it is suggested that you pick cannabis strains based on their terpene and cannabinoid profiles instead.
Your First Trip to a Recreational Cannabis Store in Spokane
We get it, this is a lot of information! Our knowledgable budtenders are here to help point you in the right direction to find the perfect cannabis strain for you! Below are a few questions to ask yourself before your first visit to our Spokane dispensary.
- How do I want to consume cannabis? By eating it, inhaling it, or applying it topically?
- What is the end goal of consuming cannabis? To get high, for pain relief, etc.
- Are you looking for your cannabis consumption to be discrete?
Make sure to inform the budtender helping you of this information so that they can better direct you to the right cannabis product!
Written by: Paxton McKinney | Marketing Manager | Local’s Canna House
