CBD, CBDA, THC, THCA CBN, CBNA & CBG: PART 1 OF THE CANNABIS ALPHABET

Introduction

     Before the early 2010’s, it seemed like pot was just pot. People just wanted to smoke some good kush, and go about their day. However, the recent widespread legalisation of cannabis throughout the world has sparked a certain ‘cannabis boom’ that has pushed interest further into the subject. This is, in part, due to researchers now having more open access to the plant in general for study. However, just like many things, it is also driven by money--there is a ton of it in the marijuana industry.

     So, with all of this marijuana talk surfacing, many find themselves faced with a whole jumble of jargon that doesn’t seem to make any sense. Words like ‘cannabinoids’, ‘THC’, ‘sativa’, etc,. It can all feel so overwhelming for someone who wants to be knowledgeable on the subject, but doesn’t really know where to start. So, let’s take a moment to really dive deep into the jargon, and break down, in layman’s terms, what cannabis is and what you should know about it.

          - Cannabis Indica.
          - Cannabis Sativa.
          - Cannabis Ruderalis.

     - What Are Cannabinoids?

     As you have seen, we have been using words like ‘THC’ and ‘CBD’ quite a lot already. That’s because it’s impossible to talk about cannabis without mentioning those compounds generally. But, what are they?

     THC and CBD are two compounds that exist within a family of compounds in the cannabis plant called ‘cannabinoids’. The cannabis plant, no matter what strain, will contain around 113 different cannabinoids. Most of them are in very small quantities, and don’t have any real effect on your mental or physical state. However, there are some that are more prominent and quite a bit of research has been done into them. Let’s break down the most famous ones, before we talk about what they do.

     Understanding what is actually happening when you ingest cannabis is a whole complex issue in and of itself. However, it can be broken down into some simple to understand terms. Cannabinoids work by interacting with a system of receptors within our bodies known as ‘endocannabinoid receptors’. These receptors exist within the endocannabinoid system.

     Every one of us has an endocannabinoid system within us, that can receive and translate cannabinoids into various properties. The system itself primarily contains two separate receptors known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabinoids enter the body and bind to these receptors and trigger the endocannabinoid system into action.
     
     - CB1.
     The CB1 receptors primarily deal with your central nervous system, and are more associated with physical properties such as pain relief. THC is a cannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptors.
     
     - CB2.
     The CB2 receptors primarily deal with your peripheral nervous system, and are more associated with immune responses. Cannabinoids that bind to the CB2 receptors, like CBD, are more associated with immune responses like inflammation and immune responses to pathogens.

     - What Are Terpenes?

     When purchasing cannabis, or cannabis products, you are likely going to run across the word ‘terpenes’ quite often. Terpenes are another compound that exists within the cannabis plant, and can offer you a good indication of how the cannabis will react within your system.

     The easiest way to understand terpenes is to simply remember that terpenes are the chemical compound that give marijuana that pungent and unique smell. They are what gives off that instantly recognizable aroma that anyone who has ever used cannabis can readily identify. However, terpenes are a bit more important than just giving off a dank smell that cannabis lovers enjoy so much. Terpenes can actually be a great indicator of how potent the bud will be, and how it will react. The different types of terpenes can be a giveaway, much like when sommeliers sniff wine.

     Cannabis indica strains are very high in the terpene ‘myrcene’. This is a terpene that cannabis indica strains share with hops that are used in beer. That is why some indica strains can smell woodsy, or reminiscent of a hoppy beer. Myrcene has sedative effects and will often make the user feel a bit sleepy or relaxed.

     Cannabis sativa strains are often high in a terpene called ‘limonene’. This is the terpene that gives sativa strains a citrus aroma, and is associated with energizing effects. If your bud smells like a lemon, or orange, it will likely make you feel active and creative. In this way, you can often tell what type of a high you will get by smell alone. Some other terpenes to be on the ‘sniff’ for are:

     - Linalool.
     This is also found in lavender flowers, and will give your bud a very flowery and smooth aroma. This is often associated with relaxing feelings and is great for unwinding and enjoying a nice day indoors.

     - Beta-caryophyllene.
     This is a terpene that actually interacts with the endocannabinoid system directly. It smells very ‘spicy’ and is associated with giving a full body high that lovers of strong marijuana enjoy. Hybrid strains will often come with complex mixtures and variations on these aromas and terpene contents. This is why it is always a good idea to smell your bud before consuming it; not only can you enjoy the complex mixtures of smells, but you can also judge how it will make you feel prior to ingesting or smoking.

Final Thoughts

So, how does all of this translate to your own consumption of cannabis? Well, it really depends on your own preferences and interpretations of the data. Understanding what cannabis is, and how it works, will go a long way towards getting the most out of it. If you are simply looking to get a buzz, and feel good, high THC content cannabis products are likely the way to go. If you are more interested in medicinal properties and relaxation, high CBD products might be your best bet.