CANNABIS 101
Relax, it's just weed.
We’ve compiled an abundance of Cannabis-related information to provide you with the knowledge you need to reap the benefits of your Cannabis experience. Scroll down to learn more or click on one of the topics below:
COLORADO LAWS
As of December 2012, Amendment 64 allows for recreational possession/use of Marijuana by persons over the age of 21. This new Amendment also allows for the retail sale and purchase of Marijuana from a licensed retailer by persons over the age of 21.
For the full text of Amendment 64, click here to read.
For some basic references on legality and consumption, please refer to:
Colorado Pot Guide – Marijuana Laws in Colorado and Colorado Residents and Visitors Guide.
CANNABIS FLOWER
Hemp vs. Cannabis
Indica, Sativa & Hybrids
INDICA
Originating from the Indian Subcontinent.
Physical Appearance: Short and bushy, generally half the size of a Sativa plant. Shorter leaves with wide blades.
Experience: Sedating, alleviating, calming. Often referred to as a “body experience,” and commonly associated with relaxation. Indica strains generally have a higher level of the cannabinoid CBD. Indicas are also the type of Cannabis with the Hollywood reputation of melting you into the couch with a bag of munchies.
Suggested for: Night-time use & low-key weekends. Specifically for relaxing, de-stressing, or as night-time sleep aid.
SATIVA
Originally indigenous to Eastern Asia.
Physical Appearance: Thin and tall, often twice the size of Indica plants. Long leaves with narrow blades.
Experience: Uplifting, energetic, stimulating. Often referred to as an “mind high.” Sativa generally contains a higher level of the cannabinoid THC than Indicas.
Suggested for: Day-time use. Regarded for stimulating appetites and relieving nausea. Some user experiences even associate Sativa use with migraine relief, pain relief, and calming muscle spasms. [1]
HYBRID VARIETIES
A cross-breed of Sativa and Indica strains that provides a combination of characteristics and effects from each plant.
CANNABINOIDS
Endocannabinoids & the Endocannabinoid System
Do you remember learning about the endocannabinoid system in school? Us either, but it’s kind of a big deal. According to the Cannabinoid Clinical, “The endocannabinoid system can impact a person’s physiological processes, including:
Pain and inflammation
Feeding and energy regulation
Learning and memory
Emotion regulation” [2]
Endocannabinoids are compounds produced by our body that target cannabinoid receptors. Researchers have found two different cannabinoid receptors within the human body: CB1 & CB2. CB1 receptors are located predominantly throughout the brain, nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands and organs. CB2 receptors are found predominantly in the immune system. [3]
Consider the cannabinoid receptors as locks and cannabinoids as keys.
Phytocannabinoids
Where does cannabis play into the system? Locks and keys.
Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis. These include: THC, CBD, CBC, THCV, CBN, CBG, CBGV, THCA, and CBDV.
Phytocannabinoids are powerful because they have the potential to interact with our endocannabinoid system and bind to our cannabinoid receptors. A good amount of phytocannabinoids AND terpenes are being used for clinical studies.
THC
THC is the phytocannabinoid responsible for getting you high. It’s mostly known for its psychoactive effect, but the reality is that it’s also in the spotlight for an abundance of clinical and anecdotal evidence on health benefits. [4]
CBD
CBD is a phytocannabinoid also know for an array of clinical and anecdotal evidence on medical benefits, but minus the psychoactive
effects experienced by THC. [2]
THC vs. CBD
Other Important Phytocannabinoids
With over a hundred phytocannabinoids in existence, more and more research is surfacing about their effects. Below are a series of articles from Curt Robbins regarding lesser known phytocannabinoids.
CBN: This Unique Cannabinoid Will Help You Sleep
CBC: The Cannabinoid That Can Help Treat Depression and Stress
CBG: The Cannabinoid with Massive Medical Possibilities
CBGV: The Cannabinoid That Increases the Effects of Medical Marijuana
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic Cannabinoids are compounds produced in a laboratory that mimic the effects or structure of phytocannabinoids or endcannabinoids. [5] These synthetic compounds are being sold as alternatives to cannabis and have a bad reputation- as they should. More and more clinical studies and news reports are showing how dangerous these man-made chemicals can be:
Dutch Researchers Document Health Hazards of Using Synthetic Marijuana
CDC traces unexplained bleeding outbreak to synthetic cannabinoids
NEWSCBD Oil Buyer Beware Risks are Rising Due to Dangerous Man-Made Synthetic Cannabinoids
What the heck are terpenes?
If you’ve smoked a good flower before, you know pinenes very well. That piney, citrusy smell and flavor of Sour Diesel? The way it eases your troubled mind and achy body? Yeah, that’s thanks to terpenes. Strong hints of caryophyllene, mycene, and limonene to be exact.
Terpenes are organic compounds found in a variety of plants, including cannabis. Combinations of these terpenes can be found in every strain. They provide a unique aroma/flavor profile and add to the experience of cannabis by increasing or decreasing the effects of cannabinoids.
Pinene
Aroma: Pine Resin/Rosemary
Potential Effects & Properties: Plays a role in the entourage effect by reducing adverse THC effects, such as anxiety and paranoia. Enhances lucid feeling. Used in Chinese medicine for cancer treatment, used for respiratory benefits, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. [6]
Found in strains like Purple Kush. [20]
Also Found In: the resin of pine trees, spruces, rosemary, and sage.
Humulene
Aroma: Woody, Earthy
Potential Effects & Properties: Binds to the CB2 receptor associated with immune functioning and system regulation. Holds anti-bacterial, anti-fungalanti-inflamation properties. Studies show it may be able to suppress tumor development. Appears to suppress activity in the satiety pathway. [7]
Found in strains like Death Star. [20]
Also Found In: hops.
Limonene
Aroma: Orange with a sweet lemony note
Potential Effects & Properties: Anti-depressive effect, improve mood. Metabolizes carcinogenics into less toxic compounds, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, aids with ulcer and acid reflux. [8]
Found in strains like Hindu Kush. [20]
Also Found In: citrus fruits, mint, rosemary, and juniper.
Myrcene
Aroma: Clove
Potential Effects & Properties: Relaxing, calming, sedative. Synergizes with THC for psychoactive potential. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic effects. Blockjs pro-mutagenic carcinogens. [9]
Found in strains like Trainwreck. [20]
Also Found In: mangoes, hops, lemongrass, and a variety of herbs.
Caryophyllene
Aroma: Peppery, Spicy, Woody, Clove
Potential Effects & Properties: Calming, alleviating, sedative. “The only terpene proven to be able to interact with the endocannabinoid system.” Binds to the CB2 receptor as a non-psychoactive. Anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and analgesic properties. Was studied with CBD in the effects of treating chronic pain. [10]
Found in strains like Fire OG. [20]
Also Found In: black pepper, clove and various spices.
Terpinolene
Linalool
Ways to Consume Cannabis: Smoke Eat Vape Swallow Spray Rub Drop Play Dab Infuse Sip Rip
At The Green House, we have a huge selection of cannabis with a variety of ways to enjoy it: Smoke it, Eat it, or Rub it. Each method of consumption entails a unique metabolism of THC, a different user experience, and different timeframes for experiencing the effects of its phytocannabinoids. We’ve compiled a list below with a breakdown on each method as well as our estimated high times.
Please note, every body is different and experiences are subject to vary from person to person. This information is only intended as a reference.
Smoke it!
FLOWER: Pipes, Water Pipes (aka Bongs), Joints, Blunts
The most common method associated with the intake of cannabis. This form of smoke inhalation often involves the smoking of dried cannabis flower. Hand pipes are often favored for simplicity and ease, generally being small and portable. Water pipes, aka bongs, are a variant of the hand pipe that involve the use of water, which cools the smoke prior to inhalation. Cannabis flower can be rolled into cigarette forms: Joints and Blunts. Joints are often rolled in a paper. Blunts utilize tobacco paper instead of paper, which ads the effect of nicotine to the smoking experience. [14]
Metabolic Pathway: THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs, enters the heart, and is then pumped through the body and to the brain.
Our High Time ETA: 10 – 30 Minutes | High Time: 1 – 2 Hours
CONCENTRATES: Vapes
Rising in popularity, vape pens offer another low-key and simple way of consuming cannabis. Instead of dried flower, the pen utilizes a concentrated form of the flower. While the effects of vaping are similar in experience to the above methods, some may even experience the effects immediately upon intake.
Metabolic Pathway: THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs, enters the heart, and is then pumped through the body and to the brain.
Our High Time ETA: Immediate – 30 Minutes | High Time: 1 – 2 Hours
Brands We Carry:
Evo Labs, High Tech, Pura Elements, Willie’s Reserve, Northern Standard, Rubi
CONCENTRATES: Dabs
Dabbing involves utilizing a variety of forms of flower concentrate and a smoking device. The high is similar in duration to the previous methods discussed, but often leads to a much more intense experience due to a higher percentage of THC within concentrates.
Metabolic Pathway: THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs, enters the heart, and is then pumped through the body and to the brain. [15]
Our High Time ETA: Immediate – 30 Minutes | High Time: 1 – 2 Hours
Brands We Carry:
Summit, Chronic, Happy Camper, High Tech
The wide world of Concentrates...
There are many, many types of concentrates on the market these days ranging in consistencies, extraction methods, and potency. Generally speaking, concentrates have much higher amounts of THC than flower.
Some more common varieties you may come across include:
Shatter, Badder, Budder, Crumble, Crystalline, Rosin, Dry Sift.
An interesting form of concentrate that is widely used from vape pens to edibles is distillate. Distillate utilizes a method that strips flower down to a pure form of tasteless, odorless and flavorless THC or CBD. Why is this a big deal? Well, if you’re looking for an edible that’s enjoyable without the hash flavor and cannabis terpene profile, you’d like a brand that utilizes distillate for it’s THC and CBD content.
If you’re interested in learning more about what these forms are and extraction methods, we recommend WeedMaps’ Concentrates Introduction.
Eat it!
Tinctures
A tincture is the product of cannabis flower extracted in high-proof alcohol. It is taken sublingually- meaning under your tongue. Sublingual methods offer an increased bioavailability, which means quick and effective metabolism of cannabinoids. While tinctures don’t get enough love in the cannabis community, this old-time delivery method offers quick, accurate and powerful effects.
Metabolic Pathway: THC enters the bloodstream directly through the tissue beneath the tongue into the bloodstream. [16]
Our High Time ETA: 2 Minutes – 30 Minutes | High Time: 2 – 4 Hours
Edibles
Cookies, Gummies, Brownies, Coffee, Cooking Oil, Butter, Jerky- if you can eat it, it can be edible. Edibles are food and beverages infused with cannabis. This method of ingestion involves a slow absorption process, but a longer high time. One important note, it’s easy to over indulge in these delicious options and consuming edibles on an empty stomach can lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea. Be sure to following the advice of an edible’s packaging and your friendly budtender’s recommendations.
Metabolic Pathway: THC enters the stomach and intestines and is processed through the liver, passed to the heart and into circulation to reach the brain. [15]
Our High Time ETA: 30 Minutes – 2 Hours | High Time: 4 – 6 Hours
Pills & Capsules
Pills and capsules offer another edible form of cannabis. The major advantages of pills and capsules are potency, long-lasting effects and they’re sugar-free. Pills range in a variety of combinations from THC to CBD, or a combination of the two. Like edibles, these need to pass through the digestive system before being metabolized, which takes time. Also, like edibles you need to be patient in your dosing to avoid overindulging. [19]
Metabolic Pathway: THC enters the digestive system and is processed through the liver, passed to the heart and into circulation to reach the brain. [15]
Our High Time ETA: 30 Minutes – 2 Hours | High Time: 4 – 6 Hours
Why do edibles feel more potent?!
When the body metabolizes THC, it converts the molecular structure of THC from the delta-9 THC to 11-hydroxy-THC. The 11-hydroxy-THC form is much more potent to the brain. cannabis edibles are not metabolized until they enter the stomach first, and then are process a second time in the liver. This allows the body more opportunity to convert delta-9 into 11-hydroxy-THC. When smoking cannabis, the delta-9 THC enters the bloodstream from the lungs and rapidly makes its way to the brain.
Rub it!
Topicals
Topicals come in a variety of forms from lotions to salves, balms, and body oils. These are applied to the skin of a desired relief area. Topicals are a perfect way to enjoy the alleviating effects of THC and CBD without consuming Cannabis or receiving the psychoactive effects. Unlike the other methods of Cannabis use, THC never enters the bloodstream. In other words, topicals are great for localized physical relief without the psychoactive high. In other-other words, there is no state-limit on how many topicals you can purchase.
Metabolic Pathway: THC is absorbed through the skin to bind with cannabinoid receptors in the skin cells. THC does not enter the bloodstream. [17]
Our High Time ETA: Immediately – 20 Minutes | High Time: 2 – 6 Hours
Transdermals
Transdermals, like topicals, are applied to the skin. However, transdermals allow THC to enter the bloodstream. One major benefit of transdermals is the slow release of cannabinoids and the quick entry into the bloodstream. Because THC enters your bloodstream, you get whole body relief as opposed to a topical’s localized relief. Think strong, quick-acting and long-lasting. Another major benefit to transdermals- they’re super discreet!
Metabolic Pathway: THC is passes through the skin and enters the bloodstream. [18]
Our High Time ETA: Immediately – 20 Minutes | High Time: 2 – 6 Hours
Resources:
[1] https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/sativa-indica-and-hybrid-differences-between-cannabis-types
[2] https://cannabisaficionado.com/cbd/
[3] https://norml.org/library/item/introduction-to-the-endocannabinoid-system
[4] https://cannabisaficionado.com/thc/
[5] https://www.cannabinoidclinical.com/science-cannabinoids
[6] https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/pinene/
[7] https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5afa6a58b869a60007965999/know-your-terpenes-humulene
[8] https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/limonene-terpene/
[9] https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/marijuana-terpenes-effects/
[10] https://terpenoids.net/terpene-caryophyllene/
[11] https://www.cannabis.info/en/blog/terpene-profile-terpinolene
[12] https://terpenesandtesting.com/linalool-terpene-profile/
[13] https://terpenesandtesting.com/terpene-education-ocimene-c10h16/
[14] https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/whats-the-difference-between-joints-blunts-and-spliffs
[15] https://sapiensoup.com/human-metabolism-thc
[16] https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-tinctures-101-what-are-they-how-to-make-them-and-how-to
[17] https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-are-cannabis-topicals-2
[18] https://honestmarijuana.com/thc-patch/
[19] https://hightimes.com/health/what-exactly-are-thc-pills/
[20] https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy