Science of Cannabis


Thomas Jefferson, founding father and 3rd President of the United States

We have a great responsibility to ensure that we understand the science of the cannabis plant – the genetic structure, its parts, the medicinal and psychotropic pros and cons, and potential strains that can be germinated from it.

Fortunately, we have an incredibly dedicated, intelligent and innovative team of plant specialists and health experts. Their curiosity about the science and potential of the cannabis plant is boundless. Our former president understood the magic of cannabis as well.

A Versatile Flowering Plant

 The cannabis plant is a highly versatile one. Its seeds can be used for food, all parts of it for medicines, and the stalks upon which it grows for clothing, rope and paper. For purposes of creating medicinal and recreational cannabis, the flower is the crown jewel.

The female cannabis is responsible for producing flowers or buds, which sprout from colas running the length of the plant. Most reside at the top of the plant though. They are used to create cannabis for medicinal and recreational consumption.

Within the buds or flowers are trichomes – translucent or white crystals that secrete cannabinoids and terpenes. The cannabinoids in them enter the bloodstream, releasing chemical compounds like THC. From there, the chemical compounds are distributed to immune and nervous system receptors.

Terpenes contribute to the aroma and flavor of cannabis. Flavors can range from woody and herbal to citrusy and spicy. What’s more, they play an important role, ensuring that other cannabis molecules create the medicinal and psychotropic effects known as the entourage effect. Flavonoids do the same, binding to cells.

When CBD and THC are combined with terpenes, it produces more effective medicinal and psychotropic benefits, since they’re able to bind to the cells that affect a particular disease or health problem. Additionally, the presence of various molecules as opposed to fewer, more concentrated ones, mitigate the negative affects of cannabis.

Cannabis oils and tinctures contain terpenes. The cannabis plant produces three dozen different terpenes, aiding in various processes and enhancing the plant’s aromatics. Technically speaking, they really don’t create an entourage effect. Entourage implies that they play an auxiliary role in the affects of cannabis. In reality, they play as vital a role as do CBD and THC.

Finally, as we’ve noted previously, the medicinal and psychotropic affects of cannabis will vary, depending on its dosage and form. Smoking or vaporizing it will have vastly different effects and dosages from those that involve ingesting or topically applying them. As always, please consult your health care provider and a reputable dispensary to understand the pros and cons of various devices and forms of cannabis.

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