More than 20% of Canadians use marijuana for recreational use in 2021. It is often used as an alternative to alcohol and other hard drugs. Cannabis has a relaxing effect and a long history as a medicinal plant. Just like you, we started our incredible journey with Cannabis as beginners. This comprehensive guide has all the answers you need to get started. Want to understand what type of weed you should try? How does it affect your mind and body? Look no further! We are here to help you understand the history, benefits, and everything else you need to know about our favourite plant on Earth.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaseae. It is an annual, dioecious, flowering herb that contains high amounts of a chemical known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – the main psychoactive ingredient that produces a “high”. THC is a cannabinoid – chemical that acts on receptors in the brain, similar to Endocannabinoids (these substances occur naturally in the human body). The main cannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), while CB2 receptors are mainly found in immune cells and glands. Recent research has shown that THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Although it is found in many foods, cannabis is the only known natural source of these chemicals, so there are no synthetic alternatives.
History of Cannabis
Cannabis has a long history that spans thousands of years. Some cultures used it for its medicinal properties, while others enjoy its psychoactive effects. The earliest written recorded history of cannabis dates back to about 2,500 years ago, where it is mentioned in a Chinese medical book known as The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. It was also mentioned in ancient Egypt, as well as in Central Asia and India. In the Americas, Cannabis was first introduced by native tribes such as the Anasazi and Sioux in the modern-day United States. The most popular use of cannabis throughout history was for its medicinal properties. Many civilizations used cannabis for almost everything from pain relief, treating diseases such as malaria, cancer, and diabetes to religious ceremonies. In addition to its use as medicine, it has also been popularly consumed as a recreational drug.
Cannabis was legalized in Canada in 2001 and the first medical marijuana dispensary opened in 2003. Recreational use of cannabis in Canada only became legal in 2018. As more and more people are able to use cannabis for recreational purposes, many Canadian companies are now cultivating Cannabis on an industrial scale. With legalization, medical and recreational cannabis use has increased greatly over the past decade. What was once taboo has now become part of mainstream culture. For example, movies and TV shows that feature marijuana being smoked are extremely common. From there, it’s only natural for the fashion and beauty industries to incorporate cannabis into their products offers. Even cannabis-themed restaurants have sprouted up in recent years. The market for using marijuana has expanded to include everything from topical ointments to body creams, CBD oil, and even vaping.
Chemicals Components in Cannabis
The famous plant contains a ton of goodies, including at least 545 known naturally occurring compounds! These include 120-plus cannabinoids, between 100 and 200 terpenoids, and at least two dozen flavonoids. These unique chemicals produce the plant’s effects on the human body. When a person smokes, vaporizes, or ingests marijuana, cannabinoids flood into the bloodstream and attach to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. The two main compounds found in cannabis are THC and CBD. THC is the chemical that causes a “high” feeling by affecting the brain’s reward system. How THC works are that it attaches to specific sites in the brain and mimics a chemical called Anandamide. Anandamide is naturally produced by the brain and works in the same way as THC. When THC attaches to the anandamide receptors, it produces the same reaction in the brain. This creates an altered state of mind that varied greatly based on the type of Cannabis being consumed. The most common effects are euphoria, cerebral stimulation, focus, and sedative.
CBD (cannabidiol) is another chemical compound found in cannabis. CBD is known to have exceptional anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It works by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the body. CBD has no psychotropic effects and does not cause a “high”.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are a pretty amazing bunch of molecules. They give cannabis plants their medical and recreational effects, and scientists once thought they were exclusive to cannabis. But it turns out they’re also found in other plants! Who would have thought?
Cannabis isn’t the only plant with cool, chemistry secrets. Recently, phytocannabinoids were discovered in several other plants. These plants share the definition of cannabinoids with the ability to bind to receptors, but they don’t have the same chemical structure as the cannabinoids found in cannabis. Other plants that have cannabinoids include black pepper and cacao. More are being discovered all the time. The most important of these is beta-caryophyllene, which interacts with the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) in humans. CB2 receptors can be found in cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body, primarily in the immune system.
Cannabis plants are incredible. Not only do they make you feel great, but they also have some pretty impressive features. For example, did you know that cannabis plants produce chemicals in their trichomes? These tiny mushroom-like structures are found all over the leaves and flowers of the plant, and they’re responsible for creating those all-important cannabinoids.
Primary and Secondary Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids are like the superheroes of the plant world. They have amazing abilities and work together to create powerful effects. There are primary cannabinoids and secondary cannabinoids. The primary cannabinoids are the stars of the show and are always in the spotlight. The secondary cannabinoids are their trusty sidekicks, and they work together to create powerful effects. The most-known secondary cannabinoids include:
- THCa
- CBDa
- CBCa
- CBGa
- CBGVa
- THCVa
- CBDVa
With over 100 identified in the plant’s trichomes, this list will continue to grow. But don’t expect your favourite flower to boost your mood or make you giggle until you spark the bowl or joint. Those potent buds are medicinal before you heat them up, but you won’t experience the happy daze you’re looking for without a flame (or heat from a vape device.) The process is called decarboxylation, and it’s not magic. Instead, it causes a chemical change that turns THCa to THC.
THC
The primary or most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. The psychoactive compound affects the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors. It also offers many health and wellness benefits.
THC for Pain Relief
Cannabis helps relieve pain in patients. Research has found that it can be effective in reducing nerve pain, chronic pain, and nociceptive pain. Common pain conditions people use high-THC products for include:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Cancer pain and chemotherapy side effects
Cannabis can be used to help relieve nociceptive pain, which is caused by damage to soft tissue. This type of pain can come from an injury or a chronic condition, such as osteoarthritis.
THC for Appetite Stimulation
Cancer and AIDS patients frequently deal with weight loss and appetite suppression, mainly because of the disease and pain from treatments. So, many turn to cannabis to stimulate their appetite. Cannabis has long been known for its hunger-fighting effects, and it can be beneficial to those with anorexia or cachexia, a condition that leads to extreme weight loss.
THC for Mood Improvement
Did you know that THC can also be used to improve mood? Millions of people suffer from chronic depression, which can make them feel unhappy and unpleasant. However, THC helps activate the mind’s reward system, which in turn relieves depression and encourages pleasure and satisfaction.
THC for Focus
The active ingredient THC not only has a range of medical benefits but can also help to improve focus and concentration. This is thanks to its ability to attach to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which helps relieve tension and stress. In turn, this improved focus and concentration can be beneficial for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
THC for Better Sleep
THC is like a warm blanket for your mind, body, and soul. It can help you stay asleep all night long with its relaxing qualities that reduce anxiety while relieving stress to create the perfect sedative effect. So, whether you need to sleep after a long day or you want to improve your sleeping habits, THC is the perfect choice with its anxiety-reducing properties to help you sleep better. Find relaxing, sleep-inducing Indica and Hybrid strains at the best online dispensary in Canada.
THC For PTSD
Research shows THC can help relieve symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People living with PTSD often have chronic anxiety, flashbacks, and nightmares. The cannabinoid chemical in marijuana can help manage these causes by attaching to the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors.
CBD
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the second-most common cannabinoid in marijuana. It also has many medicinal properties but does not cause intoxication as THC does. We recommend users get quality, lab-tested and carefully sourced products.
CBD for Pain Relief
Research from industrial hemp, which contains upwards of 25% CBD, has examined its neuroprotective potential. Several published studies have demonstrated CBD oil may help relieve chronic pain, even rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
CBD for Anxiety and Depression
Widespread use of CBD is to reduce anxiousness. This is especially true for people who suffer from social anxiety, which can cause feelings of intense fear in social situations. CBD is common for consumers who want to relieve stress and improve mood without THC’s psychoactive response.
CBD for Sleep
One of the most popular uses of CBD is to improve sleep. Insomnia affects millions each year, and people continue to seek solutions that provide relief throughout the night. This is especially true for those with chronic pain or conditions that affect sleep and the ability to rest comfortably.
CBD for Skincare
CBD is gaining notoriety for its effects on the skin. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, relieve pain, and boost cell renewal. Several studies have shown CBD can help improve acne by reacting with receptors in the skin that regulate oil production and reduce inflammation.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes give cannabis its distinct, pungent aroma. At least 20,000 are found in nature, and scientists have identified over 100 different aromatic compounds in various cannabis varieties. You can also find these organic hydrocarbons in other plants, like oranges and lavender. Terpenes work with cannabinoids to create the different effects that various strains offer. We included helpful infographics of different terpenes contained within each individual strain on our product pages. Common terpenes found in cannabis include:
- Limonene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis and helps regulate mood, stress levels, sleep patterns, and pain sensation.
- Myrcene is the second most abundant terpene. It offers sedating and relaxing effects, ideal for nighttime use.
- Linalool helps reduce anxiety and depression by triggering serotonin receptors in the brain. It also has antiseptic properties that help relieve pain. Found in various forms of traditional medicine, Eucalyptol offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits for patients with muscle spasms. It also helps treat anxiety.
- Caryophyllene is a common terpene found in many legal herbs and has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. It also helps reduce gastrointestinal inflammation that can cause pain, discomfort, and digestive trouble.
- Humulene is found in hops and gives beer its distinct flavour. It also acts as an appetite suppressant with anti-bacterial and analgesic properties.
- Pinene is a common terpene found in pine needles and rosemary, and it also occurs naturally in cannabis. It offers anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Geraniol: Found in fruits like grapefruit and lemons, geraniol is a sedative that relieves depression and pain.
What Are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are a subset of polyphenols that produce different cannabis hues, like purple or red. Research suggests flavonoids may help control stress, pain, inflammation, and body weight. Common cannabis flavonoids include:
- Cannaflavins are naturally occurring in various cannabis hybrids. They offer patients benefits like antioxidants that help fight damage from free radicals, anti-fungal properties that fight infection, and antibacterial benefits against parasites.
- Cannaflavin-A is a potent antioxidant that works by preventing the oxidization of other molecules in the body. This effect prevents degenerative diseases from the formation of free radicals.
- Cannaflavin-B: Similar to Cannaflavin-A, Cannaflavin-B works by preventing the oxidation of other molecules in the body. It also inhibits enzymes that can cause plaque to form in the arteries.
- Cannaflavin-C: Found as a precursor to other Cannaflavins, Cannaflavin-C acts as an antioxidant that can help fight damage from free radicals. It also contributes to healthy skin and hair.
How Does Cannabis Work?
When you smoke or orally consume cannabis, cannabinoids interact with the Endocannabinoid system. This essential regulatory system comprises cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. Scientists have only been studying the Endocannabinoid system for the past couple of decades, but they have identified it in all vertebrates, including fish. Everyone has an ECS and although it’s associated with cannabis, it’s not exclusive to the potent plant, or THC. All cannabinoids, plant-based and internal, play a role in its smooth operation.
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The Endocannabinoid System is a communication network in the human body that helps maintain internal balance or homeostasis. It has three components: cannabinoid receptors, Endocannabinoids, and enzymes that metabolize compounds.
What are Cannabinoid Receptors?
Cannabinoid receptors, also known as CB1 and CB2, are a particular type of neurotransmitter receptor. The CB1 receptors are located in the brain and nervous system, and other organs throughout the body. In comparison, the CB2 receptors are outside of the nervous system, namely in the immune and gastrointestinal systems. A receptor is a protein molecule that receives chemical signals, like neurotransmitters. These chemical messages affect the cells in the body. When Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids attach to the cannabinoid receptors, they begin their effects.
What are Endocannabinoids, and How do They Differ From Phytocannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids the human body naturally produces. Phytocannabinoids are cannabis-derived and can come from different plant species. The two most studied Endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These two cannabinoids communicate with cannabinoid receptors and have other effects.
What Are the Enzymes in the ECS?
Enzymes produce and metabolize different Phytocannabinoids. When cannabinoids attach to cannabinoid receptors, enzymes break them down and ready them for removal from the body. These enzymes include fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL).
What Are Non-Endocannabinoid Interactions?
Besides influencing the ECS indirectly through endogenous cannabinoids, cannabis can profoundly affect other receptor systems—such as serotonin and Vanilloid pathways—within the human body. These communications can influence the plant’s effects on various conditions and diseases.
Types of Cannabis
There are 3 main types of Cannabis: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. Sativa strains are believed to be uplifting and energetic. While Indica strains are described as relaxing or calming, more recent research shows that the difference between Sativa and Indica strains is more nuanced. Now breeders know the terms explain the plant’s appearance and growth, but the chemical composition of each cultivar impacts the plant’s effects. In addition, many marijuana strains are now hybrids. The best way to know how a flower will affect you is to look at the cannabinoid and terpene profiles and the THC and CBD percentage. Any information you read online and on strain reviews are subjective, so it’s best to try it yourself.
Sativa is the type of cannabis used for its high THC content. It is known as the “hippie weed” because it produces higher highs and energetic mental stimulation. Sativa plants are tall and narrow, with long leaves. Since the sunlight hours vary across different world regions, Sativa plants evolved to grow in equatorial climates. These conditions contribute to the plant’s long flowering time and growth patterns. Since the flowering time is longer, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to cultivate and harvest. They often produce higher yields outdoors than Indica varieties. The flowers aren’t as compact as indica buds, but they’re more fluffy. Sativa plants are better suited for tropical areas or greenhouses.
Indica is the type of cannabis used for its relaxing effects. It is more likely to offer the user a calming or pain-relieving sensation. Most people use this when they want to smoke during the evening because of its relaxing effect on the body. Indica plants are short and stout, with stubby leaves. Since the flowering time is quicker, Indica plants grow faster than Sativa strains. The plants originate in regions closer to the Earth’s poles, such as the Middle East and colder climates. Even though they’re compact and dense, indica strains produce less yield than Sativa plants. Their short height and flowering time help them survive in these colder climates. These take 10 or 12 weeks to reach their full potential.
Hybrid is a cross between Sativa and Indica species of cannabis. It offers the user a more balanced high. Hybrid weed is great for those suffering from anxiety or even cancer patients recovering from the effects of chemotherapy. Breeders have been working with cannabis strains for decades to create a variety of cultivars. They cross different species and strains to create new and ever-evolving hybrids.
What is a Cannabis Strain?
A strain is the cannabis version of a breed. It’s a specific variety with unique characteristics that make it different from other strains. Like when you cross a Labrador and Australian Shepherd to create an Aussie Lab, breeders cross different strains together to combine their genetics.
Breeders create strains with different amounts of THC and CBD. Since cannabinoids present in the plant influence its effects, cannabis growers have been working on these strains for decades. Every time a breeder crosses a plant with another strain, the outcome is a hybrid variety. You can find the best strains for beginners and seasoned cannabis consumers here.
Landrace strains are traditional cultivars that come from their native land. Some examples are:
- Hindu Kush
- Lambs Bread
- Durban Poison
- Afghani Kush
- Panama Red
- Columbian Gold
You may recognize some of these names from the lineage of your favourite flowers.
What Are The Best Strains for Beginners?
The best strains for beginners have low-to-moderate amounts of THC. Since THC presents the plant’s psychoactive effects, it’s best to start with a strain that allows for a more balanced experience.
Here are our top-picked beginner strains.
How Do You Use Cannabis?
Smoking cannabis can be a fun and affordable way to get a buzz or treat medical conditions! You’ll need to smoke more for it to last longer than 45 minutes to an hour, but it’s worth it because you can do it without purchasing different accessories. However, if you want more fun, instead of a joint or blunt, pack a glass pipe or bong. If you don’t know how to roll, don’t worry. Many people haven’t picked up the art and when you can buy weed online, you have access to pre-rolls. Let the best dispensary in Canada take care of this for you. But if you still want the feel of “doing it yourself” try cones. Just grind your bud, pack it down, twist, and spark it up! Also, check out our article on how to roll a perfect joint!
Vaping:
Vaping refers to heating cannabis without burning it. This is done through battery-powered devices, called vape pens or e-cigarettes. It’s as effective as smoking without the harmful effects of smoke inhalation. It works in seconds for immediate relief. However, like smoking, the response peaks in 30 minutes and is over within an hour unless you use more. You can vape flowers, oil, or concentrates. Buy the best weed online with Herb Fanatic.
Edibles are food infused with cannabis extracts. You need less than you would with smoking, but the high is more intense. The effects of edibles take longer to kick in, but they last much longer than vaping or smoking.
Edibles are the most expensive method of consumption because they require more raw cannabis to make. Edibles take about 30-90 minutes to work, but they can last up to 12 hours or more. The list of edibles is expanding fast, with the most common products on the market being THC or CBD gummies, cookies, drinks, and candies. Shop the best collection of edible products here.
Tinctures:
Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts made from soaking cannabis in an alcohol or glycerol solution. This is a fast-acting method for relief, but it does take a little longer to feel the effects. Cannabis tinctures are usually taken by placing a few drops under the tongue. It works in about 15 minutes while lasting up to six hours. While these aren’t fun, they’re an excellent way to get pain relief quickly or for a several-hour buzz without the calories or wait time of edibles.
Topicals:
Topical solutions are lotions, balms, creams, and other substances infused with cannabis extracts. The cannabinoids absorb through the skin for local relief.
These products take around 15 minutes to work and last about four hours on average. Although the most popular items are primarily for relieving pain and are popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, there’s a growing market for skincare items.
What are Concentrates?
Look at the dispensary’s menu, and you’ll notice this category, which includes many products. Concentrates are highly potent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD) concentrated mass, produced from Cannabis extraction. Although vape cartridges and tinctures are concentrates, they never involve an open flame. These are highly potent and contain 70% or more THC. The highest concentration is about 33% when you smoke or vape flowers. The most common concentrates include:
- Rosin: This type of shatter presses cannabis between hot plates to extract the resin. It’s clean and potent, but you need a closed-loop system to avoid hazardous chemicals.
- Wax: Like rosin, wax concentrates use heat and pressure to extract oils. It uses solvents like BHO or CO2, but it is also clean and potent.
- Live Resin: This concentrate comes from flash-freezing the cannabis plant matter immediately after harvest.
- Hash: This is made by pressing kief or hash oil with solvents. It can be consumed similarly to wax or budder, but it usually comes with additional flavours and scents from terpenes.
- Budder: This type of concentrate has been whipped to increase its volume and texture. It’s incredibly potent, so it’s consumed in small amounts.
- Shatter: This is another concentrated extract that has undergone a process called winterization. This removes fat and lipids from the concentrate. Herb Fanatic presents our exclusive Concentrates sub-brand: Essential Extracts. All of our products are lab tested for THC and CBD contents, as well as colour, taste, appearance and aroma
- Crumble: This extract breaks down into a powder under pressure.
- Kief: This is a natural concentrate. Kief is the powdery resin that collects on cannabis flowers and leaves. It can be pressed into a hash with solvents or consumed powder. Kief is often combined with flower and wax or rosin for a more uplifting experience. For example, a unique product called Moonrocks offers different blends to put you on the “moon.”
How to Use Concentrates?
Now that you know the different Concentrates available, it’s time to learn how to use them.
- You dab or vape concentrates. You can top off a bowl or roll them in a joint and blunt. However, the most common way to smoke a concentrate is from a pipe or bong with a rig. A rig is simply a glass pipe with a small bowl and two water chambers. A blowtorch heats the concentrate until it’s red hot, which causes it to vaporize. This process can take about 15-20 seconds depending on the heat you use.
- Although it may seem intimidating at first, dabbing is easy once you get used to it. All you need is a water pipe with a rig attachment, a blowtorch, and the concentrate of your choice. Like smoking, heating the product between 500 and 700 degrees melts it into a vapour that you inhale through the mouthpiece.
- Another option is an electric concentrate pen. There are two types. The first one you dip a straw end into your wax or rosin and inhale. The second is more similar to a traditional vape pen.
Fun facts about Cannabis that you may not have known:
- Canadians spent over $1.9 billion on cannabis products for recreational use in 2020.
- In Bhutan, cannabis is grown in the wild and even grows in the cracks of sidewalks.
- The first president of the United States, George Washington, was known to grow hemp on his Mount Vernon estate.
- Shakespeare may have been a big fan of cannabis. This is suggested by the 400-year-old pipes scientists found in his garden. Of the 24 pipes they found, 8 contained traces of cannabis.
- File this under “Strange but true”. After the tragic death of rap star Tupac, his friends mixed his ashes with weed and smoked it.
- Edibles vs. inhaling? It can take up to two hours for weed you eat or drink to get you high. In contrast, it only takes 10 minutes for you to get high from inhaling.
Congratulations, you officially joined the rank of the connoisseurs and the only thing that missing is the highest quality cannabis, at the lowest price, delivered to your doorstep. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. We’ll see you soon!
