The cannabis plant has a variety of natural compounds known as Cannabinoids and Terpenes. These chemical combinations give each strain its unique profile.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive component of cannabis. It's what makes you feel "high." THC binds with receptors (mostly in the brain) controlling pain, mood, and other feelings. That's why THC can make you feel euphoric.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. CBD won't make you feel high. It's excellent for pain relief and anxiety reduction.
The majority of the 100+ known cannabinoids do not produce the intoxicating effects of THC. Still, they do regulate how your cells communicate within the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system regulates several processes and bodily functions, including mood, appetite, sleep patterns, reproduction, memory, and pain sensation.
When you introduce cannabinoids into the body, they can have different pharmacological effects depending on their interaction with receptors.
Terpenes are responsible for cannabis's unique aroma and flavor. Cannabis terpenes are secreted from the plant’s resin glands and emit distinctive aromas like mint, pine, coffee, berry, and citrus that we’ve come to associate with different strains. Terpenes are secreted by plants to help lure potential pollinators and deter predators and other environmental hazards.
Hundreds of terpenes exist, but only a dozen are sufficiently present to have noted effects. Some of the most studied terpenes include caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene, and pinene.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC. Experts are still trying to understand the endocannabinoid system fully, but so far, we know it plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including:
• Sleep
• Mood
• Appetite
• Memory
• Reproduction & Fertility
The endocannabinoid system is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis.
How does it work
The endocannabinoid system involves three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules made by your body. They’re similar to cannabinoids, but your body produces them.
Experts have identified two key endocannabinoids so far:
• anandamide (AEA)
• 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG)
These help keep internal functions running smoothly. Your body produces them as needed, making it difficult to know the typical levels for each.
Endocannabinoid receptors:
These receptors are throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them to signal that the endocannabinoid system needs to take action.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
• CB1 receptors, which are predominantly found in the central nervous system
• CB2 receptors, which are largely found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells
Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is and which endocannabinoid it binds to.
For example, endocannabinoids might target CB1 receptors in a spinal nerve to relieve pain. Others might bind to a CB2 receptor in your immune cells to signal that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a common sign of autoimmune disorders.
Enzymes:
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function.
There are two main enzymes responsible for this:
• Fatty acid amide hydrolase, which breaks down AEA
• Monoacylglycerol acid lipase, which typically breaks down 2-AG
What are its functions?
The endocannabinoid system is complicated, and experts haven’t yet determined exactly how it works or all of its potential functions. However the endocannabinoid system has been linked to:
• Appetite and digestion
• Metabolism
• Chronic pain
• Inflammation and other immune system responses
• Mood
• Learning and memory
• Motor control
• Sleep
• Cardiovascular system function
• Muscle formation
• Bone remodeling and growth
• Liver function
• Reproductive system function
• Stress
• Skin and nerve function
These functions all contribute to homeostasis, which refers to the stability of your internal environment. For example, if an outside force, such as pain from an injury or a fever, throws off your body’s homeostasis, your endocannabinoid system kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation.
Flower: Store cannabis flowers in an airtight container and a non-see-through container.
Vape: Store cartridges upright at all times when not in use.Never expose your vape pen cartridges to extreme heat or cold, as this could cause the oil to leak, either from the mouthpiece or the base. High altitudes can periodically cause the cartridges to leak as well; to prevent this, you can store your cartridge in a pressure-resistant case
Edibles: Edibles should be stored in a cool dark area and out of reach of children or pets. Edibles will typically last 3-6 months, and you can store edibles in the fridge or freezer to extend their life.
