Smoke And Tell YQL

Lets talk lingo!

The world of cannabis is confusing enough but it seems that it also has it’s own secret language. Let’s break down a few terms so you can feel confident talking cannabis with anyone!

Cannabis – the botanical term for the plant itself, cannabis is the most respectful and correct term. You will never be wrong using this term!

Ma*****na – the word itself is controversial within the cannabis community; due to it’s history of being deliberately used to negatively associate cannabis with minority groups. Many find the term ma*****na unacceptable and offensive.

W**d – widely used and loved by many. Considered by some to be disrespectful to the plant itself.

Pot – another common word for cannabis. The word pot is not overly controversial and still used often in the media, but the term pothead can be insulting.

H**p – a variety of the cannabis plant. Contains virtually no THC (< 0.03%). Humans have been cultivating h**p for many years, primarily for its fibrous stalks.

Cultivar – A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding. (better word to use than strain)

The entourage effect

This is the combined effect of cannabis chemical compounds on the human body. The entourage effect is used to explain that the effects from an isolated cannabis compounds (pure THC for example), are different from the effects felt if there are multiple cannabis compounds all working together. This shouldn’t be a surprise as we have discussed terpenes, cannabinoids, and the ECS. But, now you have a name to put to it!

Some examples of this are

THC & CBD – because they bind differently to the CB1 receptor it is helpful to have both compounds present. THC can bind to CB1 right away, where CBD needs to first bind with THC which signals the CB1 receptor to create a landing site for CBD. CBD can bind to 15 other receptors on its own and have positive effects, but in order for it to be powerfully effective, CBD needs THC.

Cannabinoids & Terpenes – As we discussed previously cannabinoids need terpenes to cross the blood-brain barrier. New studies are also showing that certain terpenes (Humulene, pinene, and geraniol so far) activate the CB1 receptor as well. Meaning that the interaction between these compounds produce greater effects.

Isolate products can be great but whole plant compounds are going to give the best synergistic effects.

Budtender is likely the job title of the employees helping you at a retail cannabis store, budtenders are super knowledgeable and probably the most up to date with what’s new on the market. Budtenders can offer suggestions and recommend products but they are prohibited from giving any medical advice which can make their jobs super tricky! Go into your local retail cannabis store and have a conversation with whoever is behind the counter, even if you’re a seasoned user, I’ll bet they can teach you something new!

A cannabis educator is able to consult with medical cannabis patients and will be your guide through the medical system. If you are seeking to use cannabis to relieve medical symptoms it’s best to consult a medical doctor and then an cannabis educator. There are now many ways to obtain legal cannabis which means the freedom to decide what’s best for you and your needs!

Come visit me at Bridge Bud Supply West sometime. I won’t be giving medical advice but I can sling you some killer bud. 🍃🤙🏻

Cannabis and the brain!

Let’s talk more about the physiology of getting high. Our brains have a blood-brain barrier (BBB) which functions like a filter around the brain, keeping out large and potentially toxic chemical compounds. The larger the compound the harder it is to cross the BBB. This barrier allows small and fat-soluble compounds to pass through.

Terpenes are tiny compounds so they can pass through easily. Cannabinoids are often big, chunky compounds that can’t pass through the BBB easily. So, when terpenes and cannabinoids are together, the terpenes can help the cannabinoids get across the barrier… (Cue the entourage effect?) This means more of the cannabinoids can enter your system and increases the effects of both compounds on the body.

When you inhale THC, you consume what is known as the delta 9 THC molecule, which is large. When inhaled this compound isn’t getting into your brain very easily because of its size, you are also likely burning off lots of the terpenes if you are not monitoring your combustion temperatures. However, when you eat an edible delta 9 THC is metabolized in the liver which transforms it into 11-hydroxy THC, which is a much smaller cannabinoid, so when gets to the brain it has an easier time crossing the barrier. This is why edibles can be so intense!

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an intrinsic neuroregulatory system that all humans (and many other mammals have). The ECS is composed of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes which help the system to work. The ECS has been said to regulate and control many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses. The endocannabinoid system helps to maintain homeostasis and works closely with the CNS and other regulatory systems.

CB1 receptors are found in the brain and the central nervous system and CB2 receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor with effects depending on where the receptors are and what endocannabinoid it binds to. Endocannabinoids are similar to cannabinoids but they are made by your body. When we consume cannabis products, the cannabinoids are so similar that they are able to act on our endocannabinoid system.

The ECS has burst into the science world in the last 25 years and it still absolutely under researched. But it has been suggested that Endocannabinoid deficiency can contribute to a multitude of common health conditions. And I anticipate this area will explode in the coming years with so much research to be done and minds to be opened.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds uniquely found in the cannabis plant. There are 113 known cannabinoids, but THC and CBD are the most well-known and sought after. The potency of each cannabinoid will help to determine your cannabis experience. But, as we discussed previously, cannabinoid percentages are not the only determining factor and they should be considered in conjunction with terpene profiles.

Different cannabinoids will have different effects on our bodies, and how we consume them will also make an impact. The chemical compound of cannabinoids can change depending whether they are raw, heated etc. and thus changing the effect.
Cannabinoids also impact each other, they don’t all have the same effects and can sometimes counteract or enhance each other. When CBD is present with THC it can help to tone down the effects of THC. If you’re uncomfortably high on THC a good dose of CBD may be able to calm you down. Blended strains and products offer a balance of CBD and THC and are a good option for those who are more sensitive to THC or those looking for a more well-rounded experience.

Three of the main cannabinoids we look at today are:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)- The main psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC binds with the CB1 receptors in the brain and this is what produces your high.

CBD (cannabidiol)- CBD is psychoactive as well but not in the same way as THC. CBD only affects the brain as much as ni****ne or caffeine so while it is psychoactive it is not considered intoxicating. CBD needs THC to bind to the CB1 receptors, which is why it can help to counteract the effects.

CBN (cannabinol)- CBN comes from the breakdown of THC and is generally considered mildly intoxicating. There is not a lot of research into CBN at this time but it is known for its sedative effects.

Lets talk terps!
Terpenes are the organic aromatic chemical compounds found in almost all plants, including cannabis, which define the tastes and aromas. These are the same compounds that are extracted from plants to make essential oils. Terpenes are found in the trichomes of cannabis which is that sticky frosty coating found on the buds. Terpenes are not the same as cannabinoids which we will discuss next.
Terpenes and cannabinoids are often described using a car analogy which goes as follows:
Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc) are like the engine of the car which produce the power to get you going. Where terpenes can be considered like the steering wheel which control the direction of the car. This basically means that cannabinoids will indicate how far you will go but terpenes will take you in the direction you want to go. This is why terpenes are so important! Not just the highest THC as is commonly thought.
Understanding how different terpenes interact with your body is imperative when choosing strains as that’s how you will get the most predictable and desirable cannabis experience every time.

Here are some examples of my favourite cannabis terpenes and the effects they can have on the body:
Linalool – A sweet and floral aroma and is the reason that lavender is associated with a sense of calm. Linalool has a relaxing effect and has been known to reduce anxiety. Relaxing as it is linalool can also uplift your mood. Linalool is best activated at 388°F and some other documented uses are analgesic, anti-insomnia, antipsychotic, sedative. Cultivars dominant in linalool are my favourite to reach for to relax before bedtime.
Pinene – associated with uplifting, happy, clean and focused feelings it has a strong piney smell and is not surprisingly also found in pine needles. Pinene is a bronchodialator, meaning it helps open up the airways, which in turn we are able to breathe more easily. More oxygen means it can give a fresh and focused feeling. Pinene is best activated at 311°F and other documented uses for are analgesic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The strain Jack Herer is known to have higher quantities of pinene and is my favourite for outdoor adventures.

Sativa vs. Indica

Traditionally the cannabis species was considered to have 3 main players Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. This is often argued to be untrue as other botanists suggest that indica and ruderalis are merely subspecies of Cannabis Sativa.

Today most all cannabis cultivars are considered to be a hybrid of these original strain genetics. This means that calling plant sativa or indica based on its genetics isn’t very accurate. We still often look at plants as having either sativa or indica effects, which are determined by things like cannabinoids and terpenes rather than genetics. Your local dispensary is likely categorizing their stock by sativa, indica or hybrid which can help start to guide you as the customer in the direction that you want your cannabis to take you.

Sativa – “Sunny Sativa” effects from these strains are often described as stimulating, uplifting, cerebral, and best suited for daytime. Sativa strains may also be used in social settings and to prepare for otherwise unpleasant tasks such as working out or housework. My favorite ways to use sativa strains are as a pre workout boost for those more intense workouts and they are some of my favourites to share with friends. Beware with some of these guys as the head effects can be strong and those prone to racing thoughts may find the effects uncomfortable. Cultivars with haze, skunk or sour in their name are likely to be sativa leaning products.

Indica – “In da couch” effects from these strains are often described as feeling sedating, calming, body high, or with a couch lock feeling and are often best suited for nighttime. Those who traditionally participated in an after-work beer or a nightcap may enjoy the effects from indica products. While I used to be loyal to sativas I have recently discovered a love for indica strains. My favourite use for indicas is either to wind down in the evening and listen to true crime with my hubby or to enhance my meditation or yoga sessions. Cultivars with kush, berry, or cake are likely to be indica leaning strains.

So what is cannabis?
Lets talk about it!

By definition the cannabis plant is an annual, dioecious, flowering, herb. This means it is an aromatic plant which flowers only once and does not grow back the following year. The cannabis plant can also be expressed as male or female with these s*x organs being found on different plants.

The cannabis plant is covered in trichomes which are the frosty and sticky coating found on the stem, leaves, and flowers. Trichomes are not unique to the cannabis plant; however, this is where the cannabinoids are found which are unique properties of cannabis. Terpenes are also found here. I will discuss cannabanoids and terpenes in detail at a later time.

When the cannabis plant is grown for medical or recreational use the plants need lots of room to grow and produce cannabanoids such as THC and CBD. When the plant is used for textiles, seeds etc. they are grown closer together as this will force the plant to grow up to the sun leaving a thick fibrous stalk for harvesting.

Cannabis is wind pollinated and therefor does not require the interventions of insects or other pollinators. Once the male plant has released its pollen the plant will begin to die. The fertilized female plant will begin to produce seeds rather than flower which is not ideal when growing for THC/CBD consumption. So male and female plants must be kept apart from each other when trying to grow for flower at home.

Cannabis has an abundance of different uses and there is evidence of it being used in pottery over 10,000 years ago. It’s time we study the research, advocate for change and realize the amazing potential that we have right in front of us.

Hello Friends!

For those who don't know my name is Miranda and this is my husband Jason. I have created this page as part of the Cannabis and Health Specialist diploma program that I'm currently taking; however, I hope to keep it active well into the future. My background is in healthcare but I am looking to get away from the bedside.. surprise surprise. Cannabis is a newer passion for me but I have dove in head first. Follow along as I share all my new knowledge and bring your discussions to the table, I want to hear from you! I hope I can teach you something new and all I ask is that you bring an open mind. Lets end the stigma and let this multipurpose tool do its job.

Photo Credit to: Love and be Loved Photography