The cannabis plant is one of the most researched plants in the world. In addition to the relatively well-known substances (cannabinoids) THC and CBD, the plant consists of hundreds of different chemical components.
In this article, we will briefly describe some of these components and explain the difference between cannabis and hemp. In addition, we will discuss various other characteristics of the marijuana plant.
Cannabinoids in cannabis
Cannabinoids are a group of chemical components that occur in the cannabis plant. In total, more than a hundred cannabinoids have been identified. When cannabinoids originate in a plant, you speak of phytocannabinoids.
The two most famous phytocannabinoids from the marijuana plant are THC and CBD. The vast majority of scientific research into medicinal marijuana focuses on these two substances.
Cannabinoids are not only found in cannabis. For example, some of these substances also occur in cocoa and hop.
THC in cannabis
THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, was discovered in 1964 by professor Raphael Mechoulam. Professor Mechoulam, also known as the THC professor) soon discovered that THC is the cannabinoid that causes the psychoactive effect (the high or stoned feeling) of weed.
Due to the (worldwide) illegality of cannabis, the concentration of THC in marijuana has become increasingly higher. After all; the smaller the volume of an effective dose, the smaller the chance of discovery by government departments.
As the THC percentage becomes higher and higher, other cannabinoids will be present in smaller and smaller quantities in these cannabis strains. In some cases, this appears to result in a higher risk of side effects among users.
For this reason, the THC percentage in cannabis appears to be declining again in recent years. This means there is more room for the other cannabinoids
THC is used, medically speaking, mainly for patients who suffer from pain, nausea, insomnia or to stimulate appetite.
CBD in cannabis
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phyto-cannabinoid that has no psychoactive effect. The lack of this effect has in recent years led to a large increase in popularity among medicinal cannabis users.
Due to the lack of psychoactive effects, CBD is also a substance that is used abroad for children with different symptoms. Cannabidiol (CBD) is not only found in the cannabis plant. In the United States, there are now various CBD products on the market where the CBD is extracted from the Humulus, or hop. Just like cannabis, hops fall under the hemp family.
Research shows that CBD is mainly used by patients who suffer from inflammation, anxiety, and epileptic attacks.
Terpenes in cannabis
Terpenes are organic components, which are produced by plants, including the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors of the different types of marijuana plants. It is currently being investigated whether terpenes in combination with cannabinoids offer unique therapeutic benefits.
Terpenes are found in all plants in nature. Many terpenes that occur in marijuana plants also occur in other plants. Examples of plants that have similar terpenes to the weed plant are; lavender, pine trees, and citrus fruits.
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrids
Indica is a name given to cannabis plants. The term has traditionally been used to determine the geographical origin (Eurasia, India) of a subspecies. Weed plants with predominantly “Indica” characteristics are characterized by large, broad-fingered leaves. Indica plants also have a compact growth form.
Marijuana plants with indica-dominant characteristics often give an effect that can be felt throughout the entire body. The effect is often described as a languid, relaxed effect. Patients have indicated that this species has a relaxing physical effect, ideal for patients with pain and insomnia. It is assumed that Indica strains can best be used in the evening or night.
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The name Sativa is also traditionally used to name the geographical origin of this strain. The leaves of the plant are much slimmer and the growth form looks much livelier than with the Indica-dominant species.
In Sativa dominant strain, patients have reported that it mainly has an uplifting, and mental, stimulating effect on the brain, ideal for patients who suffer from depression or ADD, among other things. It is assumed that a Sativa strain can best be used during the day or afternoon.
Hybrid marijuana strains originated from crosses of the Indica, and the Sativa, and therefore possesses, various properties and characteristics in both growth form and effect.
In science, no distinction is made between Sativa, Indica, and hybrids. It seems that these cannabis plants are genetically identical.
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