What is Cannabis?

Updated on July 4, 2021, By the Weed Delivery Vancouver Team

With the recent legalization of cannabis in 2018, you may be wondering if you should try marijuana. Cannabis production is a big business that rakes in about 8 billion per month in Canada alone. In addition, online weed dispensaries make buying marijuana so easy and convenient that a recent government survey reported that the number of Canadians trying weed for the first time has doubled. As a result, the Cannabis Canada community is having a significant explosion of growth.

To understand what cannabis is, you first must understand the plant itself. The Cannabis plant, a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae, is used for various medicinal and recreational purposes. A cannabis plant with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC (the prominent cannabinoid in cannabis) is known as hemp and is used in various commercial products such as textiles. If the THC level exceeds 0.3%, then you have marijuana, the stuff that will get you high.

Cannabis is not a new thing. For thousands of years, weed has been grown in many parts of the world. As a result, the weed Canada community and other parts of the world have come up with cannabis-specific names for their region. Here, cannabis goes by many names such as pot, reefer, Mary Jane, bud, chronic, ganja, dope, nuggets, 420, weed, greens, flower, and herb. These terms help define what weed is and what it represents.

So What Are Cannabinoids?

The main thing that gives you the benefits and enjoyment of marijuana is cannabinoids. There are 66 types of cannabinoids in marijuana. THC (or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that does most of the work, while all the other cannabinoids are essentially THC’s assistants.

Cannabinoids attach to receptors in your brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), resulting in a euphoric feeling. THC is THCA while still raw in the marijuana buds. Once you heat marijuana in a process referred to as decarboxylation, you convert THCA to THC. This decarboxylation process produces the cannabinoid, Cannabinol (CBN), known for its ability to induce users’ sleepiness. Pot farmers who want to cultivate CBN for its chilled-out vibe let their plants flower for longer.

THC or CBD?

While THC induces euphoric and intoxicating effects, cannabidiol (CBD) does not. It can still give you the benefits of stress relief and relaxation, but you will not get high. Keep in mind that the benefits of CBD alone will not be as substantial as that of THC. You can take CBD by itself, but it works best when taken in tandem with products containing THC. Having a greater understanding of cannabinoids will help to learn what marijuana is.

Studies have shown that CBD can moderate any possible adverse effects of THC. It also indicates reducing THC-associated inflammation from chronic use. So it is not a question of CBD vs THC, but rather a perfect pairing of the two creates the best experience.

Cannabinoids Subcategories:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Cannabigerol (CBG)

Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabicyclol (CBL)
Cannabielsoin (CBE)
Cannabitriol (CBT)
Cannabinodiol (CBDL)

Different Types of Marijuana

Over thousands of years, numerous marijuana strains have been created and perfected. The two main categories of marijuana strains are Photoperiod and Ruderalis (Autoflower).

Photoperiod Strains

Photoperiod strains are grown according to a set light schedule. For photoperiod strains, the plant will first develop in a vegetative state, or instead, it will grow in height but not yet flower or bud. Flowering will begin once the amount of light drops below a certain threshold. For indoor grows, 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark are typical. Photoperiod strains can also be grown outdoors, but you need to consider the weather and seasons. A cannabis plant grown outside will enter the flowering stage before indoor photoperiods.

In general, photoperiod strains are more robust, so they tend to produce larger volumes and better quality than autoflower strains.

Ruderalis (Autoflower) Strains

Autoflower or ruderalis strains are marijuana plants that will typically be ready for harvest within a set amount of time, no matter the environment. Plants of autoflower strains are usually smaller and produce less than photoperiods. Photoperiods have a more extended vegetative period in which they can grow in vigour and height. Compared to photoperiod growing, however, autoflowers are much easier to grow and require less work.

Subcategories

Photoperiod and autoflower belong to the smaller categories, Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains. There are others, but the top-quality, well-known weed strains will belong to one of these three main subcategories. Understanding the subcategories will help us understand what cannabis is and what types of strains are available.

Indica Strains

Indica flowers (genus Cannabis Indica) is the perfect “Netflix and chill” weed and is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia as it induces sleepiness. It also treats PTSD, anxiety, depression, and lack of appetite, and more. Indica flowers for eight to nine weeks which makes it the perfect crop for locales with brief summers.

Sativa Strains

While Indica is more of a weekend and nighttime weed, Sativa strains (genus Cannabis Sativa) are the perfect daytime pick-me-up to inspire you and help you focus. Sativa is effective at treating social anxiety and ADD / ADHD. It is also used for some of the same things Indica is, such as treating depression, lack of appetite, and pain. Flowering time is longer than Indica strains, with ten weeks or more in the flowering stage. You have to know about Sativa strains if you want to know all there is to know about what cannabis is.

Hybrid Strains

When the pollen of a male Indica or Sativa flower pollinates a female of the opposite strain, that female plant will make seeds that share Indica and Sativa strains’ genetics. Thus, hybrid weed gives you the best of both worlds, Indica and Sativa. In addition, because hybrids are a combination of Indica and Sativa, they can be smoked day or night without disrupting your natural circadian rhythm. This makes them immensely popular with the marijuana Canada community.

Hybrid strains have a lot of variation, just as children of the same parents do. One seed from the pollinated female may have more in common with Indica, while the next seed has more genetic material from the Sativa side. The buds of hybrids vary widely as well, depending on genetic makeup.

Let’s now talk about the traits of marijuana and discover what cannabis characteristics are

The Characteristics of Cannabis

Cannabis plants are known not only for their therapeutic and intoxicating effects but also for their beautiful aesthetic. Plants in the flowering stage can be breathtaking. The colour green is what most people think of when they think of weed, and while most marijuana buds are some variation of green (from lime to olive green), some phenotypes can have pinkish, blueish, or purplish shades. Farmers often decrease temps at the end of the flowering season to coax the buds’ different colours.

The hairs of buds can also vary in colour from rich brown to bright red or orange.

Trichomes

Trichomes or crystals are the sticky, hairlike growths on buds. That is where THC and other cannabinoids reside, so in essence, and marijuana plants get their variety of intoxicating and beneficial effects from trichomes. Trichomes turn to an amber colour when they are at their peak, so this is a good indicator of when to harvest your crop. In addition, trichomes are a crucial part of understanding what weed is and the fragrances it emits.

Size and Density

Cannabis flowers differ from strain to strain. Sativa buds are usually larger with cone-shaped buds. Indica buds tend to be tinier, denser, and circular. Environment plays a big part in size and density, however, regardless of strain.

Moisture Level

Marijuana may be pretty potent before harvest, but if it is not dried correctly, the quality goes drastically. The ideal moisture level of cured buds ranges between 59% to 63% humidity. Buds should not be overly saturated but not so dry that they quickly crumble. By the time the bud reaches you, the marijuana will be even more dehydrated as it will dry out more on the journey.

Ooh, That Smell!

Terpenes are what give weed its unique aroma. There are 100 plus terpenes in cannabis, and alongside the cannabinoids, they work to provide you with the whole experience of getting high. This working relationship is known as the entourage effect.

The Major Terpenes

Myrcene

Cannabis produces a large quantity of this terpene known for its musky and somehow also fruity aroma. In addition, it has a sedating effect for the ultimate chill.

Limonene

Limonene is the second most prolific terpene. This terpene also is common in citrus fruits such as lemons and the like. The flavour and smell of lemons are specific to this terpene. In addition, it has a stress-reducing effect.

Pinene

This terpene is abundant in pine trees. Pinene shows increase alertness and memory retention.

Caryophyllene

A spicy, sharp undertone is characteristic of this terpene. You can also find caryophyllene in spices such as rosemary and cinnamon. It is a terrific stress reliever. This terpene also acts as a cannabinoid.

Linalool

This terpene is the hallmark smell of weed that most people associate with someone smoking marijuana nearby. It is a mood enhancer as well as a sedative to help you chill.

Terpinolene

Also found in lilacs and nutmegs, this terpene has a fruity smell that can increase your energy levels.

Bisabolol

The beauty industry uses this terpene for its pleasing, floral smell. Bisabolol also can be used in first aid as pain relief for injuries.

Now We Know What Cannabis Is, Where Can You Find Some?

At Weed Delivery Vancouver, you can buy weed and have it brought right to you! Find your favourite weed strains at the most affordable prices. And be sure to take advantage of our coupon codes, gifts, referral program, and more! It’s our goal to help you get what you want and not break the bank. So call us now or buy weed online in Canada and have your package in no time!

References

BNN Bloomberg (April 30, 2020). Cannabis Canada: Pot generates $8.16B toward Canada’s economy, StatsCan says. Available At: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/cannabis-canada-pot-generates-8-16b-toward-canada-s-economy-statscan-says-1.1429717

Department of Justice. (2019, October 17). Cannabis Legalization and Regulation. Available at: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/cannabis/

Hamilton, A. H. (May 4, 2019). Twice as many Canadians are trying marijuana for the first time since it was legalized. Insider. Available At: https://www.businessinsider.com/since-pot-was-legalized-in-canada-twice-as-many-canadians-have-tried-it-2019-5?r=US&IR=T

Rettner, R. (February 28, 2019). THC vs. CBD: Which Marijuana Compound Is More Beneficial? Live Science. Available At: https://www.livescience.com/64886-thc-cbd-marijuana-therapeutic-effects.html

Cesarone, T. (February 6, 2020). GPR55 – HOW CBD PREVENTS THC-INDUCED INFLAMMATION. Cannabis Life Network. Available At: https://cannabislifenetwork.com/gpr55-how-cbd-prevents-thc-induced-inflammation/

Russo, Ethan B. (2011, August). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Available At: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/

Carter, A. (2019, May 17). A Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System. Healthline. Available At: https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system