Anandamide
Also known as “the human THC”, Anandamide is a natural endocannabinoid that our bodies produce on their own. It’s named for the Sanskrit word for bliss and effects one’s experiences of pain, pleasure, hunger, anxiety, and happiness. THC mimics Anandamide, causing enjoyable effects in these areas!
Cartridges
Cannabis is now available in many forms, in addition to the whole plant that’s referred to as “flower”. One of the new forms are pen-like devices that you attach a cannabis-concentrate-filled cartridge onto. These have mouth pieces on the end, and you just draw your breath in to ingest. The smell is considerably less noticeable, making them great for on-the-go medicating.
Edibles
Cannabis is now available in many forms, in addition to the whole plant that’s referred to as “flower”. Though making cannabis butter is a time-honored tradition, we now can walk right into a dispensary and buy cannabis-infused yummy products, from red velvet cookies to medicated breath mints. Our bodies process cannabis that is eaten differently, and it may take several hours for edibles to take effect.
Flower
Cannabis is a plant that can be grown indoors under hot lamps or outdoors. Once the plant has flowered, it's trimmed, dried, and cured. The finished product is what you'll find in dispensaries, called "flower.”
Ganja
Ganja is a Sanskrit word that translates into 'hemp, weed, marijuana, and cannabis.' Even though the word ganja has been around for centuries in India, the moniker first started to enter mainstream marijuana culture when notable musicians like Bob Marley began referring to cannabis as ganja.
Microdosing
Using very small doses of cannabis, often done in a liquid form (tincture), that has shown to be effective in producing medical benefits without getting the user high. This enables people to go about a normal active day whilst treating depression, stress, anxiety, pain, and improving focus.
Sativa Vs Indica
Cannabis comes in several varieties, two of the most notable being sativa and indica. They have different effects, with sativa resulting in a more clear-headed and energetic high, while indica has more of a body-high and can be very sedating. The easiest way to remember which is which is "indica" = "in da couch."
Sensimilla
A sensimilla plant is a female cannabis plant that has not been pollinated and so will not grow seeds. These plants are higher in THC since they don't put all their energy into making seeds. All of our flower is sensi, and you can expect it in general - but in the 70's it was rare and coveted.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine. Each individual terpene is associated with unique effects. Some promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others promote focus and acuity. Linalool, for example, is believed to be relaxing whereas limonene elevates mood.
The Endocannabinoid System
A physical system that is common in mammals, birds, amphibians, fish, and even primitive animals like leeches. Its purpose is to preserve homeostasis, or balance, within the body; to help cells stay healthy. Cannabis interacts with this system by activating it in various ways. The presence and critical function of the ECS across many systems of the body (including the nervous and immune systems) explains why such a wide variety of ailments and disease states are responsive to cannabis-based interventions.
The Ensemble Effect
"Whole plant medicine" is a term used to describe medicines that utilize the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds cannabis has to offer; as opposed to using just part of the plant, like THC or CBD. When the whole plant is used, terpenes and other less-well know cannabinoids contribute to desired effects. Whole plant medicine also means there are also fewer side effects, like headaches or dry mouth.
Tinctures
Cannabis is now available in many forms, in addition to the whole plant that's referred to as "flower." One of these ways is with tinctures, which are a great way to make edibles; infusing food by adding the tincture. You can also take them sublingually, by putting it under your tongue - this way it takes effect quickly, where if you put in food/drink it'll be processed by the liver which takes longer.
Topicals
Cannabis is now available in many forms, in addition to the whole plant that's referred to as "flower." One of these ways is liquids, creams, or rollons that you apply directly to the skin. Cannabis is generally not intoxicating when taken this way, but still provides health benefits. Topicals can treat: burns, sports injuries, muscle pain, and arthritis, as well as being a great aid to therapeutic massage.
Trichomes
You know the great-smelling crystals that glimmer across cannabis flower? They're called trichomes. These tiny microscopic mushroom-looking protuberances are actually the producers of the hundreds of known cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that make our favorite cannabis strains potent, unique, and effective.
Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a device used to medicate with cannabis that heats up the plant hot enough that the beneficial compounds are released, but not so hot that it combusts (lights on fire). It's thought to be easier on the lungs and it's a cleaner taste and smell, but many still prefer smoking for the feel of it.