What’s in a Weed?
THC and CBD are not all there is to marijuana. There are other cannabinoids and there are terpenes too. These things can enhance the high and the other effects of the plant. All the various chemicals in weed working together are called the entourage effect.
There are a lot of different cannabinoids, like 113 altogether. All of them interact with the Endocannabinoid System’s (ECS) receptors in some way. So what are these other cannabinoids and what are they all about? Let’s look at a few key ones to get started.
THCV is also known as delta-8 THC. Basically, it’s a lighter version of regular THC, which is known as delta-9. It also gets you buzzed, but the fine feeling fades faster. THCV is not now regulated by the government, and a lot of hemp companies are now selling it online. There is also CBG, which boosts anandamide, the pleasure molecule. Another cool cannabinoid is CBN, which has a tranquilizing effect. It makes you mellow, maybe a little sleepy. Then there’s THCa and CBDa, which are what THC and CBD are in raw weed before they are activated by heat. There are dozens more, all of which enhance the effects of the main cannabinoids in some way.
There are also these things called terpenes. What do they do exactly? Terpenes give weed unique flavors and smells. They are aromatic compounds. But, like cannabinoids, there’s more to them than that. In plants, they attract pollinating insects. In people, they affect the endocannabinoid system much like cannabinoids do. They are part of the entourage effect. One such terpene is limonene, which gives some weed strains a lemony taste and smell, shout out to Super Lemon Haze. It also helps fight inflammation and even cancer cell growth. Pinene is a terpene with an evergreen odor (looking at you Big Smooth). It may expand lung passages and allow more weed smoke to be inhaled and do its good work. Then there’s linalool, a terpene that can relax you and produce a mellower buzz, much like Lavender; not that Lavender. Again, there are many more of these chemicals, and they all influence how the weed will affect you.
Are you ready to go down the rabbit hole with me?
I am curious about those 113 Cannabinoids. What are they? What do they do? What are their names? Are they seeing anyone? I’m feeling like Ash Ketchum; I gotta catch em all. Follow along with me as I start my cannabinoid quest in the 123s of THC.
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