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Cannabinoids 101

Cannabinoids 101

By Cannabis 101

Cannabinoids 101

 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring organic compounds found in the cannabis plant. These active compounds produce the drug-like bodily effects associated with weed use. They are responsible for making you feel “high,” whether it be psychoactively, through bodily relaxation or both. Cannabinoids are broken down into the following classes:

  • Cannabigerols (CBG)
  • Cannabichromenes (CBC)
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
  • Cannabinol (CBN)
  • Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
  • Other Cannabinoids Including Cannabicyclol (CBL), Cannabielsoin (CBE) & Cannabitriol (CBT)

TAC, or total active cannabinoids, is a sum of all of the active compounds of a weed strain. It accounts for more than just THC and CBD, the two most well known ones.

Endocannabinoid System

The human body has its own internal endocannabinoid system that exists even without the use of cannabis products. Naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body interact with enzymes and receptors to regulate several bodily functions.

For example, THC is a cannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptors in our brain. On the contrast, the cannabinoid CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors and also binds to other parts of the body, including 12 targets in the brain alone.

The Most Common Cannabinoids

△9THC (Delta 9 THC) | Tetrahydrocannabinol

Pain Relief, Increased Appetite, Nausea Relief, Antioxidant, Muscle Relaxation & Spasm Relief

THC, the most common cannabinoid present in weed, is also by far the most well-known. In addition, this compound acts as a mild painkiller, and is responsible for the head high effects of marijuana.

△8THC (Delta 8 THC) | Tetrahydrocannabinol

Pain & Anxiety Relief, Increased Appetite, Nausea Relief, Neural Protection

This variant of Delta 9 THC has shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting, as well as improving appetite, with a lower psychotropic potency than that of Delta 9 THC. Along with its painkilling properties, it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and protect neurons. As a result, this makes it helpful in treatment of conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, and Multiple Sclerosis, among others.

THCa | Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

Anti-Inflammation, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Nausea Relief, Neural Protection

THCa is the main component of raw cannabis, contained within the trichomes. THCa is converted to Delta 9 THC when it is burned, vaporized or otherwise heated up.

THCv | Tetrahydrocannabivarin Uncommon Cannabinoids

Anxiety Relief, Regulation of Blood Sugar, Appetite Suppressant

THCv is a minor cannabinoid only found in some strains. In short, THCv produces very different effects than THC, including less panic attacks, appetite suppression and bone growth.

CBC | Cannabichromene

Anti-Inflammation, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Pain Relief, Neural Protection, Acne Improvement

CBC is known for its antifungal properties, as well as it’s ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells and help bone growth. Further, the effects of CBC increase dramatically when absorbed alongside THC.

CBD | Cannabidiol The Most Popular Cannabinoids

Anxiety Relief, Nausea Relief, Muscle Relaxation, Drowsiness, Antioxidant, Pain Relief, Decrease in Seizures & Spasms

CBD has tremendous potential medical uses, especially when an ideal ratio of CBD to THC is used to treat certain conditions. On its own, CBD does not produce a head high. It is widely used to treat seizures, and research suggests that it may also help slow the growth of tumors.

CBDa | Cannabidiolic Acid

Anti-Inflammatory, Slows Cancer Cell Growth, Relieves Nausea, Reduces Anxiety

Similar to THCa, CBDa is the main component of raw cannabis containing high levels of CBD. CBDa selectively inhibits enzymes that contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of weed.

CBDv | Cannabidivarin

Anti-Convulsant

Recent studies suggest CBDv has potential for use in the management of Epilepsy.

CBG | Cannabigerol

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, Slows Cancer Cell Growth

The anti-bacterial effects of CBG can alter the overall effects of cannabis. For example, CBG is known to slowly reduce the growth of bacteria and reduce inflammation, delay growth of cancerous tumor cells and promote bone growth with no head high.

CBGA | Cannabigerolic Acid

Anti-Inflammatory, Neural Protection, Slows Cancer Cell Growth

CBGa is formed when two organic compounds contained in the cannabis plant (olivetolic acid and geranyl pyrophosphate) are combined. In addition, CBGa is a crucial building block in forming THCa, CBDa, CBCa and CBG.

CBN | Cannabinol

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Convulsant, Drowsiness

To clarify, CBN is not produced by metabolism within the cannabis plant and is instead produced as the result of the breakdown of THC. It is not psychoactive on its own, but when absorbed alongside THC and CBD, has mildly psychoactive effects. Above all, the breakdown of THC into CBN creates a powerful sleep aid, responsible for the “couch lock” feeling you may be familiar with. In addition, CBN is potentially useful in treating burns as it reduces thermal sensitivity.

Cannabinoids vs. Terpenes

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes are not active chemicals. Terpenes makeup the smell and flavor profile of the plant and are not processed by the body the same way as cannabinoids. To sum it up, the entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids work together alongside terpenes to yield effects that are unique to that combination of compounds. It is the reason why you may have a completely different experience using two different strains with a similar TAC number.

In short, cannabinoids act as the driver of a bus, while terpenes are the wheels. The terpenes aid in the effects that are made possible by the cannabinoid content.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Smyth Cannabis Co. products are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more.

Whether you’re an experienced user or just getting started, our team of friendly budtenders will help you find a strain best suited for you. Visit us in Lowell or check out our menu online to see what’s available today!


It is important to note that the above information is for educational use only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Smyth Cannabis Co. does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the above information. Individual results will vary. All Smyth Cannabis Co. products are grown for recreational use and do not claim to possess any medical benefits. Smyth Cannabis Co. is a recreational-only dispensary and does not employe medical professionals. Consult your physician before using cannabis for any medical purpose.

Top Picks — High CBD Strains

Top Picks — High CBD Strains

By Products, Strains

Top Picks — High CBD Strains

 

So, consumers are able to benefit from the bodily effects of cannabis without affecting their headspace. High CBD strains are most commonly used for medical purposes, but they may also benefit anyone else looking to use cannabis products without getting high.

Located off of 495 in Lowell, MA, Smyth Cannabis Co. is the most popular dispensary for high CBD strains in Andover, Ayer, Billerica, Burlington, Chelmsford, Nashua, Dracut, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Littleton, Lowell, North Andover, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Westford, Wilmington, Woburn and the surrounding towns.

 

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, CBD is an active ingredient found in cannabis. CBD does not contain THC. And unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties. So, CBD alone will not make a consumer feel high.

How Does CBD Work?

Humans brains have our own internal endocannabinoid systems that we use to maintain homeostasis. This system also allows us to process cannabinoids through a network of neurotransmitters and receptors.

THC activates the CB1 receptors in our brain, whereas, CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors. They produce opposite effects. Additionally, CBD also binds to other parts of the body (including 12 targets in the brain alone) to make you feel good.

Because of the way that they interact with both our endocannabinoid systems and each other, at least a small amount of THC does need to be present in order for the benefits of CBD to reach their full potential. But luckily, products high in CBD are readily available at your local dispensary. Here are our favorite high CBD strains of marijuana:

5. Charlotte’s Web | Hemp CBD

charlotte's web

Charlotte’s Web is actually a strain of hemp originally bred with cannabis to create a new strain with higher CBD and lower THC than most other marijuana strains on the market. This strain contains less than 0.3% THC and is non-intoxicating. Its name pays tribute to a young girl named Charlotte Figi who was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy. Her physicians and parents say her seizures were dramatically reduced by her consumption of medical marijuana when she was just five years old.

  • Breeder: Stanley Brothers of Colorado
  • Cross: Industrial Hemp x Unspecified Cannabis Strain
  • Tastes Like: Sweet, Woodsy

4. Ringo’s Gift | Hybrid

ringos gift

This high CBD strain was named after Lawrence Ringo, a cannabis activist and pioneer community known as the “Father of Cannabis.” Ringo’s Gift comes in many different phenotypes with different ratios varying from 1:1, all the way up to 24:1. A 13:1 ratio of CBD to THC is standard for Ringo’s Gift. In short, this strain is known to help consumers sleep.

  • Breeder: Southern Humboldt Seed Collective
  • Cross: Harle-Tsu x ACDC
  • Tastes Like: Earthy & Woody

3. ACDC | Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

acdc strain

ACDC is a high CBD strain popular with medical patients. The CBD to THC ratio is about 20:1. Commonly used to combat the negative side effects of chemotherapy, it produces almost zero intoxicating effects for most consumers.

  • Breeder: Resin Seeds
  • Cross: Cannatonic x Ruderalis
  • Tastes Like: Earthy & Woody

2. Stephen Hawking Kush | Indica

stephen hawking kush

Named after the famous scientist, Stephen Hawking Kush was bred as a party of Alphakrokik Genes’ series of high CBD strains known as “Great Minds.” There are 3 known phenotypes of SHK, all with similar flavor profiles. Above all, the relaxing effects of this strain help to suppress nausea and alleviate pain.

  • Breeder: Alphakrokik Genes
  • Cross: Harle-Tsu x Sin City Kush
  • Tastes Like: Fruity w/ Notes of Mint

1. Sour Tsunami | Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

sour tsunami

Sour Tsunami was one of the first cannabis strains bred to to be high in CBD, as opposed to THC. Its characteristic dark green and purple buds produce a gassy, diesel flavor profile. Like other high CBD strains, sour tsunami is used to treat pain without making consumers feel the “high” of a strain higher in THC.

  • Breeder: Southern Humboldt Seed Collective
  • Cross: Sour Diesel x NYC Diesel
  • Tastes Like: Gassy; Musky

Where to Buy High CBD Strains

Again, THC must be present in order for CBD to be fully efficient. So you’ll need to visit a local dispensary to purchase a high CBD strain of marijuana.

High CBD strains are most commonly used for medicinal purposes, although their bodily effects can be beneficial to recreational consumers, as well. For this reason, consumers without a valid MA medical marijuana card may have the best luck finding a high CBD strain at a dispensary that has dual licensure to sell both medical and recreational products.

Hemp CBD vs. Cannabis CBD

The CBD products you see available over-the-counter in stores are derived from hemp, not cannabis. Unlike cannabis, the hemp plant does not contain any THC. Consequently, CBD products purchased anywhere other than a marijuana dispensary are not likely to yield any noticeable results, because they do not contain THC.

The 2018 Farm Bill made certain hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are still considered marijuana, and therefore federally illegal. Cannabis (including all its active ingredients) is legal in Massachusetts for both recreational and medical use.


 

Check Out Smyth Cannabis Co. For High CBD Strains in Massachusetts

Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency. So, check out our menu to see what’s available in our Lowell, MA dispensary or find it in a store near you!

Which Smyth Cannabis Strain is Right For Me?

By Products, Strains

Which Smyth Cannabis Strain is Right For Me?

 
Smyth Cannabis Co. products are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Our 15,000 square foot cannabis growing facility is controlled to the last detail. Our flower is always properly cured and hand trimmed for quality, and we grow dozens of strains at maximum strength and efficiency.

Unsure which strain to choose? Take this easy online quiz for a fast recommendation!

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This questionnaire is for entertainment purposes only. This questionnaire and any of its recommended products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Smyth Cannabis Co. products are for recreational use only by adults over the age of 21.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Whether you’re an experienced user or just getting started, our team of friendly budtenders will help you find a strain best suited for you. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more.

Visit us in Lowell or check out our menu online to see what’s available today!