Cannabis 101: A Beginner’s Guide to the World of Weed
Whether you’ve dabbled with cannabis in the past, or this is your first time, there is always something to learn about this incredible plant. In this post, we breakdown all the essentials so you can get the most out of your favorite bud.
What Is Cannabis, Exactly?
Cannabis goes by many names: weed, bud, hash, pot–but at its core, it’s an alluring and versatile plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, this resilient herb is known for its psychoactive and therapeutic properties, thanks to the active compounds in its resin. Cannabis has been used for medicinal, industrial, and spiritual purposes around the world.
You can consume cannabis in its natural flower form, prepared through specialized curing techniques, or as an oil extract straight from the plant’s juicy resin glands. There are a wide variety of products that each have their own unique profile of effects.
From classic flower and discreet vapes to long-lasting edibles, potent concentrates, and soothing topicals, there’s a cannabis product for everyone’s taste.
What Does Cannabis Feel Like?
You can expect a range of effects depending on the type of cannabis you consume. Cannabis can sometimes feel more energizing and uplifting, or even psychedelic, while some varieties are more sedative and physically calming. The combinations of these effects vary based on the cannabis strain, or more specifically the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Strains
Flowering cannabis, unlike its cousin hemp, produces a glistening, sticky oil inside glands spread across its matured leaves and buds. This oil is rich in active compounds like cannabinoids and aromatic essences, giving cannabis both the flavor and signature effects we all love.
To keep it simple, cannabis plants are often categorized into three main types: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid cannabis varieties. However, as we learn more about this fascinating flower, it has become clear that the differing effects of cannabis come from the cannabinoids and terpenes profiles of each product.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Did you know that humans naturally make cannabinoids? These molecules, called endocannabinoids, help regulate mood, appetite, pain, and stress via the nervous system.
What's wild is that plant-based cannabinoids, like the ones found in cannabis, work in a similar way, impacting everything from mood and appetite, to pain and mental clarity. All of this happens within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network within the nervous system that regulates how we process physical and mental stress.
There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, some occurring in abundance, and others in trace amounts.
The major players include:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive powerhouse that delivers the high. In flowers, THC concentrations typically range from 15% to 34%, but when concentrated, it can reach up to 60-99%.
CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating and packed with potential therapeutic benefits, like supporting well-being and reducing inflammation. CBD can be found in cannabis or hemp flowers at around 0.1% to 15%, and upward of 60-99% in extracts.
Other supporting, minor cannabinoids worth noting:
CBN (Cannabinol): Often linked to relaxation and sleep.
CBC (Cannabichromene): Shows potential with anti-inflammatory properties.
CBG (Cannabigerol): Known as the “mother” cannabinoid, CBG is the precursor to all cannabinoids. Research is still exploring its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
When cannabinoids team up, they work together in a way that can amplify each other's effects, making THC feel stronger, longer-lasting, or shifting the overall feel. As science continues to deepen our understanding of cannabinoids and the ECS, new possibilities for wellness unfold.
Terpenes: The Unsung Hero of Cannabis
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct scent and flavor, but they also play a key role in shaping its effects. These are Cannabis’ lesser known secret ingredients that really bring every great cannabis experience to life.
You’ve possibly heard the term “entourage effect” when discussing full- or broad-spectrum cannabis oils. This refers to the one-of-a-kind experience of each strain. It’s based on the ratio of cannabinoids and terpenes found in a strain and can offer everything from a euphoric and feel-good buzz, or a mellow and relaxed state of mind.
Think of the entourage effect like a group of friends, each bringing their own vibe to the mix. You can’t recreate that magic without the full crew. Leave someone out, and the whole dynamic shifts. Similarly, terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create well-rounded, targeted effects.
Here are 7 primary terpenes you should get to know:
Beta-Caryophyllene: Spicy and anti-inflammatory.
Myrcene: Earthy and relaxing.
Humulene: Hoppy and appetite-suppressing.
Limonene: Citrus-forward and mood-boosting.
Linalool: Lavender-like and calming.
Pinene: Fresh pine scent, great for focus.
Terpinolene: Fruity and energetic.
Keep in mind–when it comes to cannabis effects, terpene profiles often play a more pivotal role than THC percentages. Next time you’re picking a strain, make sure you’re choosing the terps that will give you the experience you’re after.
What’s The Best Cannabis Consumption Method for Beginners?
New to cannabis? The golden rule: Start low and go slow. Each cannabis product has a different onset time (how quickly you feel the effects) and duration (how long the effects last). Here’s what to expect:
Vaporizers
Onset: Fast-acting
Duration: Shorter-lived effects
Tinctures & Chewables
Onset: Moderate (kicks in a bit slower than vaping)
Duration: Medium-lasting effects
Topicals
Onset: Moderate (absorbs through the skin)
Duration: Medium-lasting effects
Capsules & Tablets
Onset: Slow (takes time to digest)
Duration: Long-lasting effects
Dabs & Combustion (Smoking)
Onset: Immediate
Duration: Medium-lasting effects
Some beginners prefer traditional flower or vaping, while others opt for precisely dosed tinctures, edibles, or capsules.
Cannabis: A Legacy in Motion
Cannabis is a constantly evolving landscape of flavor, effect, and innovation. As new discoveries shape the industry, its roots remain the same; cannabis is deeply intertwined with history, culture, and craftsmanship. With endless ways to explore, the journey is always just getting started.