Cannabis 101 - The Basics

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): A chemical found in the cannabis plant that is responsible for most of marijuana’s psychological effects. By activating specific receptors in the brain, THC can affect a person’s memory, pleasure, movements, thinking, concentration, coordination, and sensory and time perception.



Cannabidiol (CBD): A cannabinoid known for its medicinal properties, which include analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties with no psychoactive (“high”) effects. It has been used in a variety of treatments, which range from treating seizures to cancer.

Sativa: Arguably the most popular of the three cannabis families, these plants tend to have very high concentrations of THC and relatively low levels of CBD, resulting in the psychoactive effects associated with the former cannabinoid.

Indica: Unlike sativas, indica (one of the three cannabis families) is known to have much higher levels of CBD and lower amounts of THC. As a result, their effects are very different and have been used to relax muscles, help with sleep, increase dopamine production and more.

Ruderalis: A member of the cannabis family characterized by its fast growth and low levels of THC and CBD. Because of these low amounts, ruderalis is often bred with sativa or indica strains to retain their dominant traits, yet keep its low-maintenance qualities.

Strain: A hybrid of the three cannabis families in order to customize specific traits.

Hemp: A Cannabis sativa plant that contains trace amounts of THC and is primarily used for industrial purposes, fiber for clothing, food and more.