Complete Guide to THC, Pot, and Cannabis

📁 Cannabis Fundamentals

Genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family
Used for medicinal, recreational, and industrial purposes for thousands of years
Main species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis
Contains over 100 cannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the most studied

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Primary psychoactive compound; causes euphoria, altered perception, appetite stimulation
CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive; used for anxiety, epilepsy, inflammation, and pain relief
CBN (Cannabinol): Mildly psychoactive; known for sedative effects
CBG (Cannabigerol): Non-psychoactive; shows promise for antibacterial and neuroprotective effects
CBC (Cannabichromene): Non-psychoactive; may contribute to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects

Indica: Typically shorter, bushier plants with broader leaves; associated with relaxing, sedating effects; often used for sleep, pain relief, and relaxation
Sativa: Taller plants with narrower leaves; associated with energizing, cerebral effects; often used for creativity, focus, and daytime use
Hybrid: Crossbreeds of indica and sativa strains; bred to combine specific effects from both parent strains
Ruderalis: Auto-flowering variety with lower THC content; often used in crossbreeding for its auto-flowering特性

Charlotte's Web: High CBD (over 15%), low THC (under 0.3%); developed for pediatric epilepsy
ACDC: CBD-dominant (20:1 CBD:THC ratio); used for pain, anxiety, and neurological symptoms
Harlequin: High CBD (typically 5:2 CBD:THC ratio); known for clear-headed effects and inflammation reduction
Blue Dream: Sativa-dominant hybrid; popular for depression, chronic pain, and nausea
Granddaddy Purple: Indica-dominant; used for pain, insomnia, and appetite stimulation

Chronic Pain: One of the most common reasons for medical cannabis use
Epilepsy: CBD particularly effective for certain seizure disorders
Anxiety and Depression: CBD and certain THC strains may help alleviate symptoms
PTSD: Cannabis may help with nightmares and hypervigilance
Nausea and Vomiting: Particularly effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea
Multiple Sclerosis: May help reduce muscle spasticity and pain
Inflammatory Conditions: CBD shows anti-inflammatory properties
Sleep Disorders: Certain strains may help with insomnia

Flower: Smoked or vaporized; fast-acting effects (within minutes)
Tinctures: Alcohol or oil-based extracts taken sublingually; effects within 15-45 minutes
Topicals: Creams, salves, and patches; localized relief without psychoactive effects
Edibles: Food products infused with cannabis; longer-lasting effects (1-3 hours onset)
Concentrates: High-potency extracts like wax, shatter, or oil; used for dabbing or vaping
Capsules: Pre-measured doses; similar onset to edibles

Δ9-THC: Most abundant and well-known psychoactive form; primary intoxicating compound
THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): Non-psychoactive precursor; converts to Δ9-THC when heated (decarboxylation)
Δ8-THC: Less potent analog of Δ9-THC; occurs naturally in small amounts; often derived from CBD
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin): Psychoactive compound with different effects; may suppress appetite and have anti-diabetic properties
THCP (Tetrahydrocannabiphorol): Recently discovered; potentially much more potent than Δ9-THC

Myrcene: Earthy aroma; potentially sedating and relaxing
Limonene: Citrus scent; may elevate mood and reduce stress
Pinene: Pine aroma; may aid memory and counteract some THC effects
Linalool: Floral scent; potentially calming and anti-anxiety
Caryophyllene: Peppery spice; may have anti-inflammatory properties
Entourage Effect: Theory that cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically to enhance therapeutic benefits

United States: Federally illegal (Schedule I), but many states have legalized medical and/or recreational use
Canada: Fully legalized for recreational and medical use nationwide
European Union: Mixed laws; some countries allow medical use, few allow recreational
Uruguay: First country to fully legalize cannabis
Hemp-derived THC analogs: Δ8-THC, THCV, and THCP exist in a legal gray area in many regions due to the 2018 Farm Bill

Important: Cannabis laws change frequently. Always check your local and state regulations before purchasing or consuming cannabis products.

Ancient Use: Evidence of cannabis use dating back to 500 BC in China and India
Medical History: Used in Western medicine throughout the 19th century
Prohibition Era: Increasing restrictions in the early 20th century, culminating in the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act
Counterculture Movement: 1960s-70s saw increased use and the beginning of decriminalization efforts
Medical Movement: California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996
Modern Legalization: Colorado and Washington first to legalize recreational use in 2012

Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with low doses, especially with edibles or new products
Understand Potency: Products vary widely in THC content; check labels carefully
Avoid Driving: Do not operate vehicles or machinery while under the influence
Consider Setting: Use in a comfortable, safe environment, especially when trying new products
Know Your Source: Purchase from licensed, regulated dispensaries when possible