Cannabis needs no introduction in most social circles. The popularity of the plant has continued to grow massively over the years. With the growing popularity of cannabis, users across the U.S. have started to take more interest in the plant’s chemical composition to know what they should get for recreational use. If you are looking for the same information, we have covered a cannabis guide, including growing techniques, extraction methods, and cannabinoids, below.
Cannabis Plant – An Overview
Cannabis is a naturally grown plant popular for recreational and medicinal use. The plant’s dried flowers form the concentrated compound used for product manufacturing. Cannabis comprises over a hundred components that play a crucial role in determining its effects. These components or cannabinoids have varying effects on human health. While scientists continue researching the different cannabinoids, a few known types remain the top highlight for cannabis users.
Most users get various recreational cannabis products to experience relaxing and calming effects. Many recreational stores in the country entertain customers by offering them what they need.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Before diving into the growing and extraction techniques, it is vital to know the role of terpenes in cannabis. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in the cannabis plant that determine the plant’s scent. If you have consumed cannabis before, you might be familiar with the pungent cannabis aroma. The distinctive smell comes from over 150 terpenes present in the plant.
Besides the cannabis smell, terpenes also play a significant role in other plant functions, producing therapeutic effects in most users. Moreover, the effects of cannabis terpenes vary depending on their concentration in the products found in most dispensaries.
If you want to thoroughly understand the role of terpenes, you can search the information online and explore more about them.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the most fundamental components in a typical cannabis plant. These compounds primarily determine the effects of a specific cannabis product. When users consume cannabis in some form, they experience relaxing effects with a few added influences. The common effects associated with cannabinoid consumption are euphoria, sleepiness, pain relief, and increased appetite. You may also notice additional effects depending on your consumption practices.
While the above description highlights the plant perspective, cannabinoids play an influential role in activating the body’s endocannabinoid system. Many may not know that the human body contains cannabinoids of its own. When we consume cannabis products, the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies interact with the cannabinoids of the product to impart varying effects, including the ones mentioned above.
Types of Cannabinoids
There are three common cannabinoid types:
Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and a few other plant species. A typical cannabis plant may have more than a hundred cannabinoids with varying chemical properties. The common phytocannabinoids include CBDA, CBD, CBG, CBN, THC, and THCA. These cannabinoids are widely famous for pharmaceutical and recreational use.
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids are found in human or mammal bodies. These compounds operate the endocannabinoid system that interacts with phytocannabinoids upon cannabis consumption. Formed by organs and tissues, the most common endocannabinoids in humans include anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are unnatural forms of cannabinoids formulated in laboratories. These synthetic forms are many times stronger than natural forms, making them suitable for limited users. A common synthetic cannabinoid, AMB-FUBINACA, is nearly 75 times stronger than THC.
Common Cannabis Growing Methods
Cannabis growers cultivate cannabis in various settings depending on the desired outcomes. Regardless of the growing facility, cannabis requires five essential influences to grow: Light, water, nutrients, temperature, and wind. All these factors play a crucial role in the optimal growth of cannabis plants. While true, the common cannabis growing methods are mentioned below.
Outdoor Growing Technique
The cheapest and most common method of growing cannabis is in outdoor settings. The outdoor environment provides ample sunlight and natural resources like water and wind to promote the healthy growth of the cannabis plant. Moreover, cultivators have sufficient outdoor acres to plant cannabis seeds for larger yields.
Indoor Growing Technique
On the contrary, indoor growing methods may be costly for most farmers. Essentially, cannabis growers must establish the optimal conditions to grow cannabis indoors. For instance, indoor techniques require ample light distribution, proper wind, and optimal temperatures. These factors require buying additional equipment to carry out the growing process.
Cannabis Extraction Methods
Cannabis extracts are widely used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Typically, alcohol, CO2, butane, water, and ethanol play a crucial role in determining extraction methods. Manufacturers opt for one of the techniques to achieve cannabis extracts in desired amounts. Here, we have listed the common cannabis extraction methods for your understanding.
Butane Honey Oil (BHO) Method
In the Butane Honey Oil (BHO) extraction method, lab experts place cannabis in a container and spray butane on it to initiate the process. After collecting cannabinoids and butane in a separate container, the mixture evaporates to remove butane and achieve a cannabis extract.
CO2 Extraction
In this technique, lab experts heat CO2 and pass it through cannabis buds. Once done, they pass the liquid through a separator to remove CO2 from cannabinoids. This method requires precise equipment and optimal conditions to achieve the best results.
Ethanol Extraction
In ethanol extraction, lab experts soak cannabis in ethanol to extract THC. After extraction, lab experts pass the extract through a refining process to enhance the extract’s quality. The refinement process removes unwanted substances from the extract to deliver an organic THC extract.
Water Extraction
Water extraction is a relatively simple method in which the cannabis plant submerges in freezing water to separate the trichomes from the plant. Once the trichomes come off, the plant passes through a series of screens to achieve a THC extract.
Isopropyl Extraction
In Isopropyl extraction, lab experts soak the cannabis flowers in alcohol and shake them gently to separate the trichomes. Once done, the mixture enters a dish to remove solvent using a vacuum oven. After evaporating the solvent, the leftover substance is pure THC oil.
The above information regarding cannabis growth and extraction can help you understand the role of different compounds in the cannabis plant. While true, you may need to rely on cannabis growers and a reputable dispensary like Kind Castle for organic cannabis products and your favorite brands. You can find Kind Castle in Parachute, Nederland, Craig, and Ridgway, Colorado. To explore cannabis products in your area, feel free to visit your nearby retail locations.
