Cannabis 101

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis, more widely known as marijuana, is a complicated plant that has been used for thousands of years by many cultures – in religious ceremonies, as food, building materials, clothing, industrial material, and as medicine. It was legal in the US and used as a pharmaceutical, but for various social, political and economic reasons was made illegal (the Controlled Substances Act 1970). Since then advocates from all over the world and all walks of life have been actively working to change its status and bring its many known and newly discovered benefits to all people.

Its many cannabinoids (THC and CBD are the best known), terpenes (smell), and flavonoids (taste) all contribute to its healing properties. Healing effects are stronger when natural plant Cannabinoids and Terpenes are Kept Together – Not Separated. This is called the “Entourage Effect”, initially described by Dr. Ethan Russo. There are also less adverse effects when whole plant, rather than isolated or synthetic cannabinoids are used. As medical use of marijuana has increased, research and personal testimonials have shown evidence of its many positive health effects.

Cannabinoids are odorless chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with chemical receptors in the brain and nervous system called the Endocannabinoid System. This system helps maintain balance (homeostasis) by regulating functions like appetite, pain, mood, sleep, movement and memory. The amount and combination of cannabinoids in and among different strains of cannabis create the physical and emotional effects felt when using cannabis products.

To learn more about how cannabis becomes medicine, click on the links below:

• Cannabis Compounds
• The Endocannabinoid System
• Safe Medicating

Choosing a Product or Strain

Every person has a unique Endocannabinoid System that responds to the cannabinoid and terpene compounds in cannabis. Cannabis consists of many compounds and a variety of strains are available at ACS. The strain, cannabinoid content, ratio of CBD:THC and the terpenes all determine its effects. ACS uses a color coded Effect Line to guide your choice depending on your desired result.