Cannabis 101
The Basics of Cannabis
Cannabis produces 113 naturally occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids, which can affect a person’s central nervous and immune system when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Cannabis receptors are located throughout the human body and interact with cannabinoids much like a lock (receptor) and key (cannabinoid), a system known as the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis Strains
- Indica: Describes the varieties discovered in India that were used for fiber and hashish. These plants were harvested for their psychoactive uses. They're often short and dense with wide, flat leaves.
- Sativa: Describes the varieties discovered in Eurasia; these plants are typically taller, more sparse, and have thinner leaves.
- Hybrid: A modern variety that combines the characteristics of Indicas and Sativas. Even if a strain is "Hybrid", it can be "Sativa-dominant" or "Indica-dominant" depending on its parent strains.
The Anatomy of a Cannabis Plant
Cannabis Terms to Know
The "flower" or buds of female cannabis plants contain dense concentrations of trichomes and cannabinoids.
Chemical compounds mostly found in cannabis and a few other plants. Cannabinoids affect a person’s central nervous and immune system when ingested, inhaled or absorbed. THC and CBD are examples of cannabinoids.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural, non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis that could have therapeutic effects. On its own, CBD does not create a "high" or psychoactive feeling.
A cannabis concentrate made from cured or dried flower. It's known for a robust, concentrated flavor and high THC potency.
A cannabis concentrate made from fresh flower frozen immediately after harvest. By skipping the pre-processing drying and curing phases, the flavor-rich “live” terpenes are preserved, creating a more robust and flavorful experience.
The pistil is the female reproductive organ of a cannabis plant. It consists of the ovary and the stigma. Stigmas are hair-like strands that catch pollen.
Small leaves coated in a white layer of trichomes found in and around the cannabis bud. They have a high concentration of cannabinoids and are usually trimmed from the bud and later used to make cannabis infusions like edibles.
Chemical compounds that give cannabis its distinctive aromas and varied flavors. Different combinations of terpenes can determine the type of high that consumers experience. Terpenes are present in nearly all cannabis related products.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis that creates the traditional "high" feeling associated with the plant.
Hairlike outgrowths found on the cannabis plant where cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are produced - the most active compounds of the plant.
Maryland Cannabis Resources
Learn About How We Process, Extract and Refine Cannabis
Processing the Plant (Step 1)
Once the plant has been harvested, dried, and sorted, the buds are separated from the stems and stalks, and all excess leaves are trimmed (usually by hand).
Processing the Plant (Step 2)
The flower, or bud, is cured to allow any remaining moisture to equalize and to allow flavors to fully develop.
Extraction
The trichomes are separated from the rest of the plant material using either solvent or non-solvent-based techniques.
Refinement
The cannabis extractions are further refined by processes like filtration, solvent evaporation and winterization to eliminate unwanted compounds.
Further Refinement
This phase of cannabis refinement increases the cannabinoid potency of the extracts to 70-95% using processes like decarboxylation, distillation, remediation and recombination.
Ready for Use
These extracts, or distillates, are used to make vape cartridges, edibles, beverages, tinctures, topicals, capsules and sublingual products.
