Marijuana Education

The first challenge many face in learning about marijuana is distinguishing the difference between the various names. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to parse out, even at a scientific level. Even botanists haven’t come to a conclusion about the exact taxonomy of the plant. Broadly speaking, cannabis is the latin name of a genus of plants. Marijuana is a legal term used to refer to the plants that contain more than 0.3% Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound found in the plant, or what gives users the feeling of being high. Hemp, however, is defined as having less than 0.3% THC and contains another cannabinoid called Cannabidiol (CBD).

Marijuana varieties are selectively bred in controlled environments and produce female plants that yield budding flowers. These flowers are where the majority of cannabinoids are produced. These cannabinoids, or the compounds that can get the user high, are produced within the trichomes of the plant, found in high concentrations on the flower. These flowers are grown until maturity, removed from the plant, and then dried and cured. This process results in the flower that is sold in the medical and recreational markets.

Marijuana Kief

Powdery resin, consisting completely or almost entirely of trichomes that have been mechanically removed from the flower itself.

Marijuana Concentrates

Marijuana concentrates are simply the concentrated resins from the marijuana plant. Marijuana oils, concentrates, and extracts are all umbrella terms under which there are a host of different product types. Concentrates may be smoked, vaporized, or ingested. The most common types of marijuana concentrates are tinctures, capsules, vaporizer cartridges, hash, shatters, and waxes, though there are many additional names and specifications.

Marijuana Edibles or Marijuana-Infused Products

Marijuana-infused products are any products which contain marijuana that is intended for human consumption in a manner other than inhalation. These products include marijuana concentrates as a component of their preparation and are marketed as a myriad of edible products, beverages, and botanical tinctures, as well as various topical products. These products take longer to take effect, but often result in a more intense high that is likely to last longer than when inhaled.

Marijuana 101

For thousands of years people have been using Cannabis Sativa for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational purposes. There are a variety of reasons that an adult may choose to use marijuana such as enhancing the experience of every day activities, to treat ailments, or to elicit certain feelings.

THC is the main compound in the cannabis plant and is responsible for the temporary alteration of one’s psychological state. For some individuals this can result in relaxation, euphoria, feelings of creativity and other “feel good” psychological responses. However, it is important to remember that some may experience vastly different psychological responses to marijuana, which may happen consistently or infrequently. Some individuals may experience paranoia, anxiety, or other less desirable feelings with marijuana use.

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Many things contribute to how marijuana makes a person feel and can include:

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Individual body chemistry

Amount consumed

The method of consumption

• Set & setting – for instance consuming marijuana after you have had a bad day in a place that makes you feel uncomfortable may not result in the most enjoyable experience.

Cannabinoids and terpenes are the main compounds in the cannabis plant that provide medicinal benefits or result in a “high” for the user. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC provides the characteristic high often associated with marijuana use, where CBD is non-intoxicating.

Cannabinoids and terpenes work together through a process called the entourage effect, interacting with and activating the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a cellular system that helps the body maintain balance.

Terpenes are the scent compounds found in marijuana and lend themselves to giving the plant its complex aromas. Hundreds of terpenes are found in trace amounts, but the following are the most commonly reported:

Myrcene • Caryphyllene • Limonene • Pinene • Linalool Terpinolene • Humulene • Ocimene

What is a Strain?

Strains are different variations of the cannabis plant, similar to how you might notice many different variations of tomatoes in the garden or at the grocery store.

How is Marijuana Consumed?

As marijuana has become more mainstream, new ways of consumption have become popularized, including:

Vaping - Vaping involves inhaling heated extracts through a vaporizing device. Onset is nearly instantaneous.

• Dabbing - Dabs are concentrated doses of marijuana extract. These concentrated doses are typically heated on a hot surface until vaporized and subsequently inhaled. Onset is nearly instantaneous.

• Edibles - Concentrated marijuana is decarboxylated (sometimes called “activated”) through the process of heating and is used to create a variety of ingestible products. Onset depends on individual metabolism and a variety of factors, onset can be from 15 minutes to a few hours.

• Topicals - Concentrated marijuana is decarboxylated (sometimes called “activated”) through the process of heating and is used to create a variety of topically administered products. These products, when used as directed do not result in psychoactive effects.

www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/cra/consumer-connection/2021-lara-child-marijuana-brochure-APPROVED.pdf