The Complete Plant Profile

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The plant is made up of different components that have varying effects on the human body. These components are found in different parts of the plant, such as the leaves, flowers, and stems. In this article, we will discuss the complete plant profile of cannabis, including its chemical components and their effects.

The cannabis plant contains over 100 chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids. The two most well-known and researched cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects and is the component that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been found to have potential therapeutic benefits.

Another important group of compounds found in cannabis are terpenes. These are fragrant oils that give the plant its distinctive smell and taste. Terpenes also have therapeutic properties and work in synergy with cannabinoids to produce the "entourage effect," which enhances the therapeutic benefits of the plant.

Apart from cannabinoids and terpenes, the cannabis plant also contains flavonoids, which are responsible for the plant's pigmentation and provide potential health benefits. Some flavonoids found in cannabis, such as quercetin and apigenin, have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The cannabis plant can be categorised into three main types: Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis. Sativa strains are known for their uplifting effects and are often used during the day. Indica strains, on the other hand, have a more relaxing effect and are often used at night. Ruderalis strains are less commonly used and are known for their high CBD content.

When it comes to the different parts of the cannabis plant, the flowers are the most potent and are often used for medicinal and recreational purposes. The leaves and stems of the plant also contain cannabinoids but are less potent and are often used for making edibles, tinctures, and topicals.

The way cannabis is consumed can also affect its potency and effects. Smoking and vaporising the plant can produce immediate effects due to the rapid absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream. Edibles, on the other hand, take longer to take effect as they need to be metabolized by the liver.

In terms of cultivation, cannabis can be grown indoors or outdoors. Indoor cultivation allows for more control over the growing environment and can produce higher quality plants. Outdoor cultivation, on the other hand, allows for larger yields and is more environmentally sustainable.

The cannabis plant is made up of different components, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, that work together to produce the plant's therapeutic and psychoactive effects. The plant can be categorized into Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis strains, and can be consumed in different ways, including smoking, vaporizing, and edibles. 

Understanding the complete plant profile of cannabis is essential for maximising its potential therapeutic benefits.

Cannabis is a complex plant, with major compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which have opposing effects.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

A major phytocannabinoid, accounting for up to 40% of the plant extract. Extensive research has demonstrated CBD to be a powerful antioxidant and has the potential to treat a myriad of ischemic, age-related, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.

 Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

The phytocannabinoid that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of medical cannabis.

Cannabichromene (CBC)

May contribute to the overall analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects of medical cannabis.

Cannabinol (CBN)

A non-psychoactive cannabinoid with analgesic properties that reportedly aids in sleep and appetite regulation.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

A homolog of cannabidiol (CBD) that has been reported to have powerful anti-convulsive effects.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

A non-psychoactive precursor and regulator of various key phytocannabinoids.

Cannabigerivarin (CBGV)

The propyl homologue of cannabigerol (CBG), CBGV has been shown to be holding great potential for treating cancer. CBGV was shown to be cytostatic in leukaemic cells and caused a simultaneous arrest at all phases of the cell cycle.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

The non-acidic form of cannabigerolic acid, cannagiberol is an adaptogenic molecule and is the “parent molecule” from which several other cannabinoids are made.

KEY CANNABIS TERPENES

A wide spectrum of non-psychoactive molecules that are known to act on neural receptors and neurotransmitters, enhance norepinephrine activity, and increase dopamine activity.

• Cannabidiol (CBD)

• Tetrahydrocannibinol (THC)

• Cannabichromene (CBC)

• Cannabigerol (CBG)

• Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

• Cannabinol (CBN)

• Alpha Bisabolol

• Alpha Phellandrene

• Alpha Pinene

• Beta Caryophyllene

• Beta Pinene

• Cadinene

• Camphene

• Camphor

• Citral

• Citronellol

• Delta 3 Carene

• Eucalyptol

• Eugenol

• Gamma Terpinene

• Geraniol

• Humulene

• Limonene

• Linalool

• Nerol

• Nerolidol

• Ocimene

• Para-Cymene

• Phytol

• Pulegone

• Terpineol

• Terpinolene

• Valencene