If you’re new to cannabis, this guide is for you. We’ve put together this important information to elevate your experience from freshman to graduate in just a few minutes. Thank you for breaking the stigma on cannabis by educating yourselves and your loved ones about the benefits of cannabis.
Throughout time, this amazing annual flower has been shared, cultivated, eaten, drank, smoked, and worn. Marijuana seeds have been found in ancient burial tombs and caskets, revealing its value to man both living and dead. It’s nothing new to us. Weed has hidden potential that is just being discovered after many years of prohibition. California started the movement in 1996 and new states are legalizing medical marijuana across the United States and around the world. When South Dakota legalized medical cannabis, it allowed dispensaries like Dakota Health and Wellness to share products with patients for the first time. As we share what we know, we pass on canna-knowledge that is now available in the legal market. Whether it’s cultivating cannabis, or smoking etiquette, there are many things to be learned. At Dakota Health and Wellness, we’re here to instruct you on Cannabis 101.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a annual flower that grows like a weed! In favorable growing conditions, the Plant develops flowers rich in terpenes and potent with cannabinoids that when dried, cured and ingested result in euphoric yet medicinal affects.
The word Cannabis is a taxonomic term used to describe flowering plants that are members of the family Cannabaceae. The genus is divided into three species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. They are all species of the same plant that developed special characteristics that allowed them to survive a variety of climates.
Cannabis sativa. Growing taller and thinner that the other genus, sativa originates from warm hot climates like Africa. Sativa plants are known for producing elevated, energetic and euphoric effects after consumption due to the combination of terpenes and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Hemp. The Hemp plant is Cannabis sativa void of the THC cannabinoid and predominately cannabidiol (CBD).
Cannabis indica. Growing short and stout in cooler, wetter climates, Indica originates from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Often high in THC but absent of other cannabinoids, the effects can cause extreme body relaxation.
Cannabis ruderalis. The shortest and bushiest of the three types, ruderalis is adapted to grow in many conditions around the world. Unlike sativa and indica, ruderalis will enter flowering cycle after only 3-4 weeks and does not depend on water, nutrient and light for reproductive development. Usually low in THC and CBD, ruderalis is commonly cross-bred with sativa and indica to create more hardy genetics.
Cannabis is dioecious, meaning that the plant creates male and female flowers on separate plants. When cultivated professionally, we use the female plant that produces large flower buds, absent of seeds (sinsemilla) and sticky with resin. The gift the plant provides are the cannabinoids and terpenes that make each plant unique. Upon completion of the growing cycle, molecules saturate the plant and can be preserved by curing the flower buds. Major cannabinoids include:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Upon consumption, many users report a feeling of well-being, increased appetite, reduced pain, reduced nausea, and reduced spasticity. Sometimes euphoric, time slows down, resulting in a state of relaxation, appreciation, and honor. It’s non-toxic and has never resulted in a single death around the world.
