Let’s dive into the key parts of the cannabis plant:

Flowers/Buds: The epicenter of the plant, packed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and aromatic terpenes. These are the primo parts, harvested and dried for consumption or further processing.

Leaves: Sporting serrated edges, leaves have fewer cannabinoids but still pack some punch. Perfect for teas or extracts.

Stems: The sturdy backbone, transporting essentials and sometimes used for hemp fiber.

Seeds: Nutrient-rich and versatile, seeds are great for food, oil, or sprouting.

Trichomes: Tiny, resinous, and packed with cannabinoids and terpenes, trichomes are what give cannabis its sticky, aromatic goodness.

Cannabinoids are natural compounds in cannabis that interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing various bodily functions. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most studied.

• THC: The main psychoactive component, causing the "high," with potential pain-relief and anti-nausea effects.

• CBD: Non-psychoactive, known for anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anxiety-reducing, and anticonvulsant properties.

• CBG: A minor cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects; a precursor to other cannabinoids.

• CBC: Non-psychoactive, with potential anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antidepressant properties, often working synergistically with other cannabinoids.

• CBN: Mildly psychoactive, formed from THC degradation, known for potential sedative effects.

Each cannabinoid uniquely interacts with the ECS, and their combinations in strains influence overall effects and therapeutic benefits.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique scent and flavor, from citrusy and piney to earthy and spicy. Found in the resin glands alongside THC and CBD, terpenes play several important roles:

1. Aroma and Flavor: They create the distinct smells and tastes of different strains, like citrus, pine, berry, and earth.

2. Entourage Effect: Terpenes work with cannabinoids to enhance or modify their effects, producing varied physiological and psychological responses.

3. Therapeutic Potential: Many terpenes have their own therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects.

4. Strain Differentiation: Terpene profiles help distinguish strains and guide consumers to the effects they desire.

Some primary terpenes include:

• Myrcene: Earthy, musky aroma, sedative effects.

• Limonene: Citrus scent, uplifting and anti-anxiety properties.

• Pinene: Pine aroma, anti-inflammatory, and focus-enhancing.

• Caryophyllene: Spicy scent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

• Linalool: Floral aroma, relaxing and stress-relief.

• Humulene: Earthy aroma, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-suppressing.

These terpenes are not unique to cannabis but are crucial in shaping the plant's overall experience and therapeutic benefits.