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What’s That Mean?: Terms for Newbies


May 4, 2016

There’s an introduction period and learning curve for anyone embarking upon a new activity. Patients want to know about new medicines their doctors prescribe; hobbyists want to learn about their new interests. The quest for a little information can quickly overwhelm the newcomer with the sheer multitude of references available on an internet search. Newcomers also have the difficulty discerning quality information from inaccurate information. For those just getting started in the use of marijuana for either recreational or medicinal purposes, Denver marijuana dispensaries offer the following guide for quick understanding.
  • Slang. Most people are familiar with Mary Jane and weed. Others may not be so ubiquitous, particularly those that refer to cannabis laced with illegal drugs. Slang terms may refer to the method of consumption, the form consumed, the amount, or the type of container.
  • Marijuana glossary. The Colorado Pot Guide publishes its own comprehensive list of “regular” terms and definitions associated with marijuana.
The more common terms to get the new user started include:
  • Cannabinoids: These are the chemical compounds unique to marijuana that produce both the medicinal and psychoactive effects. Cannabis contains more than 85 cannabinoids. There are five main chemicals to which purveyors and users refer.
  • THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This chemical is primarily responsible for psychoactive effects and which drives recreational use.
  • THCa: This is “fresh” THC which is present in the plant before drying and is not psychoactive. It can be metabolized in larger doses than THC for relief of inflammation. Medical research shows evidence that THCa has anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, which would make it useful in treating cancer.
  • CBD (cannabidiol): This is the chemical primarily responsible for its medicinal value. It’s non-psychoactive and has minimal side effects. CBS shows evidence of reducing nausea and vomiting, suppressing seizures, combating psychosis disorders, reduces inflammation, combats neurodegenerative disorders, combats tumor and cancer cells, and combats anxiety and depression. What’s not not like?
  • CBN (cannabinol): This compound is created when THC is exposed to light and oxygen. It has mild psychoactive effects and serves as a THC booster. It’s shown to be helpful as antidepressant, anti-spasmodic, and reliever of intraocular pressure. CBN is reportedly useful in reducing epileptic seizures and treating glaucoma.
  • CBC (cannabichromen): Evidence suggests that this compound has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral effects, and analgesic effects. It, too, may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and shows potential as an effective treatment for breast cancer and relieving migraines. Research also suggests that CBC works best when combined with THC.
All varieties and hybrid strains of cannabis contain these five compounds, but the concentrations of those chemicals vary with correspondingly varying psychoactive and physical effects. In short, indica-dominant plants have high THC:CBD ratio and sativa-dominant plants have high CBD:THC ratios. In simple translation: indica-dominant plants best serve recreational use and sativa-dominant plants best serve medicinal use.

The friendly, helpful staff at the best dispensary in Denver can assist you with determining the right variety and the right form for consumption that best serves your purpose. With three locations, Altitude Dispensary is your go-to choice among weed shops. Call (303) 756-8888 for more information.