In This Article
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a flowering plant that produces hundreds of chemical compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), but the plant produces over 100 identified cannabinoids in total.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Your body has a built-in system designed to interact with cannabinoids — it's called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in regulating:
- Mood and emotional processing
- Memory and learning
- Pain perception
- Appetite and metabolism
- Sleep
- Immune function
The ECS consists of:
- Endocannabinoids — cannabinoids your body produces naturally (anandamide, 2-AG)
- Receptors — CB1 receptors (primarily in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (primarily in the immune system)
- Enzymes — that break down endocannabinoids after use
When you consume cannabis, plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) interact with this system — which is why cannabis can affect mood, pain, appetite, and sleep.
THC: The Psychoactive Cannabinoid
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing the characteristic "high."
Effects of THC include:
- Euphoria and altered perception
- Increased appetite ("the munchies")
- Relaxation or, in some cases, anxiety
- Short-term memory effects
- Pain relief
THC potency is measured as a percentage of the total product weight. Flower typically ranges from 15–30% THC; concentrates can reach 60–90%+.
CBD: The Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid
CBD (cannabidiol) does not produce psychoactive effects. It does not bind strongly to CB1 receptors and does not cause a "high."
CBD is associated with:
- Anti-anxiety effects
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Potential anti-seizure effects (FDA-approved in the form of Epidiolex for certain epilepsy conditions)
- Sleep support
CBD may also modulate the effects of THC — some research suggests CBD can reduce THC-induced anxiety.
Other Important Cannabinoids
| Cannabinoid | Notes |
|---|---|
| CBG (Cannabigerol) | "The mother cannabinoid" — precursor to THC and CBD. Associated with focus and anti-inflammatory effects. |
| CBN (Cannabinol) | Mildly psychoactive; forms as THC degrades. Often marketed for sleep. |
| THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) | May suppress appetite; associated with energizing effects at low doses. |
| CBC (Cannabichromene) | Non-psychoactive; may have anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. |
| Delta-8 THC | Psychoactive; less potent than Delta-9 THC. Legal status varies — check DC regulations. |
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid: What Do These Terms Mean?
The traditional cannabis classification system divides plants into:
- Indica — Shorter, bushier plants; traditionally associated with relaxing, body-focused effects
- Sativa — Taller, thinner plants; traditionally associated with energizing, cerebral effects
- Hybrid — Crosses between indica and sativa plants
Important caveat: Modern cannabis research increasingly suggests that the indica/sativa distinction is not a reliable predictor of effects. The terpene profile and cannabinoid content are more accurate guides. Many dispensaries are moving away from indica/sativa labels in favor of terpene-forward descriptions.
Reading a Cannabis Label
When you purchase cannabis from a licensed DC dispensary, the label will typically include:
- THC% — Total THC content by weight
- CBD% — Total CBD content by weight
- Terpene profile — Major terpenes present (on COA)
- Batch/lot number — For traceability
- Lab test date — When the product was tested
- Net weight — Amount of product
Always request or look up the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for detailed cannabinoid and terpene data, as well as confirmation that the product has been tested for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.