Cannabis 101 & Cannabis Education

Marijuana is going mainstream, and a growing number of people are learning how cannabis can contribute to their wellness goals. 

But when you’re new to the world of cannabis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to learn. There’s a lot of ground to cover between the different types of cannabis, marijuana-specific words and terms, specific strains, and so much more. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone – because the RiNo Supply Co. team is always here to help.

We’ve created a go-to guide for cannabis for beginners, breaking down all the basics to help you find your footing. With this resource in hand, you’ll be ready to start shopping for cannabis in Denver and well on your way to achieving your ideal marijuana experience.

What is Cannabis?

First, let’s cover a question that’s probably much more common than you think: exactly what is cannabis?

The term “cannabis” is generally used to refer to a genus of flowering plants belonging to the cannabaceae family. However, these plants aren’t limited to just the marijuana plant you expect to see at your local dispensary. The genus also includes hemp, which serves a wide range of purposes, including CBD products, food, textiles, and more. 

When you’re talking about “cannabis” in terms of medical marijuana, it’s typically in reference to the plants that have been specifically cultivated for medicinal and recreational purposes.

How is cannabis different from hemp?

Understanding hemp vs. cannabis can be confusing at first, especially because the two plants seem so similar and yet completely different at the same time. One of the biggest differences between hemp plants and cannabis/marijuana plants is their chemical makeup and the specific effects they can produce.

Hemp is very low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical compound that creates the feeling of being “high” associated with marijuana consumption. Certain types of hemp are farmed exclusively for CBD products and fall under completely different regulations and laws than cannabis.

Cannabis comes in a huge variety of strains, each one with varying THC and CBD (cannabidiol) content. When someone is a cannabis enthusiast, what they’re actually consuming are the flowers of the cannabis plant (also called the “cola” or “bud”). Effects vary depending on the strain, but the active ingredients in cannabis mean that you can expect more noticeable effects than you would with hemp. 

What are the different types of cannabis?

There are several ways to classify cannabis, each one serving its own purpose. When you’re newly exploring marijuana, it’s very helpful to be somewhat familiar with the different approaches to categorizing cannabis types, including:

Strain

A strain is a specific varietal of cannabis, and strains are usually put into one of three categories based on their cannabinoid profiles and common effects.

  • Indica strains are often preferred by consumers interested in cannabis for relaxation, stress relief, reduction of pain, and anxiety management. 
  • Sativa strains are a frequent choice of consumers that want cannabis for energy, improved mood, better focus and concentration, and even creativity.
  • Hybrid strains can offer the best of both worlds, delivering balanced effects that can be indica- or sativa-dominant.

Cannabinoid content

Cannabis types can also be labeled according to their unique chemical makeup, specifically the percentages of THC and CBD.

Form or consumption method

When you shop at a dispensary, you’ll see cannabis separated into different forms, each of which can be consumed differently. Depending on your specific goals and preferences, you’ll likely find that certain forms of cannabis are better suited for you.

Some examples include:

  • Oil
  • Concentrates
  • Flower
  • Pre-rolls
  • Topicals
  • Edibles
  • Vape products

A (Very) Brief History of Cannabis

Cannabis history is a topic that can easily fill an entire blog post – and even a book – on its own. 

Written evidence shows that cannabis has been a part of many world cultures for millennia, dating back to the third millennium BCE or even earlier. Societies on virtually every continent were exploring the plant’s potential for medicinal benefits and many other purposes.

Interestingly, cannabis laws also have a long history, with the first regulations established during the 14th century. Here in Colorado, cannabis laws have tended to be a step ahead of other U.S. states. Cannabis for medical use has been legal since 2000, and recreational cannabis was legalized in late 2012. Our state is also home to some of the best cultivators and cannabis brands globally, putting an array of premium cannabis products within easy reach for eligible adults. 

So, if you’re interested in trying cannabis for yourself, Colorado is one of the best places to be.

Medicinal Properties of Cannabis

There’s still so much to learn about how cannabis can help people with a diverse range of needs and goals, but what we do know so far is pretty impressive. Because cannabis has been associated with a variety of therapeutic effects, it can be a versatile option for improving your overall sense of well-being. 

Consumers report a wide range of uses for cannabis, including as an all-natural way to get relief from:

  • Chronic or acute pain (especially nerve pain)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nausea/loss of appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Glaucoma
  • GI conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and IBS
  • PTSD
  • Parkinson’s Disease

Begin Your Cannabis Journey at Our Denver Dispensary

As one of the top marijuana dispensaries in Denver, RiNo Supply Co. takes pride in being a trusted source for both premium-quality cannabis and reliable, facts-based marijuana information.

Our team can help you browse our curated selection of cannabis products and make informed, confident purchases. Whether you’re a cannabis beginner or a seasoned consumer, there’s always something new to learn – and RiNo Supply Co. in Denver, CO is here to share our expertise to help the community flourish. 

Explore more of our cannabis education materials and plan your first dispensary visit today!

Featured Image: HQuality/Shutterstock