THC Basics: Understanding Cannabis

Understanding Cannabis
June 12, 2025

Let’s get back to the basics

Cannabinoids, Terpenes, Strains, you’ve heard the buzzwords – but what does it mean? Let’s get back to the basics and explore popular terms, and how cannabis affects the body.

There are over 100 different types of Cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant. The two most popular are THC and CBD. These compounds are well known for their therapeutic benefits.

CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive, and using CBD will not make you feel “high.”

CANNABIS

A plant family that includes many species, including both hemp and marijuana.

MARIJUANA

A variety of cannabis grown for its high levels of THC (psychoactive).

HEMP

A variety of cannabis grown for its tall, sturdy stalks and contains high levels of CBD (non-psychoactive) and low levels of THC.

Find Your Match

CBD ISOLATE

Time for your chill vibes playlist and a candlelit bath, this is CBD in its purest form. A traditional extraction process is used to remove all the active compounds from the hemp plant, followed by a refinement process that strips away all other cannabinoids, including THC. Isolate has no risk of psychoactive effects, and minimal risk of flagging a false positive on a THC test.

BROAD SPECTRUM

Business in the front, party in the back. Broad spectrum CBD delivers benefits of all cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, except for THC, the compound in marijuana that gets you “high.” This means if you are subject to drug screenings you can still get the benefits of the entourage effect without the chance of triggering a positive drug test.

FULL SPECTRUM

Like your hippie cousin, who just got back from a spiritual retreat and knows where to get the best sushi—full spectrum products are built with a whole-plant extract from certified organic hemp. Beyond CBD, these extracts contain trace amounts of other cannabinoids (including THC), along with naturally-occurring terpenes, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and proteins that work together to create what is known as the entourage effect. 

DELTA-8 THC (Δ8)

Δ8 is like Δ9’s cool uncle from the west coast, walks & talks a bit slower, and always has great ideas. Δ8 is soothing, relaxing, and mellow—making it a go-to for pain management and relaxation.

DELTA-9 THC (Δ9)

More bounce to the ounce. Δ9 THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis that makes users feel high. THC has a variety of benefits that range from sleep-support and appetite stimulation to pain management and stress relief.

LIVE ROSIN

Ready to lock into the Lord of the Rings trilogy and dissect all the symbolism from how Frodo walks through the shire? Good news, Live Rosin delivers a  longer, more balanced experience than Δ9 THC, and beyond full-on bliss, it may help you find some hidden meanings in life.

Delivery Methods

Ingestibles 

CBD Oil Tinctures and Capsules are a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of CBD. Taken orally on a daily basis, CBD oil ingestibles can provide amazing benefits for overall health and wellness.

Beverages

Cannabis beverages start to kick in the moment you take a sip. When you take cannabis as a water-soluble liquid, THC absorbs into your bloodstream through the tissue of your mouth, esophagus, and stomach. The result is a quicker onset and a more consistent experience. You don’t have to wait for the drink to be digested to start feeling the effects.

Edibles

Typically, edibles are metabolized in the liver, which turns THC into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. The process takes some time, so cannabis edibles are known to kick in 45 minutes to two hours after ingestion.

Topicals

Topicals work to combat tension within the body. Topical products can be applied directly to affected areas, such as sore muscles, achy joints and inflammation points. Designed to alleviate discomfort, topicals are great for quick relief.

Terpenes

Have you ever wondered why your favorite cannabis strains have diverse aromas, flavors, and effects? Your favorite indica, sativa, or hybrid strain smells so good because of organic compounds called terpenes! Terpenes are the essential oils of the cannabis plant, are the cause of aromatics and taste, and each has its own unique therapeutic benefits.

Each terpene has its own exclusive use in the plant and the human body, and when combined with THC or CBD, terpenes can have synergistic effects that many find to be beneficial.