Glossary of Terms

Here are some terms with their definition for those who need a little refresher or are just wading through their first experiences with medical marijuana.

According to Marijuanadoctors.com the differences between indica and sativa strains are as follows:

Indica strains are sedatives/relaxants and are effective for treating the symptoms of medical conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms and tremors. Indicas have a higher level of cannabinoids than sativas, which results in a sedated body-type stone. Because indica strains may cause feelings of sleepiness and heaviness, many patients prefer to medicate with this type of cannabis at night.

Sativa strains are more of a stimulant, and are effective in appetite stimulation, relieving depression, migraines, chronic pain and nausea. Sativas have a higher level of THC than indicas, which results in a psychoactive and energetic mind-high. Because sativa strains may cause feelings of alertness and optimism, many patients prefer to medicate with this type of cannabis during the day.

Hybrids and crossbreeds of indica and sativa strains produce varieties that carry some characteristics of each parent. For example, adding sativa to indica strains adds mental clarity and decreases sedation effects.  In addition, adding indica to sativa strains can decrease or even eliminate the sativa tendency to stimulate anxiety. Hybrids are often referred to based upon the dominant sub-species inherited from their lineage, eg:  pure indica, mostly indica, mostly sativa, or pure sativa.  Instead of using pure indica or pure sativa, many patients can benefit from the use of hybrid strains. There are a vast number of strains available for patients, each with a different cannabinoid profile and effect.

According to thefreedictionary.com a trichome is defined as follows:

Trichomes A hairlike or bristlelike outgrowth, as from the epidermis of a plant. Trichomes are often referred to as crystals, by many medical marijuana patients and many will say they base their choice of medicine on how many crystals are on the bud. 

Photo courtesy of Cannabis Culture Magazine

Cannabis Culture Magazine states that, “the sticky coating of trichomes is home to the active ingredients in cannabis – the stuff that gets you high and has all the medical benefits – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoids.”

According to dictionary.reference.com

Cannabinoid is any of the chemical compounds that are the active principles of marijuana.

According to Wikipedia.com

Cannabidiol (CBD) chemical constituents of marijuana, such as tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. It is a cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is a major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% in its extracts. CBD is not particularly psychoactive in and of itself, and was thought not to affect the psychoactivity of THC. However, recent evidence shows that smokers of cannabis with a higher CBD/THC ratio were less likely to experience schizophrenia-like symptoms. CBD is responsible for antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and anti-nausea effects. It also appears to relieve convulsions and inflammation. CBD shares a precursor with THC and is the main cannabinoid in low-THC cannabis strains. CBD apparently plays a role in preventing the short-term memory loss associated with THC in mammals.

Cannabinol (CBN) is the primary product of THC degradation, and there is usually little of it in a fresh plant. CBN content increases as THC degrades in storage, and with exposure to light and air. It is only mildly psychoactive. THC, CBD, and CDN are the most prevalent natural cannabinoids and have received the most study.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant.