Learn all about the terms surrounding hemp

Cannabis is a fascinating plant, used for thousands of years for its many properties. But if you're new to this world, the jargon can quickly become a headache! Between botanical terms, cultivation processes and extraction techniques, it's easy to get lost. This article provides a detailed glossary of the key words you need to understand cannabis, its industry and its uses.

What's the difference between hemp and cannabis?

Many are asking the question. The answer is simple: none, or almost none! "Hemp"andCannabis"In fact, they refer to the same plant. "Chanvre" is the French translation of the Latin word "Cannabis".

This is more commonly referred to as industrial hemp for varieties containing less than 0.2% of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) for seed and fibre production. These are more commonly known as cannabis for varieties with a higher THC content and intended for medical and/or recreational use.

Botany and genetics of cannabis

Before talking about effects or cultivation, we need to distinguish between the different varieties of cannabis. Each has its own characteristics that influence its use and appearance.

• Cannabis Sativa A variety of cannabis known for its energising and stimulating effects. It generally grows taller with finer leaves.

• Cannabis Indica This variety is renowned for its relaxing effects. It is more compact and its leaves are wider.

• Cannabis Ruderalis Less well-known, this type of cannabis is often used for its automatic flowering characteristics (autoflowering).

• Phenotype : All the visible characteristics of a plant (size, colour, aroma, effects), influenced by genetics and the environment.

• Genotype The genetic make-up of a plant, which determines its expressive potential (flavour, cannabinoid levels, etc.).

• Terpenes : Natural aromatic compounds present in cannabis (and other plants), responsible for odours and influencing the effects felt.

• Flavonoids Molecules which, in addition to terpenes, influence the taste and colour of cannabis.

• Trichomes Small resin glands found on cannabis flowers, rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoids and their effects

There are over 100 cannabinoids. Among the best known and most studied are :

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) The main psychotropic compound in cannabis, responsible for the high. THC is found in the drug Sativex, used to soothe patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS).

• CBD (Cannabidiol) CBD (Cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid molecule produced by the hemp plant. Long controversial, in 2017 it was recognised as safe by the WHO. Numerous clinical studies around the world have highlighted the therapeutic potential of CBD: it is thought to relieve certain inflammatory pains, calm anxiety and contribute to deeper sleep.

• CBG (Cannabigerol) Cannabinoid: Often referred to as the "mother molecule" of cannabinoids. It is the "first" cannabinoid to develop in cannabis, from which the other cannabinoids are derived. It is thought to have soothing and antioxidant properties.

• CBN (Cannabinol) It is said to combat inflammation and stimulate the appetite. It is also known to help reduce anxiety and help you fall asleep by providing a relaxing effect that helps you fall asleep.

• Surrounding effect Theory according to which the different cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids act in synergy to amplify the effects of cannabis.

Cultivation and harvesting cannabis

Growing cannabis requires a good understanding of its life cycle and the right techniques for each stage. Once the plant has been harvested, several stages are necessary to optimise the quality of the flowers and extracts.

• Germination First phase of the cannabis life cycle, when the seed begins to develop.

• Vegetative growth Phase during which the plant develops its leaves and stems before flowering.

• Flowering Flowering period: The period when the plant produces its flowers, which are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Autoflowering Type of cannabis that flowers automatically after a certain number of weeks, regardless of the light cycle.

• Curing Maturation: The process of ripening flowers after harvesting. This improves their flavour and potency by refining the cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Drying This is an essential stage after harvesting, when the flowers are hung to dry slowly and avoid mould.

Extraction and by-products hemp

Cannabis can be consumed in many different ways, each with its own specific effects and user experience. Whether for medical or recreational use, the method of consumption has a direct influence on the speed and intensity of the effects experienced.

• Dried flowers The most common form, used for smoking, vaporising or infusing.
• Oils and dyes Infusions of cannabinoids in an oil base

• Hash (Hashish) Concentrate extracted from cannabis flowers, often pressed into blocks.

• Rosin Solvent-free extraction in which the resin is hot-pressed to produce a pure concentrate.
• Edibles Cannabis-infused edible products (sweets, chocolates, oils, etc.).

• Full Spectrum A product containing all the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally present in the plant, offering a maximum entourage effect.

• Broad Spectrum Product containing several cannabinoids and terpenes, but no THC.

• Isolat Pure form of a single cannabinoid (isolated CBD, for example).

Consumption and uses cannabis

• Vaporisation A method of heating cannabis without combustion in order to inhale the cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Dabbing A technique that consists of heating a concentrate (wax, rosin) on a hot surface to inhale the vapours.

• Microdosing Consumption of small quantities to benefit from the effects of cannabis without being overly affected.

• THC/CBD ratio Indicator of the percentage of THC and CBD in a product to adjust its effects.

Conclusion

The cannabis lexicon is vast and constantly evolving! Whether you're a curious consumer, a botany enthusiast or an entrepreneur in the sector, understanding these terms will help you explore the potential of cannabis with greater peace of mind.