Flavonoids and cannasulfur compounds, though less discussed than cannabinoids and terpenes, play essential roles in shaping the flavor, aroma, and overall appeal of cannabis flowers. Their contribution adds another layer to the complex chemistry of cannabis. Together, flavonoids and cannasulfur molecules contribute to the rich tapestry of flavors and smells found in cannabis flowers.
Cannasulfur compounds are a relatively newly discovered class of compounds in cannabis, characterized by their sulfur-containing structure. These compounds are intriguing for several reasons:
Flavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients found in many plants, including cannabis, responsible for vivid coloring, flavor nuances, and a range of health benefits. In cannabis, flavonoids contribute to the plant's coloration, which can range from deep purples to bright yellows, depending on the specific flavonoids present and environmental factors.
Flavonoids work in harmony with terpenes to enhance the flavor and aroma profiles of cannabis. While terpenes provide the primary scents and tastes, flavonoids add subtle undertones that enrich the sensory experience.
Like terpenes, flavonoids also exhibit a range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Their interaction with cannabinoids and terpenes may enhance the therapeutic effects of cannabis.
As research into these compounds continues to advance, we may discover even more about how they contribute to the intricacies of cannabis flavor, aroma, and therapeutic potential.
We’re sorry to break it to you but Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid labels don’t matter that much. They’re not accurate from a plant biology standpoint nor do they have any scientific meaning. Don’t kill the messenger.
The effects of cannabis come from the substances it contains, like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, how good the product is, and the situation in which it's used. This includes who uses it, the method of use, the amount used, and where it's used. Labeling cannabis products with either Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid doesn't really help to inform consumers on how to effectively predict the effects of cannabis.
Origins
“Sativa” and “Indica” have confusing origin stories. We need to venture back to 1753 for a moment; this was the first time Cannabis Sativa was officially documented and classified as a species of the genus Cannabis, which stems from the plant family Cannabaceae.
Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist known as the "father of modern taxonomy" who formalized a system for naming species, described the Cannabis species in his book Species Plantarum (1753). It was thought that only one species of Cannabis existed; Cannabis Sativa L. The “L” stands for Linnaeus; and this is still believed to be accurate.
Thirty years later, an eminent French biologist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, got his hands on some plant specimens collected in India. Based on the specimens’ thicker stems and the shape of their leaves and flowers, he proposed that there are in fact two species of Cannabis: Cannabis sativa, the species mainly cultivated in Europe, and Cannabis indica, a wild species growing in India and neighboring Asian countries; this is now thought to be incorrect. During this early stage of plant taxonomy, scientists were often forced to reach conclusions on the basis of very limited material.
In 1924, a Russian botanist named Dmitri Yanishevski identified yet another potential “species” which he named Cannabis ruderalis, known for being a shorter plant that reaches maturity quickly due to adapting to shorter summers of the region. Yanishevski himself was not totally convinced that the phenotypic differences he observed justified a new species.
It's all Cannabis
This all begs the question: Does the genus Cannabis contain a single species or is it correct to recognize separate species i.e. sativa, indica, ruderalis?
It seems accurate that Cannabis is a monospecific genus, meaning all Cannabis plants that display different morphological characteristics (phenotypes) are just varieties of a single species. Those varieties can then be grouped into subspecies based on sharing those distinct characteristics, whether morphological and/or chemical.
Beyond Indica and Sativa
As far as impacting the psychoactive effects experienced when consumed, “Sativa”, “Indica”, and “Hybrid” labels on modern, cultivated varieties have no logical standardization or scientific backing to determining any distinct effects. “Strain” names are equally meaningless, unless providing some consistency, and often only serve marketing purposes.
Ultimately, the effects of Cannabis are determined by the compounds present in the flower, mainly cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, the quality of the flower, and the context in which the flower is consumed—who’s consuming it, how it’s being consumed, how much of it is consumed, and the environment it’s consumed in.
]]>Browse our Delta 9 THC products here: Legal Delta 9 THC Edibles
]]>Read more about Delta 8 THC here: Delta 8 THC
Browse our Delta 9 THC products here: Legal Delta 9 THC Edibles
]]>Read more about Delta 8 THC here: Delta 8 THC
Browse our Delta 9 THC products here: Legal Delta 9 THC Edibles
Browse our Delta 8 THC products
Check out our THC dosing chart for more information: THC Dosing Chart
Check out our CBD dosing chart for more information: CBD Dosing Chart
Browse Affordable CBD: Chicago Cannabis Company Products
From consumption method to mood and setting, there are many factors involved in how we feel after taking a dose of Cannabinoids (e.g. THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, etc.). Instead of attempting to establish a one-size-fits all for consuming cannabis products, a contextual approach, one that focuses on the consumer versus the product, is likely more appropriate.
Let’s explore our decision-making matrices to find what find of cannabis product might work best for you. View the mobile-friendly version
First, let's establish your baseline:
Next, let's learn more about how you're feeling today and how you'd like to feel:
Let's consider how strong you'd like the effects to be and the onset time of Cannabinoids based on your consumption method:
Let's learn more about your THC tolerance, in other words your level of sensitivity to THC and experience with adverse effects:
Finally, how important is it for you to know your dosage?
]]>You may be looking to use Cannabis or a Cannabinoid-infused product for a specific purpose. Many people consume Cannabinoids for relaxation, meditation, fun, and even pain management. The good news is, you can now find products containing a variety of Cannabinoids, each having a unique effect; you're not just limited to THC products!
While there is no "right" way or "wrong" way to go about buying your weed product, here are three things to consider next time you're visiting a Cannabis store or purchasing a cannabis product online:
Unlike what most people are led to believe, whether a product is labelled "sativa" or "indica" has very little to do with the experience you end up getting from consuming Cannabinoids. This (over-simplified) dichotomy is especially irrelevant when ingesting infused edibles; what is more important is the dosage and profile of various Cannabinoids.
The perceived effects from consuming Cannabis products are mainly based on:
The main two methods of consuming Cannabinoids include ingesting and inhaling. You can also apply Cannabinoids topically, consume sublingually, or use a suppository. Each method of consumption has varying dosing accuracy, onset time, and bioavailability.
1. Dose Accuracy: Ingesting and using sublingually (under the tongue) are the most accurate in terms of determining the actual dosage consumed. These methods of consumption are also great for microdosing. Inhalation is the least accurate form of dosing; it’s more difficult to determine the dose consumed when smoking Cannabis.
2. Bioavailability of Cannabinoids: When consuming Cannabinoids the “true dose” is the amount of Cannabinoids that actually enter the bloodstream to produce a biological response and cause expected effects. Ingesting has the lowest bioavailability of about 15% of the dose consumed while inhalation has the highest bioavailability of about 40%.
3. Onset Time: This is the amount of time it takes to feel anticipated effects, whether immediately or within hours, depends on the method of consumption. When ingesting Cannabinoids you can expect a longer onset time while inhaling brings about effects almost immediately.
Some of these factors may be more important to you than others. Perhaps you don't want to vape or smoke so that generally leaves you with the option of ingesting an edible, which takes some time to kick in. Or you don't care about the dosage amount—you just want to feel a certain way.
What's important is that you learn what works best for you and that usually begins with understanding the main differences between Cannabinoid effects and consumption methods.
Cannabinoids are chemicals produced by Cannabis plants and can be extracted from Cannabis plant material. Cannabinoids mainly include CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC but there are many more! Cannabinoids are extracted from Cannabis plants, refined, and used to infuse products like oils, gummies, and balms.
Each Cannabinoid will trigger a unique effect when interacting with our Endocannabinoid system, largely depending on the dose of each Cannabinoid and the individual's biochemistry at the time of consumption.
All Cannabinoids can be psychoactive, or affect the mind, depending on the dose taken. Below, you can find more information on some of the most common Cannabinoids found in cannabis products, both intoxicating and non-intoxicating.
The Cannabis plant has complex chemical expressions and those distinct chemical profiles (Cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes) will cause varying effects. Next time you're looking for a Cannabis product, take a look at the Cannabinoid profile and determine whether you'd just like to consume THC or perhaps try something new!
1. Select your Method of Consumption. Each method will have varying degrees of dosing accuracy. For example, it’s much easier to dose by eating one gummy containing 10mg of Cannabinoids than attempting to dose 10mg of Cannabinoids by vaporizing oil or smoking flower.
2. Divide the total milligrams of Cannabinoids in a product by the total amount of milliliters, ounces, or grams of total matter in that product.
For example: 1000mg of CBD in a 30ml bottle = approx. 33mg/ml
In other words, 1 ml of the product will contain 33mg of CBD.
For example: 15% of CBD in 1 gram of flower = approx. 150mg/gram
3. Decide your dose based on Cannabinoid type and expected effects. The suggested dose will vary based on consumption method and the bioavailability of Cannabinoids, the type of Cannabinoids consumed, and the effects you would like to experience.
The main two methods of consuming Cannabinoids include ingesting and inhaling. You can also apply Cannabinoids topically, consume sublingually, or insert vaginally/rectally. Each method of consumption has varying dosing accuracy, onset time, and bioavailability.
1. Dose Accuracy: Ingesting and applying sublingually (under the tongue) are most accurate in terms of determining the actual dosage consumed. These methods of consumption are great for microdosing. Inhalation is the least accurate form of dosing; it’s more difficult to determine the dose consumed when smoking Cannabis.
2. Bioavailability of Cannabinoids: When consuming Cannabinoids the “true dose” is the amount of Cannabinoids that actually enter the bloodstream to produce a biological response and cause expected effects. Ingesting has the lowest bioavailability of about 15% of the dose consumed while inhalation has the highest bioavailability of about 40%.
3. Onset Time: The amount of time it takes to feel anticipated effects, whether immediately or within hours, depends on the method of consumption. When ingesting Cannabinoids you can expect a longer onset time while inhaling brings about effects almost immediately.
Chicago Cannabis Company® specializes in Cannabinoid-infused products containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC on a dry weight basis. Cannabis plants containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are considered “hemp” plants by federal and state law and regulated as an agricultural product.
Cannabinoids are chemicals produced by Cannabis plants and can be extracted from Cannabis plant material. Cannabinoids mainly include CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC but there are many more! Cannabinoids are extracted from Cannabis plants, refined, and used to infuse products like oils, gummies, and balms.
Each Cannabinoid will trigger a unique response when interacting with our Endocannabinoid system, largely depending on the individual's biochemistry at the time of consumption. One of the major differences between Cannabinoids is whether they induce intoxicating effects.
For example, THC is known to have psychotropic properties which can provoke feelings of depersonalization, derealisation, drowsiness, amnesia, and altered internal and external perceptions, while non-intoxicating Cannabinoids like CBD and CBG do not cause these effects.
Chicago Cannabis Company® was founded in 2018, following the federal legalization of Cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC. The 2018 Farm Bill marked a new chapter in the U.S. Cannabis industry, which effectively legalized all Cannabinoids extracted from the Cannabis plant (so long as that plant has less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC).
Our Cannabinoid-infused products are similar to THC-infused products found in dispensaries. We infuse products with the same type of extracts and distillates, but with lower THC concentration, and offer a wide selection of Cannabinoid-specific formulations. We follow Good Manufacturing Practices, provide supplement facts, list product ingredients, and lab test our products for purity and potency.
Our mission is to create a cannabis company that Chicagoans can be proud of. We are building a company rooted in accountability, transparency, and workplace satisfaction in which workers share accountability for the work, authority over how goals are met, discretion over resource use, and ownership of information and knowledge related to the work. Thank you for your support on this journey!
]]>By now, most cannabis lovers understand that cannabis has much more to offer than just THC; they search out unique cannabis products based on terpene profile, extraction process, and cannabinoid profile versus total THC content. Delta-8-THC is yet another piece of an unsolved puzzle—exactly how many cannabinoids are there and what can they be used for?
In previous posts we've explored the variety of cannabinoids and some of their different uses. Delta 8 THC is comparable to delta-9-THC but with a lower psychotropic potency. In other words, it has a "mellower" effect than "regular" THC.
Given the lower level of intoxication caused by Delta 8 THC, the applications are appealing; it can be ingested at greater or equal doses to delta-9-THC but feel more like "microdoses". For example, a 12 ounce drink containing 10mg Delta 8 THC might feel like a drink with just 5mg of delta-9-THC.
So what's all the fuss about Delta-8-THC if the perceived level of intoxication (often measured by subjective criteria like depersonalization, derealisation, drowsiness, amnesia, and altered internal and external perceptions) of Delta-8-THC is anecdotally reported to be lower than delta-9-THC? It comes down to legality: how should Delta-8-THC be regulated given its psychotropic properties?
In short, yes. The United States legalized cannabis with less than 0.3% THC in 2018. However, they specified that decarboxylated delta-9-THC (the intoxicating cannabinoid) is what is measured as total THC in this legal definition of "hemp". Therefore, we would infer that delta-8-THC (also intoxicating) is legal as long as it's extracted from hemp. Of course, this is not legal advice and should not be read as such; it's merely our opinion.
One caveat exists: is delta-8-THC the result of "synthesis" (because that would make it illegal)? We think it can be argued that CBD undergoes "processing" i.e. isomerization, a chemical process, but not "synthesis." It's not created from simpler materials. Delta-8-THC is NOT "synthetic" THC, which only emulates the compound to interact with the brain’s sensory receptor.
Similarly to CBD, delta-8-THC is "unregulated"; meaning, the FDA has not established criteria or rules for incorporating cannabinoids into dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics. Obviously, the industry is not waiting around for a notoriously slow, unelected governing body to give its stamp of approval. This does not mean that unregulated cannabinoids are unsafe (for example CBD is about 400 times safer than caffeine) as they are often characterized by fear-peddling media outlets and unknowledgeable regulators.
CBDa is naturally occurring in hemp, which is federally legal and regulated as an agricultural product. State-regulated programs only regulate delta-9-THC, which is what makes delta-8-THC so appealing—businesses can sell their infused products without jumping through ridiculous hoops and the state's adult use licensing bungle.
It can be, when used correctly, just like delta-9-THC. But caution should be taken. The safety profile is yet to be determined and the chemistry used to create delta-8-THC from CBD is new to people. However, if solvents are removed and the distillate is purified there is no reason to believe delta-8-THC is somehow less safe than delta-9-THC. Unlike with CBD, caution should be taken when consuming delta-8-THC since it may impair your ability to operate machinery for example.
In Chicago, a few establishments serving delta-8-THC have already popped up. Early adopters of delta-8-THC could face some initial backlash from regulators but it seems the cannabinoid is here to stay, for now. Should the trend continue, we may see legal cannabis roll out the way it was intended - equitable, low barrier to entry, and free from market manipulation.
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Chicago Cannabis Company has been nominated for Chicago's best local CBD source!
Chicago Cannabis Company was started on in 2019 as a worker-owned cooperative. Our CBD is made by Chicagoans, for Chicagoans! We source locally grown cannabis and distribute CBD across Chicagoland and beyond. We also work with other Chicago-based businesses to deliver you one-of-a-kind CBD products.
Part of why we created the Chicago Cannabis Company was to re-frame our collective perspective on cannabis. While many companies in the industry go to great lengths to distance themselves from the cannabis plant, from which CBD is extracted, we embrace it by putting it right in our name.
Support us by voting for Chicago Cannabis Company as the best local CBD source!!
Did you know that, historically-speaking, cannabis has been legal for longer than it’s been illegal? It’s only over the past 100 years or so that cannabis has been prohibited in the Western world. Prior to the beginning of prohibition, cannabis was thought of as medicine. In fact, cannabis was listed as a medication in the US Pharmacopeia until the 1950s. The idea that cannabis is a new medication is therefore inaccurate - we’ve been using cannabis as medication for thousands of years!
There are two main reasons why there is such skepticism towards the idea of medical cannabis:
With a combination of unscientific thinking and an unwillingness to understand cannabis scientifically in the first instance, it’s no surprise that there has been such a misunderstanding about cannabis.
In fact, the Nixon-appointed Shafer Commission, which was set up to confirm negative biases about cannabis, found instead that cannabis users were not the antisocial, criminal stereotype that came to prominence in the 30s. The Shafer report recommended the decriminalization of cannabis based on its findings. Needless to say, the Nixon Administration would ignore this report.
When cannabis was made into a Schedule I substance in the 1970s, it became immensely difficult to research it properly. Huge amounts of paperwork needed to be filled out, and the restrictive red tape made research into cannabis almost impossible. Moreover, any research that was funded by the U.S. government tended to focus on the negative effects of cannabis - most research looking at its therapeutic applications would not get funded. This led to researcher bias.
Furthermore, the research on cannabis which has focused on its negative effects would typically study only cannabis with moderate to high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and not other chemotypes that would be less intoxicating. In fact, even to this day, THC is unfairly demonized. THC is a potent anti-inflammatory and painkiller, making it an excellent alternative to opioids and sedatives. Nevertheless, physicians in the U.S. prescribe addictive opioids and sedatives on a daily basis, and many people accept that these substances have medical uses which outweigh the side effects.
Cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) and so many others were ignored, and the only people interested in this sort of thing any time from the 1950s till the early 2000s were a handful of scientists and doctors, growers, cannabis nerds, and those who had personal experience of the plant’s medical potential. Politicians and most of the general public would balk at the idea of medical cannabis.
This is where Prof. Raphael Mechoulam and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem comes in, as does the UK’s Prof. Roger Pertwee who was working at Oxford University in the 1960s. At the time, not many people really understood how cannabis worked, so scientists in The Hebrew University of Jerusalem set out to find out!
By the 1970s, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) had been isolated, and researchers were looking to find unique medical uses for these cannabinoids, focusing on conditions that are particularly difficult to treat. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) was also of interest due to its unique properties. Researchers were particularly interested in these cannabinoids and despite all the attempts at finding negatives, few were found.
Glaucoma, cancer, epilepsy and AIDS/HIV were the first medical problems where cannabis treatments were researched in the modern era, and the results were promising. In fact, it would lead to the U.S. government to eventually patent synthetic THC (dronabinol and nabilone, which would be sold) for its antiemetic (anti-nausea/vomiting) and pain killing properties, and CBD in the 1990s for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
So, while the U.S. government prohibited and demonized cannabis, they were well-aware of its therapeutic potential. Cynics could argue that the U.S. government did this purposefully, as they wanted it for themselves and their preferred research partners - essentially a monopoly.
Come the late 80s/early 90s, and Professors Raphael Mechoulam, Lumir Hanus and William DeVane would discover the body’s own, naturally occuring endocannabinoid, anandamide. After this, the CB1 and CB2 receptors were discovered, and it was found that our naturally-occuring endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors (called the endocannabinoid system) were involved in homeostasis - the way in which the body maintains a balanced, consistent internal environment.
As with anything in life, there are going to be pros and cons to using cannabis. For some people, cannabis may be useful. For others, it may not. Essentially, cannabis is like any other medication: it’s not for everyone
Here are a few potential negatives that could arise from cannabis use, and how to approach these negatives rationally rather than skepticism-for-the-sake-of-skepticism.
Many people are afraid that consuming high amounts of THC may trigger a psychotic episode, whether from short-term or persistent use. There may be some merit to this for those who are already predisposed to illnesses involving psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), but this is not a huge section of the population. Moreover, tobacco and alcohol can also trigger psychotic episodes, yet these aren’t banned!
While some studies show there is some possibility that heavy cannabis use may increase the risk of psychosis, this is not necessarily played out in real life in all instances. Not every cannabis user is using the same type of cannabis, and there may be a significant number of people who do not use high-THC cannabis, and/or who use cannabis in a controlled manner. Also, CBD has antipsychotic properties, and low- or no- THC varieties of cannabis may be of immense use for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychotic depression.
This is an interesting one, as cannabinoids are touted as a treatment for some types of cancer, and there is certainly a significant amount of evidence showing that this is definitely the case, and could actually reduce cancer risk!
The main criticism here comes from the smoking of cannabis. Now, cannabis smoke is not the same as tobacco smoke, but from a logical point of view, inhaling burning plant matter is generally not advisable in most circumstances. Some damage to the throat and lungs certainly occurs, but whether or not inhaling cannabis smoke alone causes cancer is not known. Caution is to be advised when it comes to smoking cannabis, though.
To say cannabis is highly addictive is not at all accurate. To say that cannabis has no addiction potential whatsoever is also not entirely accurate. Tolerance to cannabinoids like THC certainly occurs, meaning that increasing consumption is needed to get the same effects. However, this is not always a negative (e.g. for cancer), and some amount of tolerance may need to be built to prevent the feeling of over-intoxication.
Withdrawal can also occur, with about 12% of heavy cannabis users showing cannabis withdrawal as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), and this was associated with significant disability as well as mood, anxiety and personality disorders. Cannabis dependence develops in about 9% of users, significantly less than that of heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and prescribed anxiolytics.
This makes cannabis less addictive than many prescription drugs, and the abuse potential is quite low, too. Moreover, for most people, stopping cannabis use is not hugely difficult. Yes, there may be some withdrawal symptoms, but with a few exceptions most people find these tolerable. In fact, cannabis could be an exit drug that helps people wean off other, more addictive substances!
There are few compounds as safe as naturally-derived cannabinoids. Even though cannabis has a long history of medical use, there are few double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that definitively prove cannabis can be used for so many conditions. Predominantly, the evidence is anecdotal, but in large enough a number to say for certain, “There’s something here that needs to be looked at further.”
There are still many hangovers from attitudes formed during prohibition. Even as more evidence comes out showing cannabis’ therapeutic and medical potential, people remain skeptical of cannabis due to its perceived and often overinflated negative effects. However, the plant’s healing properties far outweigh its potential adverse effects; and sometimes the “adverse effects” like appetite stimulation, drowsiness, and dissociation are in fact what the user may be looking for, depending on their symptoms.
Unfortunately, when it comes to cannabis, many people don’t treat it like most other medications; people are more skeptical. The skepticism isn’t always unwarranted, but it is not necessarily an entirely rational skepticism.
In the early 2000s, Dr. Ethan Russo posited the theory of Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CECD) in order to explain why people suffer from difficult-to-treat conditions like fibromyalgia, epilepsy, migraines and irritable bowel diseases (IBDs), amongst others.
The theory is that a lack or dysregulation of naturally-occurring cannabinoids can lead to widespread inflammation. Cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant can help replace these lost endocannabinoids. What’s more, cannabis is relatively safe, with no practical chance of deadly overdose.
There are few if any medications available on the market that have the broad range of uses and safety profile of cannabis. The cannabis plant contains up to 150 different cannabinoids, many of which are non-intoxicating, but still have many medical uses. Cannabis is quite literally a pharmacy in a plant. That we don’t research it further is certainly due to political reasons, not scientific ones. This is beginning to change, though, and we here at Chicago Cannabis Company and Leafwell hope it changes further.
]]>So you're ready to roll your first joint. Yes, there are countless tutorials on "how to roll a cannabis joint" but you really just have to try it yourself. Your first joint is probably going to suck and that's OK.
Here's our quick, four-step guide to rolling a great joint:
Step 1. Prep It
Step 2 & 3. The Finesse & Roll
Step 4. The Twist
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There are few feelings more unpleasant than being too high. The dopamine rush caused by THC can induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and calmness, but it can also trigger anxiety-inducing thoughts, hyper-alertness, and feelings of panic. While a person is highly unlikely to die from a THC overdose, overdose side effects are common among cannabis beginners and can sometimes happen to veterans. There are countless stories of people eating too many edibles, or getting paranoid from smoking too much weed, or feeling over-stimulated from a few puffs. The culprit is an over-emphasis on high potency THC.
The issue with 20-30% THC-rich cannabis is the higher likelihood of overconsumption or THC overdose, therefore a greater possibility for adverse side effects. At 28% THC, for example, there is about 280mg of THC in one gram of flower. One eighth of that gram or 0.125g at 30% bioavailability would deliver about 10mg of THC. Having packed many bowls and rolled many joints, it’s safe to say people usually smoke more than this at one time. For someone seeking 50-80mg of THC as their dose this flower would be ideal, but for most new users it will be too potent.
Too Much THC
THC-rich cannabis is a powerful narcotic plant. Anything above 10mg is likely to have some adverse effects, varying in severity from person to person and depending on the total dose. As one’s tolerance for the compound increases or a consumer gets used to the brain’s response to the chemical, dosage can generally be increased for desired effects. However, just 7mg of THC will leave a new user with a pleasant experience.
The decades old cannabis market has led to many innovations but one thing that has lagged behind is cannabinoid research. Instead, the market has demanded THC and only THC. Only recently has the conversation shifted toward terpenes (and CBD) as an indicator of quality. After all, you can’t smell or taste THC. It’s the terpenes and flavonoids that bring your buds to life.
CBD is known as the “non-psychoactive” compound but, anecdotally, people report feeling less anxious and more calm after using it. Some people report managing pain better and say they’ve had an easier time falling asleep after using CBD. Upon more studies in the future, CBD may even be used to treat psychiatric conditions like anxiety.
It’s known that CBD can alter chemical levels in the brain, which can affect mood and emotions. This is why we prefer to say that CBD is ‘non-intoxicating’, as opposed to ‘non-psychoactive’, because it can have a psychoactive effect.
Knowing that only a small amount of THC is needed to produce an intoxicating effect we recommend about a 1:3 or 1:5 of THC to CBD for occasional or recreational use. For example, if you take 10mg of THC adding 50mg of CBD could help balance out the intoxicating effects of THC, leaving you with a more mellow feeling. Alternatively, taking 1-5mg of THC and a higher dose of CBD (100-300mg) could have a similar therapeutic effect but less intensity as far as intoxication. CBD-rich hemp flower generally contains about 150mg of CBD in one gram and less than 3mg of THC, making it a great option for those seeking to benefit from the cannabis plant's potential medicinal and therapeutic properties without getting high.
At the end of the day we want your experience with cannabis to be a positive one. Whether you are seeking more subtle effects or unsure of how your body will react to heavier cannabis use, mild weed is a great place to start experimenting.
How to mellow out your weed experience:
Consider adding CBD-rich flowers to your cannabis consumption.
Example of creating 4:1 and 1:1 CBD to THC ratios with cannabis flowers
]]>Building on our experience hosting infusion workshops we are excited to host the first virtual workshop of our online cannabis training series.
Participants will learn about the basics of edibles infusion including dosing, effects, and potency. A list of materials will be provided in case you would like to follow along during the demo portion of the workshop, otherwise participants can observe and plan for their next DIY recipe.
The workshop will be streamed from our kitchen space and will include a Cannabis 101 overview and basics of infusion with cannabis flower and extracts. One workshop will be available on Thursday evening and another on Saturday afternoon.
You can register for our infusion workshop by purchasing a ticket. Instructions for how to participate in the workshop via Zoom will be sent separately.
Workshop dates
Evening: October 15, 6-8 pm
Afternoon: October 17, 12-2 pm
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Chicago Cannabis Company is excited to announce the introduction of Molida Wellness, our new superfood-inspired brand. Meaning "ground" in Spanish, as in to grind into a powder, Molida is rooted in the desire to provide sufficient phytocannabinoid nutrition that is grounded in organic, superfood powder blends.
Using time-tested, trusted plants and ingredients, Molida wellness blends deliver an abundant supply of phytocannabinoids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and proteins in a way that is simple and requires minimal time. Molida’s blends can easily be added to smoothies, shakes, lattes, oatmeals, or just mixed with hot water.
Born out of Nicollette Rodriguez‘s —a founding member of Chicago Cannabis Company— love for working with ancestral ingredients, Molida is meant to be familiar and nostalgic.
"Many of us have fond memories sipping a hot, chocolatey beverage when it's cold. And some of us grew up having our abuelas make chocolate from pure cacao. The hot chocolate we might be familiar with today is a far cry from the raw, organic, infused cacao we provide at Molida, free of additives and processed ingredients," says Rodriguez.
"For me, working with foods my grandmother and her mother and so on used, such as maza and cacao, is a therapeutic feeling and experience. Working with these ingredients instantly connects me to my ancestors as well as centuries of people carrying on traditional recipes."
Molida Wellness believes in the connection between wellness, plants, history, culture, and respect. We aspire to share that with those who are interested in improving or beginning their self-care and nutrition routines.
Molida will initially offer five, cannabinoid-infused organic blends that can be purchased individually or as a wellness kit — with the ability to provide monthly subscriptions to customers. The wellness blends available are a Hemp Superfood Blend, Hemp Matcha Blend, Hemp Cacao Blend, Hemp Protein Blend, and Hemp Seed Blend. Each pouch contains 25-50 mg of phytocannabinoids per serving, along with the additional nutrients provided in each unique wellness blend.
“I see this brand as a homage to both my Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage. Growing up with and using tools like a molcajete, or mortar and pestle, to make salsas and mofongos, it was only natural that we used this to represent Molida. Like the wheel, no need to change what has already worked perfectly.”
The Molida team has big plans to provide infused, healthy products to Chicago and beyond, so be sure to keep up with what they have planned.
Website: https://www.molida.co
Instagram: @molidawellness
Contact: nic@chicannaco.com
Non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, and CBG are a great option for those seeking to benefit from the cannabis plant's potential medicinal and therapeutic properties without getting high. It’s important to understand that cannabinoids like CBD can be extracted from cannabis varieties containing less than 0.3% THC (i.e. hemp) and/or from cannabis varieties with higher concentration of THC, which are regulated as plants for “medical” or “adult-use.” In either case, cannabinoids produced by these plants are identical chemical compounds, regardless of how they are regulated.
In fact, a temporary policy issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture this month will allow Licensed Medical and Adult-use Cannabis Cultivation Centers to purchase hemp biomass from registered hemp farmers in any State for extraction at their licensed facilities. It also allows Licensed Cannabis Cultivation Centers to purchase hemp-derived distillates and isolates. These extracts can then be used in medical and adult-use cannabis-infused products sold at Illinois dispensaries.
The new rule gives Cultivation Centers an opportunity to buy CBD at an exponentially lower cost than producing this cannabinoid indoors in their licensed facilities. This leads us to believe that large-scale indoor cultivation is both expensive and unsustainable for the production of cannabinoids. In the future, as the market becomes less constricted by stringent regulations, over-invested companies in such operations may find it difficult to compete with cultivators growing outdoors on price and sustainability metrics as the costs and energy consumption needed to produce cannabinoids outdoors is much lower.
Some people believe that cannabis can only be used for intoxication, to attain a “high” feeling or euphoria. However, to fully understand how cannabis can help us address wellness needs we must take an open-minded, whole-plant approach. CBD and THC are not the only compounds responsible for the positive effects that you can experience when consuming cannabis. Cannabis is a multi-molecule medicinal plant with a wide range of potential therapeutic properties.
Understanding how cannabinoids are chemically related to each other is important when studying or interpreting the effects of products and formulations featuring varying cannabinoid profiles and ratios.
Acidic and degraded cannabinoids are thought to be non-psychotropic (not altering internal or external perception) and non-intoxicating, meaning they do not diminish physical or mental control. However, all cannabinoids can be psychoactive, or affect the mind, depending on the dose taken. Therefore, cannabinoids can also be divided into two categories: intoxicating and non-intoxicating.
Below, you can find more information on some of the most common cannabinoids found in cannabis products, both intoxicating and non-intoxicating.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is the primary chemical responsible for most of the psychotropic effects associated with cannabis. Due to THC’s infamous euphoria-inducing side effect, stress relief is one of its common uses. When a person consumes THC, dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, modulated by the endocannabinoid system, become more active and release more dopamine. The increase of dopamine leads to a feeling of well-being and sense of pleasure. Medically, THC has been used widely for pain, sleep and appetite management. Too much THC in one’s system, however, can cause increased heart rates and feelings of paranoia; a larger dose of CBD is thought to help mitigate potential discomfort from THC overdose. When ingested orally, Δ9-THC may convert to a more potent cannabinoid 11-hydroxy-THC.
Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) is comparable to delta-9-THC but with a lower psychotropic potency.
As you can see, many cannabinoids, not just THC and CBD, show potential for a wide range of healing properties. Although THC and CBD are currently the most popular cannabinoids, research into the hundreds of cannabis compounds and their potential effects and synergies is still very limited. The good news is this is only the beginning!
Total number of cannabis-related research studies published in the PubMed database since 1968.
Some qualifying patients might be considering growing their own cannabis as an option but are concerned...READ MORE
]]>If you have followed our blog and keeping up with us on social media, we have been covering different aspects of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. As a cannabis company operating in a newly-regulated and emerging industry, it is important for us to understanding both opportunities and limitations of the upcoming legalization of recreational cannabis. To that end, this post serves as an overview of rules and regulations related to the advertising and marketing of products you might find at a recreational dispensary.
According to the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, cannabis businesses may not engage in advertising that (emphasis added):
Advertising refers to engaging in promotional activities including, but not limited to: newspaper, radio, internet and electronic media, and television advertising; the distribution of fliers and circulars; and the display of window and interior signs. No advertisement of cannabis or a cannabis-infused products is allowed in any form or through any medium:
Cannabis product packaging and labeling must also follow the rules above but have additional limitations, which we will cover in another post. Stay tuned!
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This was a free workshop open to the public.
Infusion Workshop Presentation
Review of workshop materials:
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Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, pioneered cannabis research in the 1960s and was the first scientist to isolate Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9 THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Dr. Mechoulam has been conducting research on cannabis for more than 40 years.
According to Dr. Mechoulam, one can look throughout history to find evidence of cannabis being used for medicinal purposes. For example, the Assyrians used cannabis 3,000 years ago, apparently for the treatment of neurological diseases. Furthermore, the Chinese have made extensive use of cannabis medicinally throughout their nation's history.
Instead of approaching the plant as segregated from other medicinal herbs, we view cannabis as a medicinal plant whose many compounds can be incorporated into complex medicines, tinctures, and other traditional, natural remedies.
We do not make unsubstantiated claims about our products or cannabis in general. We understand that clinical studies are needed to provide the data and analysis necessary to make health claims about any product. We do not recommend our products to treat or cure any diseases. However, we do present you with relevant cannabis research so you can make your own decision about how you may like to use our products. With that said, our products are intended to be used as dietary supplements, cosmetics, or food products.
Cannabis is a genus in the family Cannabaceae, a small family of flowering plants. Cannabis sativa L. is a species of Cannabis.
Cannabis contains at least 480 different chemicals. People are beginning to realize that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration is not the sole indicator of quality or efficacy. Consequently, consumers and patients are starting to pay more attention to terpenes and other cannabinoids like Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and even the acidic forms of CBD and THC (CBDa and THCa).
Cannabis flowers do not produce THC or CBD. At a molecular genetic level, the cannabis plant converts the precursor cannabinoid Cannabidiolic acid (CBGa) to either THCa or CBDa. Cannabis flowers must be decarboxylated (or heated) to turn CBDa to CBD and THCa to THC.
Although most research is completed on the decarboxylated and isolated versions of CBD and THC, some research on CBDa and THCa exists. For example, one study found that CBDa activates the 5-HT1A receptor, showing promise as a treatment for nausea and anxiety, while having significantly greater potency at lower doses and affinity for this receptor than CBD.
It’s likely that CBD is psychoactive to some degree. CBD may alter chemical levels in the brain, affect mood and emotions, and may be used to treat psychiatric conditions. For example, it would be difficult to argue, without contradiction, that CBD has anti-anxiety properties but is non-psychoactive. However, it's definitely non-intoxicating.
Most of the cannabis plant is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not cause impairment or observable psychotropic effects. CBD, CBG, CBN, CBDa, and THCa are all non-intoxicating compounds. Even delta-9 THC, an intoxicating compound in cannabis, will eventually degrade to the non-intoxicating cannabinoid, CBN, over time with exposure to light, heat, and oxygen.
The significance of the potential synergy between the different phytocannabinoids and other plant compounds cannot be overstated. For example, a recent, randomized placebo-controlled study compared THC, CBD, and combinations of each. The study found that low doses of CBD when combined with THC enhanced the intoxicating effects of THC, while high doses of CBD reduced the intoxicating effects of THC. The THC dose for this study was 8 mg. The low CBD dose was 4 mg (1:2 ratio) and high CBD dose was 400 mg (50:1 ratio). These findings are important to consider when recommending ratios of THC and CBD for both medical and recreational users. They also have implications for cannabis users with lower THC tolerances.
Unlocking the full potential of phytocannabinoids, as it pertains to pharmacology, requires more research into cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD, namely CBG, CBN, delta-9 THCV, delta-8 THC, Cannabichromene (CBC), and Cannabidivarin (CBDV).
The abundance of products containing CBD - and their multitude of claims - can be mystifying and overwhelming. The following is a breakdown of several reasons why some might use CBD if they are not using it to treat a specific condition or symptom:
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), named after the plant that led to its discovery, is a crucial physiological system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. In fact, all living species have an endocannabinoid system.
The body produces its own "endogenous" cannabinoids or endocannabinoids, for example, Anandamide. Anandamide levels in our bodies can be linked to feelings of well-being and happiness. Studies show that CBD significantly increases anandamide levels in the body, making CBD a possible therapeutic agent for depression and other related conditions.
Endocannabinoids and their receptors (CB1 and CB2) are found everywhere throughout the body: in our brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, digestive system, muscular system, and immune system. Therefore, the ECS plays an important role in regulating our mood, memory, appetite, and the sensation of pain. Since the purpose of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis in our body, your overall health could be negatively affected if your ECS is compromised.
An endocannabinoid deficiency in our bodies, caused by poor diet, lack of sleep, and stress, among other things, may lead to pain, inflammation, migraines, sleeplessness, and other diseases. The ECS can be brought back to balance by absorbing and regulating plant-based cannabinoid compounds like THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC.
There are more than 100 terpenes found in mature cannabis flowers. Terpenoids or terpenes, widely encountered in nature, are the fragrance molecules that give cannabis its unique aroma and flavor. Terpenes also have potential therapeutic properties, which can be amplified when combined with cannabinoids. The observed synergy between cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids is often referred to as the "entourage effect."
While terpenes are nothing new (they are produced by most plants) terpenes in cannabis can be especially beneficial because they work in unison with cannabinoids. This interaction can result in greater psychoactivity and potentially maximize the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. According to research, terpenes may contribute to anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects.
Different cannabis varieties contain distinct ratios of cannabinoids and terpenoids; these ratios provide a meaningful profile of the plant’s genetic identity and chemical composition.
It’s important to understand that different ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes are likely to exhibit distinctive properties and, therefore, provide a better understanding of expected effects. We advocate for a classification system beyond sativa and indica, especially when it comes to labeling products in the best interest of the consumer.
References
The federal legalization of hemp via the 2018 Farm Bill was a pivotal moment in cannabis history—it was, however, underrated by the cannabis community at large. This mainly has to do with the fact that cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC will not get you high but also a mistaken belief that "hemp" is not considered cannabis. Hemp is cannabis, and cannabis with less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC is now legal in the U.S.
Perhaps the biggest revelation is that some U.S. farmers, who may have never considered growing cannabis, will now start learning to become cannabis farmers. Growing cannabis outdoors for high concentration of Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) is similar to growing cannabis outdoors for high concentration of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa). With that said, cannabis cultivated for CBD-rich flower or biomass is generally more difficult to plant, upkeep, and harvest than cannabis varieties traditionally grown for grain and fiber. For this reason, this planting guide focuses on hemp produced for Cannabidiol (CBD). We hope this guide will be helpful to beginning farmers looking to grow hemp for CBD purposes.
View the PDF version of the Hemp CBD Planting Guide. |
Cannabis producers will need to decide on varieties based on the desired end product: fiber, grain, grain/fiber, or cannabinoids. Every cannabis variety will have its own unique set of characteristics: short or tall, small or large seed, higher or lower cannabinoid content, different flowering times, and different nutrient requirements.
The optimal temperature for cannabis seed germination is 65-70°F. Lower temperatures will delay emergence. It’s best to plant after potential risk of late frost (e.g., mid-May or early June). Seed is best planted at a depth of 0.75-1 inch. For direct seeding, acceptable soil temperature at that depth for germination is 50°F.
Cannabis grows best on loose, well-drained, well-aerated soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Consistency in pH level will allow the plant to better absorb nutrients. If pH becomes too alkaline (above 7.5) or too acidic (below 5.5), it will cause deficiencies of nutrients. Cannabis does not do well in heavy clay soils due to higher calcium levels and greater water retention/saturation.
Cannabis generally prefers semi-humid conditions with temperatures between 60- 80°F. Cannabis does not react well to over watering but requires ample moisture during early stages. Excess rainfall will stunt growth and lead to smaller yields. During the plant’s life-cycle 10-14 inches of rainfall is optimal, but larger plants will require more water. Irrigation may be necessary depending on size and geographic location.
Cannabis germinates best in a firm bed but is sensitive to soil compaction and soil crusting. Good soil moisture is necessary for seed germination. Cracked or dull-looking cannabis seeds are not likely to germinate.
Soaking: One method to encourage germination is to soften the seeds by soaking them in distilled water overnight (8-12 hours) at 65-70° F. After soaking, transfer seeds to a small 4”x4” pot or seedling tray. This method assumes transplanting after 2-3 weeks versus direct seeding outside.
Cannabis has different nutritional needs based on the stage of its life cycle. Nitrogen is recommended during vegetative stage (e.g., NPK ratio of 3:1:2), while phosphorus and potassium are recommended for the flowering stage (e.g., NPK ratio of 1:3:4 then tapering off to 0:3:4).
Cannabis is an annual plant belonging to the small family of flowering plants called Cannabaceae. The lifespan of cannabis grown outdoors is about 120 days: 30-60 days for vegetative growth and approximately 60 days for flowering time, varying by genetics.
Although cannabis will grow well in Midwest soil, it’s important to note that cannabis is not a native plant to the region or to the United States; it is indigenous to central Asia and the East Indies. Cannabis has been cultivated mainly for fiber production in China, Russia, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland, Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, and more.
While Cannabis sativa is an important source of durable fibers, nutritious seeds, and medical extracts, the plant is poorly understood genetically. Unfortunately, due to past U.S. prohibition of the cannabis plant almost no U.S.-based agronomic research existed until 2015.
With that said, the planting calendar and nutrient recommendations below are for educational purposes only. Further fertility research will need to be completed to determine best practices.
Nitrogen and potassium uptake are greatest during the first two months of growth. Higher rates of potassium and phosphorus are needed during the flowering stage. Sources of micronutrients include dead plant tissues, compost, and manure. The breakdown of organic matter (i.e. roots and leaves) will add nutrients back into the soil. No-till and holistic soil building practices are encouraged for creating fertile soil.
Contrary to popular belief, hemp plants are NOT male “marijuana” plants. Only female hemp plants will produce flowers rich in CBDa. Cannabis pistils, which are often referred to as "hairs" of the cannabis bud, can help identify female plants early on. Female cannabis plants will continue to flower, forming fragrant buds until they are pollinated or harvested.
Cannabis grown for grain and stalks produces very little cannabinoid content— close to 0% THCa and 0% CBDa. However, the government classifies “hemp” as any cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC. Therefore, breeders have been able to develop high-CBD, low-THC cannabis plants while falling under the legal classification, and social construct, of hemp.
The hemp plants, from which most CBD is extracted, is not your typical industrial cannabis grown for fiber or grain; genetically, they are different. Genes of the cannabis plant fight to convert the precursor cannabinoid CBGa to either THCa or CBDa, and plants can be bred to exhibit dominance in either cannabinoid.
Male (Grain & Fiber)
Fiber and grain varieties will be grown from regular seeds, resulting in both male and female plants. While both male and female structures are needed to produce grain, a higher ratio of female plants is desirable to maximize the yield per acre. Only female plants live to mature seed stage.
There is no apparent difference in the fiber from male or female plants, but male plants will mature faster than female plants. Producers looking to grow cannabinoid-rich flowers should beware of males from neighboring grain or fiber crop. Pollen can potentially travel miles, seeding female plants close by.
Female (Grain, Fiber, & CBD)
Un-pollinated female flowers will produce higher concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes than pollinated flowers. When starting from regular seeds, male and female plants will occur almost equally but generally a higher ratio of females is desired. To limit the likelihood of producing male plants, CBD-rich varieties may be feminized, meaning the seeds were produced by female plants intentionally pollenated by another female (monoecious) plant.
Feminized seeds are generally more expensive, but they will result in little to no males in a field. Sinsemilla is an unnatural state for cannabis so plants should be monitored closely.
Hermaphrodite (Grain & Fiber)
While cannabis plants are dioecious, having separate sexes, it’s possible for female plants to grow pollen sacs which may then pollinate its own flower. Inducing female plants to grow male sex organs is a common breeding technique to produce feminized seeds.
Monoecious or hermaphrodite plants may be desirable for seed production or dual purpose use. Dual purpose varieties are bred to produce both grain and fiber.
If you are anticipating a longer flowering period on a particular variety but have limited time due to seasonal changes, starting from clones can be a good way to get ahead, skipping the germination and seedling phase. Growing from clones can also be a way to catch up if you are starting later in the season (i.e. late June or early July). Cloning can save time but also can ensure that your crop will be genetically identical to the mother plant.
When starting from clones, there will be transplanting involved. Transplanting is also a popular method when starting seedlings indoors earlier in the season when outdoor temperatures are not yet suitable for planting (below 60°F).
Starting from clones can be advantageous when growing CBD-rich varieties. Cloning essentially takes the guess work out of sexing plants and improves the odds of a hemp plant not “going hot”, or exhibiting a concentration of delta-9 THC higher than 0.3 percent.
The difference between hemp and recreational or medical cannabis is distinguishable by two separate genes which are tightly linked and fight to convert the precursor cannabinoid, CBGa, to either THCa or CBDa— the acidic forms of THC and CBD. Consequently, higher levels of CBDa imply higher levels of THCa.
When THC production genes are turned “on” and CBD is turned “off,” plants are THC dominant, psychoactive, and are considered recreational and medical. When both CBD and THC genes are turned “on,” plants are moderately psychoactive (as CBD potentially lessens the psychoactivity of THC) and are considered medical. When CBD production genes are turned “on” and THC is “off,” plants are considered industrial or food product.
Whether cannabis varieties bred to produce high concentration of CBDa and low concentration of THCa will be more or less likely to go “hot” in more fertile soil is yet to be studied. Therefore, clones of mother plants grown in local conditions or perhaps well-adapted to the local environment pose the least risk.
Outdoor (CBD Biomass)
Opportunities for outdoor cultivation can substantially lower startup costs, but harvesting CBD-rich cannabis is laborsome. Small hemp farms may need extra farmhands to harvest the crop in time. Proper spacing supports efficient harvesting.
Rows are typically 4’ x 4’ or up to 6-8 feet between rows depending on the variety. Cannabis cultivated outdoors for CBD purposes will mainly be processed into biomass to produce CBD extracts.
Preemptive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of contamination, e.g., pesticide blow over, heavy metal contamination, or microbial contamination.
Outdoor (Grain & Fiber)
Grain and fiber varieties are typically planted in 6-7 inch rows, resulting in about 400,000-600,000 grain plants per acre and 800,000-1,000,000 fiber plants per acre. Fiber varieties should be planted more densely to prevent branching while grain varieties will need more space to produce flowers.
Fiber and grain varieties will both start from regular seeds. Grain varieties will need about 25 pounds of seed per acre (approx. 25,000-27,000 seeds per pound), accounting for 70-80 percent germination rate. Fiber varieties will need up to 100 pounds per acre.
Indoor/Sungrown (CBD Flower)
Indoor cultivation facilities offer more control over the growing environment but can be more capital-intensive when using artificial lighting. However, indoor cultivation also includes sun-grown cannabis in greenhouses or enclosed hoop houses, allowing for the use of light deprivation.
While many industrial farms are preparing to grow hemp at large scale, there are many advantages to small-scale production. First, failing small is better than failing big. Cannabis cultivated for CBD-rich flower or biomass is generally more difficult to plant, upkeep, and harvest. Growing at large scale while maintaining high-quality will be challenging.
Uses for CBD -Rich Flower
Levels of pesticides that we are used to seeing in food, which are considered tolerable, are not likely to be attractive or even acceptable to processors and consumers of hemp CBD products. Soil testing before planting is a great idea.
Depending on the type of extract and level of refinement, you may see low levels of pesticides become concentrated at higher levels no longer suitable for human consumption without proper remediation. Remediation adds more cost to processing. For this reason, cannabis grown in organic soil using holistic management practices will be in higher demand.
Consider the following before planting:
Some cannabis producers will focus on producing as much biomass as possible without necessarily thinking about the environmental impact of pesticide, insecticide, and herbicide use. Most industrial farmers are used to spraying crops to prevent pests and disease. However, by using methods such as companion planting, mulching, composting, and Integrated Pest Management, producers of cannabis can help improve biodiversity and soil biology.
Organic standards prohibit the use of most synthetic substances—including most pesticides used in conventional agriculture—for at least three years prior to the harvest of an organic crop. Even so, USDA organic regulations allow residues of prohibited pesticides up to 5 percent of the EPA tolerance.
Pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides used in conventional farming practices will deter beneficial insects and microbes that would otherwise aid in pest and disease control. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in conjunction with holistic methods that allow beneficial microbes to thrive are recommended when producing cannabis for human consumption.
IPM is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management using proactive methods that support healthy soil.
Humidity, water saturation, lack of airflow, and excess foliage are likely to cause fungal diseases and microbial contamination. Gray mold and powdery mildew are the most common diseases caused by humid conditions and excess moisture. Cannabis infected by mold, powdery mildew, and other fungi pose a potential threat to cannabis consumers. Mold should not be confused with the plant's trichomes or the resinous glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.
Preventative measures include planting in areas with proper drainage and runoff (i.e. mounded rows), providing ample spacing for plants to grow and to improve air circulation, and proactively pruning plants to remove excess foliage. After harvesting, proper drying and storage of cannabis flowers to control humidity levels is extremely important.
Excess water may also cause root rot. In the Midwest, plasticulture is likely not necessary. With heavy rainfalls, raised beds with plastic ground cover are bound to cause over saturation and lead to beds drying too slowly.
Two weeks ago I wrote about five ways "how not to screw up Illinois' burgeoning cannabis business", which was largely inspired by this opinion piece by the CEO of a cannabis company in Illinois.
Since the writing of that post, a majority of Illinois House Representatives have signed on as co-sponsors of a resolution to slow down recreational cannabis legalization (a.k.a. regulation) to "give more time to consider the societal impact of and data from other states". Additionally, HB0895, a bill that would make the medical cannabis program permanent, is now being considered by the House.
A follow up document to a demand study commissioned by Senator Heather Steans and State Representative Kelly Cassidy was also published. The Cassidy-Steans study was criticized by Illinois NORML for being too conservative in its projections of demand while at the same time challenged by medical cannabis licensees for suggesting that more cultivation licenses are needed.
Furthermore, the Executive Director of the Illinois NAACP has taken a stance against legalizing recreational cannabis, asking the Illinois Black Caucus to oppose any legislation that legalizes adult-use. The NAACP does not, however, oppose medical cannabis use.
Haley's comments were recently used to justify a position that issuing new cultivation licenses is not necessary to meet the estimated demand of both the Illinois medical and recreational cannabis markets. By using the NAACP's stance on recreational cannabis and cherry-picking Haley's comment equating the legal cannabis industry to slavery, the Tribune article seems to suggest that equity does not necessarily need to be prioritized if the Illinois NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) does not even want cannabis to be legalized.
On a side note, I recently learned that backlash from the black community was at the crux of the matter regarding the opening of the only minority-owned cultivation facility and dispensary in Chicago (now Illinois Grown Medicine and Mission Dispensary). Unfortunately, unable to get buy-in from the community and strapped for cash, the group decided to sell a considerable stake in ownership of the licenses to a multi-state operator, which then opened IGM and Mission.
Many advocates will be quick to judge Haley, claiming she is uneducated about cannabis or a puppet of some greater conspiracy theory. While the NAACP does not speak for all people of color, the director does bring up some good points regarding recreational cannabis legalization:
Cannabis prohibition has caused a lot of suffering in the black community. We must address the real issue of trauma caused by prohibition and try to meet people where they are—not everyone has had a positive experience with cannabis. From being harassed or arrested for possession to having a loved one incarcerated for a cannabis-related conviction, the criminalization of cannabis has had a disproportionate, negative impact on the black community. This fact must be taken into consideration when developing the cannabis program; anything short of an equitable program is perpetuating racial economic inequality.
While politicians tout the money-making potential from taxing cannabis sales, it's important to realize that driving cannabis prices up can dis-incentivize individuals from transitioning to the legal market. Furthermore, should a substantial amount of tax revenue be created, there's no guarantee that this will benefit poor communities. Rather, it may cause an even greater gap in income inequality, especially if costs or other barriers to start a licensed cannabis business remain high.
Chicago NORML has outlined a social equity proposal that acknowledges the need to distribute a larger share of tax revenues generated from recreational cannabis sales to disproportionately impacted areas.
Even after cannabis is legalized, employers may still choose to drug test their employees for THC, among other substances, as well as terminate employees who test positive for THC. Although medical patients using cannabis may be protected from termination in some cases, without proper legislation we leave many vulnerable populations susceptible to wage insecurity. People will continue to lose their jobs because of cannabis use, regardless of whether we legalize recreational cannabis. The least we could do is offer protection for cannabis use under state labor laws if we can't stop individual employers from testing for THC.
How many people have had their second amendment rights violated due to "a smell" or convicted as felons for possessing an ounce of weed? Just because recreational cannabis becomes regulated, that doesn't prevent authorities from enforcing "prohibition 2.0" policies. For example, if the recreational bill only allows for one ounce to be possessed outside of one's home, that wouldn't necessarily cut down on policing—it may, in fact, amplify it.
Before, selling or growing cannabis was "illegal" and punishable by imprisonment; now, it's an honest living for Johnny and Susie. "Legalization" sounds great until you realize it looks a lot like extortion at worst and bureaucratic arrogance at best. In other words, dealers with untainted criminal records and enough capital to obtain a license will receive protection from the state, as well as permission to monopolize the market, while those too poor to get a license will bear the brunt of legalization.
According to a report by the International Labor Organization, about 61 percent of the global workforce is engaged in the informal economy, with a higher concentration of informal employment happening in developing countries. It's estimated that the informal economy makes up at least 18 percent of the US GDP. However, these estimates are likely on the lower end, considering that surveys or questionnaires that would require someone to essentially admit to not reporting taxes may not always be accurate.
Those who are cultivating or selling cannabis in the "black market" are actually participating in the informal economy - not subject to taxation or government regulation. The "illegal" status of cannabis implies a high degree of risk/reward tradeoff but also offers no protection under the law. If the goal of cannabis legalization is to dissolve the illegal cannabis market, that could be accomplished in one of two ways—by creating opportunities and low barriers to entry for entrepreneurs to transition into the legal market or through stricter enforcement and more policing. We hope it will be the former.
Before companies are allowed to profit from recreational cannabis sales and the state is allowed to collect tax revenues from legal cannabis sales, cannabis-related criminal records should be automatically expunged, and those who have been imprisoned for cannabis-related charges should be released. The NAACP argues that releasing prisoners would not be enough, and we agree. There must be funding allocated to creating programs that will help rehabilitate those who have suffered from cannabis prohibition.
To be in the 1% you need about $10,000,000, and to be in the top 10% you need about $1,200,000. The median household income in the US is about $61,000, varying considerably by race and ethnicity. If the program only allows for the top 10% to participate, simply by making the fees high enough to exclude the other 90% from obtaining a cannabis business license, then the rich will get richer off cannabis legalization while the rest of us are left behind.
In conclusion, although we do not agree with all the statements the Illinois NAACP director has made on cannabis legalization, especially those related to scientific research surrounding the potential adverse effects of cannabis, we do believe that a slower, more thorough process to legalize, one that would take more of these factors into consideration, would be of benefit to us all. By rushing to legalize, without properly expanding both programs, we risk botching a successful program launch and further creating issues of inequity.
]]>There are many plants that are metal hyperaccumulators, meaning they accumulate higher-than-average amounts of heavy metals in their aerial parts, and cannabis is one of these plant species. Cannabis roots can be especially efficient at attracting and breaking down heavy metal contaminants in the soil. With other plants, this remediation process often takes a long time, sometimes up to 10 years, but cannabis has the potential to speed up this process, as well as mediate soil erosion and overall site degradation.
While hemp is likely to be used as a rotation crop on rural farms to enrich the soil, hemp also has great potential to detoxify and remediate land in urban environments. Soil in Chicago, especially in areas with a history of industrial manufacturing, is often contaminated by heavy metal pollution and other toxins. Chicagoans can take a proactive approach to land remediation with hemp. Similar to urban soil remediation projects with mushrooms, hemp can help detoxify contaminated land for growing of food or brownfield sites prior to development and EPA inspection process.
Strategies for contaminated soil from the Chicago Community Climate Action Toolkit
As part of our remediation initiative at Chicago Cannabis Company, we are giving away 100,000 hemp seeds (each) to three urban farms that may be eligible to apply for a hemp cultivation license under Illinois hemp laws. 100,000 hemp fiber plants can cover approximately 1/4 of an acre.
How it works:
As the 2018 Farm Bill directed the US Department of Agriculture to provide funding to conduct research on soil remediation practices, data gathered from the project will be used to apply for further funding.
]]>Attend the Illinois Hemp Growers Summit on the South Side of Chicago to learn more about the legal hemp program in Illinois, what you’ll need to get started, permit application FAQ’s, and how to build partnerships in the industry.
With the signing of the Illinois hemp bill, there are opportunities around the cultivation, distribution, and processing of hemp – a cannabis variety with close to zero THC, or the intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants. This versatile cash crop has the potential to empower small farmers and revitalize farming communities.
Attendees will learn from hemp farmers and industry specialists about a variety of topics, including:
– Planting
– Harvesting
– Processing/Extraction
– Transportation/Logistics
– CBD and Hemp Products
Date: May 4, 2019
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Click to Register: Buy Tickets
Website: https://hempgrowersummit.com
Cannabis contains at least 480 different chemical compounds. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are only two of these compounds. As consumers begin to realize that THC concentration is not the main indicator of “quality”, they are turning more attention to minor cannabinoids, like Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), and terpenes found in cannabis. There are more than 100 terpenes found in mature cannabis flowers.
Terpenoids or terpenes, widely encountered in nature, are the fragrance molecules that give cannabis its unique aroma and flavor. Terpenes also have potential therapeutic properties, which can be amplified when combined with cannabinoids. The observed synergy between cannabis terpenes and cannabinoids is often referred to as the "entourage effect."
Graphic from Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects” British journal of pharmacology
While terpenes are nothing new (they are produced by most plants) terpenes in cannabis can be especially beneficial because they work in unison with cannabinoids. This interaction can result in greater psychoactivity and potentially maximize the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids. According to research, terpenes may contribute to anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects.
Different cannabis varieties contain distinct ratios of cannabinoids and terpenoids; these ratios provide a meaningful profile of the plant’s genetic identity and chemical composition.
Although it's no fun smoking with a cannabis "connoisseur" who feels the need to dissect the terpene profile of everything they smoke, various compositions of cannabinoids and terpenoids are likely to exhibit distinct medicinal properties and are therefore useful to the consumer. Complete chemical profiles, including terpenes, provide a better understanding (than "sativa" or "indica", for example) of expected therapeutic or psychoactive effects.
Hemp plants can produce CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, trace amounts of THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential amino acids. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis include Myrcene, Limonene, Alpha & Beta -pinene, Linalool, B-caryophyllene, Caryophyllene oxide, Humulene, Nerolidol, and Phytol.
Graphic by PhytoFacts™
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis (and hops). Its aroma can be described as musky, earthy, and herbal. Myrcene has potential sedating and hypnotic effects and can help facilitate the interaction between cannabinoids and our endocannabinoid system. In conjunction with presumed sleep aids like CBD, CBC, and CBN, myrcene-rich chemovars can promote better sleep and pain relief.
"Indica" phenotypes are said to have more myrcene content than "sativa "phenotypes on average, according to Steep Hill Labs in Berkeley, California. However, it would be difficult to prove that all chemovars with > 0.5% myrcene qualify as an indica and all chemovars with < 0.5% myrcene qualify as sativa, without also comparing heirloom (or landrace) pure indica and pure sativa plants, which can be difficult to find and may not have been included in the samples tested.
Furthermore, there may not be good reason to separate common phenotypes using the concentration level of one terpene, as it can have shortcomings. For example, one of our favorite chemovars Blue Dream is classified as "sativa-dominant", but myrcene is its most abundant terpene. Harlequin is another sativa-dominant chemovar that's high in myrcene. As you can see, this method of classification may quickly fall apart in a world of "hybrids".
Blue Dream Terpene Profile via Leafly |
Harlequin Terpene Profile via Leafly |
Limonene, is the terpene abundantly found in citrus fruit. Plants develop limonene as a natural insecticide to ward off predators. It is a popular, natural ingredient in citrus cleaner, insecticide, and LaCriox soda. Studies show that CBD significantly increases anandamide levels in the body, which can be linked to feelings of well-being and happiness. Limonene can also promote a general uplift in mood. This coupling of compounds can provide for a powerful therapeutic agent for depression and other related conditions.
Linalool is the main fragrance molecule found in lavender, said to promote calming, relaxing effects. The use of lavender is already popular among herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners. Linalool-rich chemovars may function as good sleep aids and can be better for users with mild or high anxiety. Applying lavender topically can also sometimes help with skin inflammation. There are a variety of skin conditions that individuals can use cannabinoids (plus a combination of terpenes) to treat, but if you find yourself experiencing excessive inflammation or itchiness, a full spectrum phytocannabinoid product may be right for you.
Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to have affinity with the endocannabinoid system, meaning it interacts or binds with an endocannabinoid receptor (CB2). The CB2 receptor is involved in modulating inflammation--therefore, caryophyllene is useful in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams. It is also suggested that caryophyllene-rich chemovars may be useful in treating a arthritis and neuropathic pain. Caryophyllene is known for its spicy and peppery note. It can also be found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, basil, and rosemary.
Pinene is, well...piney. Similar to its name, pinene has a distinctive pine aroma. In ancient medicine, pine was used as bronchodilator, to improve respiratory functions, and is still used for this purpose today. Similarly, pagans in Europe used evergreen trees to "freshen up" their homes during winter solstice. Have you ever noticed its easier to breathe after cleaning a room with Pine-Sol? Pinene-rich chemovars may promote overall alertness and be better suited for users seeking focus and creativity.
While sativa and indica may be useful classifications for cultivators, these two categories alone are not sufficient to fully describe the chemistry of cannabis or the therapeutic effects of interest to most consumers. In fact, they are likely to create confusion in the marketplace, especially when people respond in different ways to the same product. Merely organizing chemovars by the main chemotypes is also not ideal for consumers because terpenes are not considered in this classification.
For a clearer understanding of the medicinal properties of cannabis, a better classification system beyond sativa and indica is required. It may make sense to classify cannabis according to cannabinoid and terpenoid levels for both medical and recreational purposes. After all, the ratios of cannabinoids and terpenoids present in cannabis flowers are a more meaningful profile of the plant’s genetic identity and chemical composition.
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