Higher Knowledge

Learn About Cannabis:

How does Cannabis work in our bodies?

Let’s try to keep this super simple over here. We all have an endocannabinoid system that interacts with cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) in our bodies. Some of these cannabinoids are naturally occurring, while others are brought into our body through the consumption of cannabis. There has been a lot of research done over the years regarding the impacts of cannabis on the system, and so far it looks like it can have an effect on inflammation, sleep, pain, memory, digestion, and immune functions. With more research we’re pretty sure we’ll be finding out more and more!

What is all the THC, CBD and ABCDEF stuff?

Well there’s no ABCDEF, but we are now hearing a lot more about the 2 main phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD. THC is likely the first one you’ve heard about, and it stands for a tetrahydrocannabinol (try saying that 10 times fast). This little guy will give you that trademark “high” feeling associated with cannabis use. It is found in varying levels in cannabis, and will have different effects for everyone. The other phytocannabinoid you’ve likely heard about is CBD, also known as cannabidiol (a little easier to pronounce). CBD does NOT get you high, and it can actually work to ease the potential anxiety that accompanies THC for some people. Cannabis has a balance of both chemicals, and the ratio can often help us predict the potential effects of the strain you pick!

So I have some cannabis, how do I get the CBD and THC out of it?

DECARBOXYLATION! It’s a fancy term used for heating it up. Cannabis needs to be heated through burning, vaporizing, or cooking in order for us to get those lovely phytocannabinoids out of it.

Terpenes….that’s a fun word to say…terpene….

Terpenes are becoming more and more common in cannabis discussions. They’re essential oils that are found in almost all plants, but have gained some popularity with cannabis. Terpenes are responsible for the variety of different smells and flavours we find in different strains, and they may actually influence the effects we feel from using cannabis. There are a TON of different terpenes, and each person interprets terpenes differently, but the main ones we find in cannabis are as follows: Linalool: Very floral, also found in lavender! Myrcene: Has an herbal aroma, and seems to be the most common one! It is also found in wild thyme, hops, and bay leaves. Pinene: It has that fresh pine aroma to it, and can also be found in rosemary and other herbs. Humulene: Has that “hoppy” aroma to it that we’ve all come to know and love from our beer drinking days. Caryophyllene: Kind of peppery in smell and taste, also found in cloves, rosemary and hops. Limonene: Found in those citrusy-smelling and tasting varieties. It is found in high concentrations in the oils found in oranges. Ocimene: Minty and refreshing. Terpinolene: This one is more on the fruity side, and can also be found in apples, lilacs & nutmeg! Nerolidol: It has a floral, woody aroma to it, and can also be found in citrus peels, jasmine and lemongrass. Terpene profiles vary between cultivators because they are related to the cultivation process. This means that if you get the same strain from 2 different companies, the flavour and aroma profile may be different.

Soooooo…Where do I start?

We recommend starting with a product that is low in THC so you can scope out the effects you feel before jumping in with both feet. It’s also a good idea to try for a balanced THC to CBD ratio, since the CBD can help offset some of the “high” effects of the THC.

What is all this nonsense about sativas and indicas?

Technically there are 3 different species of the cannabis plant, but for our purposes we’re only going to talk about 2 of them, indicas and sativas. While there is still no scientific evidence distinguishing them, aside from the shape and size of the plants, we commonly use these words to describe the typical effects associated with them. Indicas can often give a more relaxing and calming effect, while sativas can be more uplifting and energetic. There are now hybrids out there as well, which are a combination of sativa and indica, and have varying degrees of both types of effects depending on which is the dominant strain. It all seems so complicated, but a great way to remember it is by reminding yourself that indica = In Da Couch!

Where did my cannabis come from?

So far we THINK cannabis originated in Central Asia, and was spread all over the world by humans. That means that besides the ones found in Central Asia, all of the landrace strains we find were selectively cultivated by us and simply adapted to their environment. All of the cannabis strains we see now were crossbred from these landrace strains. Cannabis has been around for a very VERY long time, so most of the strains we see have been bred over and over again, making it nearly impossible to trace them back to their mother strands. The best way to get to know your cannabis strains is through personal experience, and the experiences of others.

How do I get the THC into my body?

There are MANY different forms of cannabis products. At the moment, we are selling flower, liquid drops, and capsules. Dried flower is likely what most of us are used to seeing. It’s that dried up green stuff we’ve historically rolled into a joint, thrown in a bong, or let’s be honest into a pop can with tin foil when we have no other option. These days there’s a new way to get your THC out of the dried flower, through a dry herb vape. We’ve got a selection of those guys in the shop that we’d be more than happy to talk to you about, or stop by your local head shop for some more advice! When it comes to liquid drops and capsules, it’s a little more foreign to most. Basically, the cannabis is processed into a concentrated form, then turned into a THC or CBD (or both) infused oil. The oil can then be purchased as a liquid or in capsule form. Why use it when you can get that beautiful green ganja instead? Some people find it a little easier to control dosage with the drops and capsules, and know they’re going to get a very similar result each time. Others are just trying to get those cannabinoids (remember them from earlier?) into their system in the most efficient way. Oils are more concentrated so you’ll end up using less actual product. Right now you’ve got 2 options for using the oils, you can buy tinctures or capsules. Tinctures are in liquid form and can be dropped under your tongue. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to kick in. Capsules are exactly what they sound like….they’re capsules. You just take the desired amount and away you go for the day.

How do I know how much cannabis to take in?

START SLOW! It’s always best to start at a low dose and increase from there to get the effects you want. This will also keep you from getting overwhelmed the first time. It’s important not to over do it …it could end up ruining your cannabis experience!

What Cannabis Brands Do You Offer?

Canna Farms

Canna Farms was the first LP in British Columbia in 2013 , and since then our dedicated and talented team has been working hard to provide the market with exceptional cannabis products. We pride ourselves in offering a large selection of premium award winning strains, grown in small controlled grow rooms, and hand-trimmed flowers with varying levels of THC and CBD. Our team has decades of combined experience in cannabis cultivation, scientific research, customer service, and building design. Inspired by the stunning mountainous scenery that surrounds our facility, we grow our plants organically, using glacial-fed groundwater, without any pesticides or foliar sprays.

Vertical

Vertical is the recreational cannabis brand powered by AgMedica Bioscience Inc., located in Chatham, Ontario. From the beginning, the commitment to producing superior and distinguished products has been the focus in every step of Vertical’s cultivation process. Using best-in-class technology in a large indoor pharma-grade production facility, Vertical’s team of experts implement highly efficient standards and techniques. Attention to detail and quality standards ensure Vertical delivers consistent and exceptional cannabis products. At Vertical, we see ourselves as the “Go-To”. Being the go-to is about being steady and trusted. It’s about providing a tried-and-true product that is undeniably reliable. We want you to know that when it comes to experiencing cannabis alone or with others, Vertical delivers the confidence that you’re getting and sharing the best. We know that in order to provide you with the best, we need to be our best. That’s why we hold ourselves, and our products to a higher standard. Our innovative growing approach plays a large role in creating our trustworthy cannabis products. Vertical tiers line our grow rooms allowing us to closely monitor and thoroughly tend to each of our plants. Once the pistils of our flowers are browned, it’s time to harvest. The Vertical team carries out a flawless plan that involves hand-picking and hang-drying every plant, giving way to our extended curing phase that assures our bud holds the properties it is famous for. The Vertical Collection offers several premium cannabis strains presented in a variety of products including dried flower, pre-rolls, oil drops and softgels. Cold Creek Kush, Riverview Ride, Kent County Kush and Shishkaberry are the most popular strains of the Vertical Collection. Each possesses its own distinct cannabinoid and terpene profile, ensuring a wide range of items for the recreational market.

Tanatalus Labs

Tantalus Labs produces high-quality cannabis products using Sungrown cultivation methods. We are a team of scientists, designers, and engineers committed to producing the very best.

To cultivate cannabis in a groundbreaking way, Tantalus Labs spent 4 years designing and constructing a unique cannabis specific greenhouse near Vancouver, BC.

We call it SunLab.

SunLab does not exist to recreate nature, it’s role is to nudge our coastal BC climate into the ideal environment for cannabis to thrive. Temperature, humidity, and air flow, are all monitored and constantly adjusted. British Columbia abundant with natural resources, and we sustainably harness those pure inputs to fuel Tantalus Lab cannabis. IT’S GREEN THAT’S ACTUALLY GREEN.

Tweed

Tweed believes in being a force for good in the world, championing people & communities while providing them the green light to make things better. Our first example of this was setting up shop in the abandoned Hershey’s factory to help revitalize the town of Smiths Falls, Ontario. Since 2014, we’ve been producing high-quality cannabis products for tens of thousands of Canadians. We’ve grown, we’ve learned a lot, and we’ve fine-tuned things along the way. But with legalization and the opening of the recreational market, it feels like this is just the beginning.

Pure Sunfarms

Pure Sunfarms grows high-quality BC cannabis in the heart of the Fraser Valley where we’ve been growing produce for more than 25 years. Our cannabis is grown in our high-tech greenhouse with an uncompromising approach to quality by a diverse team with a combined 175 years in cultivation experience.

First and foremost, we love plants. All plants. Especially cannabis. Our mother plants are handpicked from hundreds of possible selections, chosen for flavour, potency, and their ability to thrive under our modern growing approach – one defined by our surroundings, and the science of sophisticated greenhouse growing.

Our unique and diverse agricultural pedigree with not just cannabis, but other crops like tomatoes and peppers, lets us look at cannabis from a different perspective; respectful of the story of BC bud and excited to write new chapters. At Pure Sunfarms, putting plants and people first is at the heart of what we do every day.