What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that produces over 100 naturally occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids. When consumed, these cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network of receptors involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, pain perception, and more. THC and CBD are the two most well-known cannabinoids, but the full picture is more complex.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis — the one responsible for the "high." It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, producing effects that can include euphoria, relaxation, altered time perception, increased appetite, and, at high doses, anxiety or paranoia. Potency is measured in % THC by weight for flower and concentrates, and in milligrams (mg) for edibles. Higher THC doesn't always mean a better experience — start lower and adjust from there.

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is non-intoxicating — it won't make you feel "high." It interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently than THC. Many consumers prefer products with a higher CBD:THC ratio for a more mild, manageable experience. High-CBD strains and products can be a good starting point for new consumers.

Other cannabinoids worth knowing

• CBG (Cannabigerol): Often called the "mother cannabinoid" — other cannabinoids derive from it. Non-intoxicating.
• CBN (Cannabinol): A mildly psychoactive compound formed as THC ages.
• THCV: Structurally similar to THC, but a distinct compound. Availability varies — ask a budtender.
• Delta-8 THC: A variant of THC, typically less potent than delta-9 THC. Note: In Minnesota, Delta-8 products are regulated under the OCM.

Terpenes: why cannabis smells and feels the way it does

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give each strain its smell and flavor — the same family of compounds that makes lavender smell like lavender and citrus peel smell like citrus. They are also the most practical way to choose: if you like how something smells, you will usually like it. We describe terpenes here by aroma and flavor, which is what is well established. Ask a budtender what is on the shelf and what it smells like.

The interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes is called the entourage effect — the idea that whole-plant cannabis creates a more nuanced effect than isolated compounds alone.

Indica, sativa, hybrid — and why it's complicated

You've probably heard: indica = relaxing body high, sativa = energizing head high, hybrid = both. This framing is widely used, but it's an oversimplification — and increasingly seen as outdated by cannabis scientists.

Here's why:

• Nearly all modern cannabis is genetically hybrid — pure landrace indicas and sativas are rare on the retail market.
• The plant's physical structure (indica = shorter/bushy, sativa = tall/thin) is a growing trait, not a reliable predictor of effect.
• Effect is better predicted by the cannabinoid and terpene profile of a specific cultivar (strain) than by its indica/sativa classification.

That said, the indica/sativa/hybrid labels aren't going away — they're still a useful shorthand for many consumers. Just treat them as a starting point rather than a guarantee. Ask our budtenders about specific terpene profiles if you want more precision.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS)

Your body naturally produces its own cannabinoids (called endocannabinoids) and has receptors throughout the brain and body to receive them. THC and CBD work because they resemble these natural compounds closely enough to interact with the same system. The ECS plays a role in regulating many physiological processes — which is why cannabis can affect such a wide range of sensations and states.