Consumer Education

Knowledge is power

Welcome to Higher Grade’s cannabis education hub, where knowledge is key to a fulfilling experience. Understanding your purchase—from strain specifics to potential effects—is essential for safe consumption. Empower yourself with insights into different strains, consumption methods, and dosages to tailor your experience. Whether seeking relief or relaxation, informed decisions enhance enjoyment and minimize risks. Explore Higher Grade’s resources to elevate your cannabis journey responsibly.

INdica/sativa & Hybrid. What does it really mean?

The terms Indica and Sativa indicate the kind of plant, its growing style, its bud and leaf structure, and the location on the Earth where the plant originated from. In the modern cannabis industry, these terms are no longer indicators of flavors or effects.

Indica and Sativa are varieties of landrace strains, meaning they are varieties of cannabis that have developed over time in their natural environment without being crossed with other types. Indica plant varieties originate from Central Asia’s cool and dry mountainous regions, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Northern India, Tibet, and Nepal.

Indica plants are short and bushy with thick leaves and minimal space on the branches between the buds. The dried buds from Indica plants are tight, round, and dense.

Sativa varieties originated in the sunny and moist equatorial regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, North America, and South America. Sativa plants are tall with skinny leaves and plenty of space between the nodes.

The dried buds of Sativa plants are fluffy, loose, and elongated.
When a landrace Sativa variety cross-breeds with a landrace Indica variety, the result is a Hybrid strain.

Hybrid varieties can display characteristics of both Sativa and Indica, sometimes favoring one type over the other.
Over time, humans bred and manipulated landrace varieties to produce strains with the desired bud structure, flavor, aroma, environmental resilience, medicinal value, or psychoactive potency. These are known as heirloom strains. The majority of cannabis strains available today are hybridized varieties of landrace and heirloom strains bred together over time to produce flowers with desired characteristics.

A true Indica or Sativa strain is extremely rare today, and it is safe to assume that almost every strain today is a Hybrid.

Effects of THC

Changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior, psychoactive Antispasmatic, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating, antiemetic, sedative, anticancer, bronchodilator

potency

When we discuss the potency of our Higher Grade strains, we are referring to the Total THC percentage. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s 2019 Hemp Rules, a sample’s “Total THC” potency is calculated at a conversion rate of 87.7% THCA to THC.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are active compounds responsible for the colors, flavors, aromas, effects, and therapeutic value of cannabis. Phytochemicals are found all over the cannabis plant, with the highest concentration in the trichomes. Trichomes are the shiny, sticky, bulbous “crystals” that cover the flowers, upper leaves, and stems. Trichomes develop during the flowering cycle and appear clear until the plant matures, then they become dark and cloudy. These resin glands house a molecular mixture of hundreds of active phytochemicals, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These are the most well-known and well-studied of the many active phytochemicals. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) Most people know that consuming cannabis can produce a psychoactive or mindaltering effect and that THC is the culprit. THC is one of many compounds produced by cannabis, known as cannabinoids. Upon discovery in the ’60s, cannabinoids were first thought to be unique to the cannabis plant. However, over the last few decades, we have come to understand that humans and cannabinoids are intrinsically connected. We produce endocannabinoids internally that are part of a complex cell-signaling system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The purpose of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis within our bodies. We produce endocannabinoids, as needed, to keep our internal functions in balance. These endocannabinoids bind to receptors located all over the body as an ECS response to things like stress or pain. There are two main types of endocannabinoid receptors in the body where that endocannabinoids and cannabinoids bind. CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system, which includes nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and they affect memory, cognition, coordination, movement, appetite, emotion, energy, and immunity. CB2 receptors are located primarily in the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend to our muscles and organs, and affect our renal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, reproductive system, immune system, digestive system, connective tissue, bone, skin, and eyes. Cannabis plants produce over 100 different cannabinoids, also referred to as phytocannabinoids, that interact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors and other receptors to affect our internal balance. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the most known cannabinoids, followed by CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), and CBN(cannabinol).Cannabis plants do not directly produce these cannabinoids and instead synthesize the cannabinoid acid CBGA, the chemical precursor to THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. Specific enzymes inside the plant break down most CBGA and direct it toward one of the previously mentioned cannabinoid acid lines. The resulting cannabinoid acids, THCA, CBDA, and CBCA, and the leftover CBGA must be activated through a process known as decarboxylation to produce the sought-after cannabinoids THC, CBD, CBC, and CBG. Decarboxylation of cannabinoids happens naturally and partially over time through drying and curing, but more powerfully and direct with the application of heat, such as smoking, vaporizing, and baking. Alternatively, CBNA, the precursor to the very sedative cannabinoid CBN, is synthesized through the decomposition of THCA, which happens over time from exposing dried cannabis to the air. Similarly, CBNA must be decarboxylated to yield CBN.

THC

THC is the most active of all cannabinoids, and it’s the molecule responsible for the feeling of being

“high.” THC can activate CBI and CB2 endocannabinoid recepior

and other receptors in the body, making it very pharmacologically (medicinally) powerful. In addition, THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid, and by activating specific CB1 receptors in our central nervous system, it can affect temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior. Consumption of THC can be intoxicating, inducing feelings of euphoria and enhanced senses.

Studies of the use of isolated THC have shown it can offer relief from muscles spasms, convulsions, pain, and inflammation, with 20 times the antirinflammatory power of aspirin and double the power of hydrocortisone. Additionally, THC is a bronchodilator (opens the lungs) and a neuroprotective antioxidant (targets oxidative stress in the brain to protect neurons). THC can stimulate the appetite by binding to and activating CB1 receptors in the brain and gut dealing with hunger, satiety, and food palatability. THC can reduce nausea and vomiting by activating specific CB1 receptors in the brain and stomach. THC has the potential to be very sedative by activating CB1 receptors that deal with our cycadean rhythm. Studies of isolated THC show it is valuable in cancer treatment for its palliative, appetitestimulating, and antiemetic power and its antitumor activity.

While THC has a rich therapeutic value, it can cause unwanted side effects when consumed in significant amounts. For example, after smoking THC-rich cannabis or eating a potent edible, some people report feeling anxious and paranoid. THC is also known to cause short-term memory loss, as it temporarily reduces the activity of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the

Suppose we understand that every modern strain is essentially a hybrid variety. In that case, the conversation about cannabis must expand beyond Indica, Sativa, and the effects traditionally associated with these plant types. Instead, we must look deeper than a plant classification to understand why we are drawn to particular kinds of cannabis. For most people, a specific flavor, effect, or aesthetic draws them to different strains. Traditionally Indica strains have been connected with the heavy “stoned” feeling that smoking cannabis is widely known for. Indica consumers have reported feeling deep body relaxation and noticed relief from chronic pain, anxiety, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Sativa strains are traditionally associated with a cerebral energetic “high” that encourages creativity and productivity. In addition, Sativa consumption is associated with relief from migraines, depression, nausea, pain, and lack of appetite. We are not here to discredit these widely held experiences with cannabis but rather encourage a conversation beyond plant classifications and explore the phytochemically-rich nature of cannabis responsible for its flavors, effects, and reported medicinal value. *We are not medical professionals, and

CBD

CBD is the most commonly found phytocannabinoid in hemp varieties, with smaller amounts found in modern cannabis strains. CBD is a powerful cannabinoid; however it is not psychoactive or mind-altering like THC. CBD does not directly activate CB1 receptors like THC, and when consumed together, CBD can block CB1 receptors, reducing THC’s ability to stimulate them. As a result, CBD can help mitigate the adverse effects of too much THC, like memory loss, elevated heart rate, hunger, and anxiety. CBD is not directly active at our CB2 receptors either. Howeyer, by regulating the absorption of our endocannabinoids, CBD can slow down activity at. our CB2 receptors, decreasing inflammation and soothing the body. CBD also interacts with our opioid, serotonin, and dopamine receptors by regulating chemical uptake in the body.

Effects of CBD

Anti-nausea and vomiting, neuroprotective, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, acne-fighting, pain perception and pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, cancer-fighting.

cannabis plant up close
cannabinoids infographic

CBN

CBN is a very sedative cannabinoid that’s lightly active at CB1 receptors, making it mildly psychoactive, especially in the presence of THC. CBN is also active at CB2 receptors, which are primarily in the peripheral nervous system and affect our major organs and systems. Unlike other cannabinoids, CBN does not stem from the enzymatic breakdown of CBGA and should be understood as the oxidative byproduct of THC. You can make your cannabis flower CBN-rich by leaving it exposed to the air for a prolonged period of time.

Effects of CBN

Powerfully sedative, mildly psychoactive, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, promotes bone growth, hormone stimulation

CBG

CBG is present in low levels in most cannabis strains, as most of its chemical parent CBGA is directed toward synthesizing THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. Any leftover CBGA becomes CBG when it is decarboxylated by heat or over time through drying. CBG has weak activity with our CB1 receptors and is not psychoactive. Like other cannabinoids, CBG interacts with receptors in our ECS by regulating the absorption of endocannabinoids.

Effects of CBG

Anti-cancer, reduces eye pressure (treatment for glaucoma), antifungal, antibacterial, reduces contractions in bladder disorders, reduces oxidative stress.

cannabis strain up close
cannabis strain

CBC

It binds poorly to CB1 receptors in the brain and does not produce psychoactive effects. CBC interacts very well with the receptors in the body that handle pain perception. Like CBD, CBC slows down the absorption of endocannabinoids, allowing more to remain in the bloodstream.

Effects of CBC

Increased brain function, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and acne-fighting.

Terpenes

Terpenes play a significant role in the way we experience cannabis. The distinct and unique aromas of cannabis that we know and love come from aromatic oils secreted in the trichomes, called terpenes. Terpenes exist in many kinds of plants beyond cannabis and a few types of insects. In plants, terpenes have an important evolutionary function, as these aroma-heavy oils developed over time to ward off herbivores, attract predator insects that feed on a plant’s “enemies,” and attract pollinators.

Cannabis plants are known to produce well over 100 different terpenes in varying concentrations and combinations. The terpene content and concentration in a cannabis plant will vary depending on the location on the plant where it’s synthesized. Exposure to light, moisture, and temperature changes also affect terpene content and concentration during the growing cycle, harvesting, and processing methods. When you observe a strong aroma upon opening a jar of flower, it’s the terpenes rapidly escaping into the air. Terpenes dissipate very quickly and are the first molecules to vaporize when heat is applied to cannabis.

Terpenes are very pharmacologically active and interact with our lipids, cell membranes and membrane receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, second messenger systems, and enzymes. Upon consumption, terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through our fat cells, some even permeating the blood-brain barrier through inhalation. While there are over 100 terpenes produced in cannabis, only a few show up consistently in our terpene content test results. The predominant terpenes found in Higher Grade’s flower are Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene, and Bisabolol.

Pinene

Terpenes play a significant role in the way we experience cannabis. The distinct and unique aromas of cannabis that we know and love come from aromatic oils secreted in the trichomes, called terpenes. Terpenes exist in many kinds of plants beyond cannabis and a few types of insects. In plants, terpenes have an important evolutionary function, as these aroma-heavy oils developed over time to ward off herbivores, attract predator insects that feed on a plant’s “enemies,” and attract pollinators.

Cannabis plants are known to produce well over 100 different terpenes in varying concentrations and combinations. The terpene content and concentration in a cannabis plant will vary depending on the location on the plant where it’s synthesized. Exposure to light, moisture, and temperature changes also affect terpene content and concentration during the growing cycle, harvesting, and processing methods. When you observe a strong aroma upon opening a jar of flower, it’s the terpenes rapidly escaping into the air. Terpenes dissipate very quickly and are the first molecules to vaporize when heat is applied to cannabis.

Terpenes are very pharmacologically active and interact with our lipids, cell membranes and membrane receptors, ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, second messenger systems, and enzymes. Upon consumption, terpenes are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through our fat cells, some even permeating the blood-brain barrier through inhalation. While there are over 100 terpenes produced in cannabis, only a few show up consistently in our terpene content test results. The predominant terpenes found in Higher Grade’s flower are Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene, and Bisabolol.

Flavor: sweet, delicate, apple, citrus, spice
Feelings: soothing, calming, relaxing
Therapeutic Value: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, increased skin permeability, antiparasitic, kidney health

Myrcene

Myrcene is a terpene found in most modern cannabis strains, even if in small concentrations. It’s terpene responsible for the distinct “skunky” and earthy aroma that most people associate with cannabis. Myrcene also carries sweet, musky scents, like sour dairy and overripe fruit. High concentrations of Myrcene are in hops, a genetically similar cousin of cannabis that provides the bitter, earthy aroma in beer. Lemongrass, thyme, bay leaves, basil, and mangoes all have significant levels of Myrcene. Anecdotal accounts of eating mangoes before cannabis consumption claim it intensifies the high. The boost in psychoactive effect is most likely due to Myrcene’s ability to increase blood-brain barrier permeability, allowing for more rapid absorption of THC.

Therefore, when cannabis strains contain high levels of Myrcene, it will potentiate or enhance the psychoactive effects of THC.

Myrcene is a highly sedative or tranquilizing terpene, making it a helpful sleep aid. The “couch-lock” feeling traditionally associated with smoking Indica strains is now connected to the presence of high levels of Myrcene.

Studies of Myrcene show it can target inflammation and act as a muscle relaxer.

In addition, it acts as an antibiotic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. While most strains contain some amount of Myrcene, those with the highest concentrations tend to have Landrace Indica varieties in their lineage.

Flavor: earthy, skunky, musky, ripe fruit, lemongrass
Feelings: sedative, mildly psychoactive, increased high
Therapeutic Value: sleep aid, antibiotic, antioxidant, anticancer agent

Caryophyllene

Beta-Caryphyllene or Caryophyllene is naturally present in many herbs and spices like black pepper, basil, and oregano and provides spicy, warm, peppery aromas similar to cinnamon and cloves. Caryophyllene is the primary aromatic element of copaiba balsam, an essential oil traditionally used in South America as an oral and topical anti-inflammatory. Caryophy lene forms strong bonds at our CB2 receptors in our Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

It is the only terpene known to demonstrate this type of bonding relationship with endocannabinoid receptors, which is the mechanism behind Caryophyllene’s ability to relieve anxiety, depression, pain, and inflammation symptoms.

Bonding with our CB2 receptors also allows Caryophyllene to serve as a gastroprotective agent, protecting the mucus layer in the stomach without affecting stomach acid production. In addition, Caryophyllene can have a neuroprotective effect against nervous system disorders, such as alcoholism and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown Caryophyllene to be an antihistamine as well as an anti-malarial.

Caryophyllene can act as an anticancer agent by increasing the effective cancer-fighting medicines, inhibiting the proliferation of cancerous cells, and encouraging cancer cell death. Because of its powerful and direct activity with our ECS, Caryophy lene is a very medicinal terpene with great therapeutic value.

Flavor: spicy, peppery, warming, cinnamon, clove
Feelings: soothing to the mind and body
Therapeutic Value: Direct activity with ECS, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, gastric relief, neuroprotectant, antihistamine, anti-malarial, anticancer agent

Limonene

Limonene is the terpene responsible for the intense citrus elements in the aroma of many cannabis strains. Limonene exists in the rinds of lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, and juniper, and mint. Limonene is highly bio-available, meaning easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of its bioavailability, Limonene rapidly stimulates the olfactory system and has direct cellular action. Many citrusy essential oils are known to lift the mood upon inhalation, which contain Limonene as their primary element. Studies show Limonene can relieve stress and depression and reduce OCD-related behaviors via oral ingestion and inhalation.

The presence of Limonene has a direct effect on serotonin and dopamine levels in the body, which may account for its powerful impact on mood levels.

Limonene has robust free-radical scavenging properties and is considered an antioxidant. It has a neutralizing gastric-acid effect, supports normal digestive function, and treats heartburn and acid reflux. Its anticancer properties are observed in multiple scenarios.

Limonene can block the carcinogenesis induced by the tar created from smoking cannabis. Other studies demonstrate Limonene can cause apoptosis or cell death of breast cancer cells. Studies of Limonene show it can offer protection from different types of cancer like lung, liver, colon, pancreas, and skin. Limonene is widely known to be antifungal and antibacterial, explaining why citrus-rich essential oils are common in cleaning products.

Flavor: zesty citrus, fresh, diesel fuel, juniper
Feelings: mood uplifting, energizing, depression relief
Therapeutic Value: highly bio-available, stress relief, antidepressant, antioxidant, digestive aid relieve heartburn, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal

Linalool

Linalool is a floral terpene found naturally in flowers like lavender and rose and herbs like basil and coriander. It is the main component of lavender essential oil, used as a calming agent in aromatherapy and a healing agent in wound treatment. In lab tests of over 40 different terpenes, Linalool proved to be the most sedative upon inhalation, also providing relief from ailments like stress, anxiety, and depression when inhaled.

Anecdotal accounts claim diffusing lavender oil into the air while smoking cannabis can increase the calming and soothing effects of the herb. Linalool is active against pain by targeting inflammation, desensitizing pain perception, and acting as a local anesthetic. In addition, Linalool can reduce seizures and convulsions by calming the nervous system.

Linalool is a neuroprotective antioxidant. It can protect neurons, preserve mitochondrial function, and regulate the toxicity that leads to neurogenerative disorders like MS, Alzheimer’s, OCD, and depression.

Linalool is useful for topical wound treatment because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to discourage scar tissue formation. In terms of its anticancer activity, Linalool can positively fight against colon cancer, Leukemia, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer.

Flavor: floral, spicy, wood, French lavender, bergamot oil, light citrus, sweet, tropical
Feelings: sedative, soothing, calming
Therapeutic Value: relief from stress, anxiety relief, antidepressant, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, reduction of seizures and convulsions, topical wound treatment, anticancer

Humulene

Humulene is a close chemical cousin of Caryophyllene, differing in molecular structure. It is the characteristic terpene in hops and is also naturally found in sage, balsam fir trees, coriander, ginseng, and ginger. In cannabis, Humulene often takes a backseat to the aromas of other terpenes, offering a more subtle earthy, herbal, gingery, and floral scent. Our third-party terpene testing shows, if a strain has significant levels of Humulene, it almost always has high levels of Caryophy lene. Even though they are chemically related, Humulene does not have activity at our CB2 receptors like Caryophy lene.

Despite the lack of CB2 activity, Humulene targets inflammation both topically and internally. Additionally, Humulene can reduce inflammation and swelling characteristic of histamine (allergic) reaction. As a pain reliever, Humulene is active orally, topically, and via inhalation. Its cancer-fighting power lies in Humulene’s ability to aid in the damage and death of cancer cells. Significant evidence suggests that the presence of Caryophyllene potentiates Humulene’s anticancer effects.

Many anecdotal accounts of Humulene acting as an anorectic or appetite suppressing agent suggest it can aid weight loss. The loss in hunger probably has a connection to the terpene’s ability to lower blood sugar levels. There is a need for more research concerning Humulene and its effect on appetite.

Humulene is anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal when applied topically.

Additionally, it is a natural insecticide, with studies showing it to be toxic to the eggs of several known Malaria carrying mosquitos.

Flavor: herbal, earthy, floral, ginger
Feelings: soothing to the body, loss in appetite
Therapeutic Value: pain relief, anti-inflammatory, weight loss aid, antihistamine, anticancer, topical antibacterial and antifungal, insecticide

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is a floral forward terpene with an aroma like chamomile, its most closely connected plant. Its scent is delicate and sweet, with hints of citrus, spice, and apple. Additionally, much like chamomile, Bisabolol can relieve and soothe anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

For years Bisabolol has been used in the cosmetic industry for its skin healing properties. It is beneficial in topicals, as it helps other solutions penetrate the skin, making the topical product more effective.

Applied topically, Bisabolol has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When taken orally, it can act as an antiparasitic and actively aid in healthy kidney function. Bisabolol is present in small amounts in most of our strains but is very pronounced in our Papaya Punch.

Flavor: sweet, delicate, apple, citrus, spice
Feelings: soothing, calming, relaxing
Therapeutic Value: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, antidepressant, increased skin permeability, antiparasitic, kidney health

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