Koot Innovations

🔬 Cannabis Science

Breaking Down the Plant: From Molecules to Medicine

Cannabis is a powerful plant — not just culturally, but chemically. Every strain, scent, and effect stems from a unique combination of compounds that interact with the human endocannabinoid system. Whether you’re looking to manage pain, improve sleep, or explore recreational use, understanding the science behind cannabis helps you make smarter, safer choices.

🧠 What Makes Cannabis Work?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a regulatory network in the human body that controls things like mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune function. The ECS consists of receptors (CB1 and CB2) located throughout the brain and body, which respond to natural compounds called endocannabinoids — and also to cannabinoids found in cannabis.

When you consume cannabis, its active components (like THC or CBD) bind to or influence these receptors, creating effects that vary depending on the strain, dose, and individual biology.

🌿 Cannabinoids: The Core Compounds

There are over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Here are the most well-known:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

  • The primary psychoactive compound
  • Creates the “high” feeling — euphoria, altered perception, relaxation
  • Can help with pain relief, nausea, and appetite stimulation

CBD (Cannabidiol)

  • Non-psychoactive (does not produce a high)
  • Known for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and pain-relieving properties
  • Often used for anxiety, epilepsy, and chronic pain

CBN (Cannabinol)

  • A mildly psychoactive compound formed as THC ages
  • Often associated with sedation and better sleep

CBG (Cannabigerol)

  • Known as the “mother cannabinoid” — it’s a precursor to others
  • May help with mood balance, inflammation, and gut health

Different strains contain varying levels of these cannabinoids, which determines their potential effects.

🍊 Terpenes: The Aroma and Effects

Terpenes are the aromatic oils found in cannabis (and many other plants). They give each strain its distinct smell and flavor — from citrusy to earthy to spicy — and they also play a role in how cannabis makes you feel.

Common Cannabis Terpenes:

TerpeneAroma & FlavorEffectsFound InMyrceneEarthy, muskyRelaxing, sedativeMango, hopsLimoneneCitrusUplifting, anti-anxietyLemon peel, juniperPinenePineAlertness, memory supportPine needles, rosemaryLinaloolFloral, lavenderCalming, anti-anxietyLavender, mintCaryophylleneSpicy, pepperyAnti-inflammatory, pain reliefBlack pepper, cloves

The Entourage Effect: Terpenes and cannabinoids work together to enhance or moderate each other’s effects, making the whole plant more effective than isolated compounds.

🎭 Types of Highs: Mind vs. Body

The effects of cannabis aren’t one-size-fits-all. They depend on the strain’s chemical profile — especially the balance of THC, CBD, and terpenes.

Sativa-Dominant High

  • Energizing, cerebral, and uplifting
  • Best for: creative work, daytime use, social settings

Indica-Dominant High

  • Relaxing, heavy-bodied, sedative
  • Best for: evening use, pain relief, sleep support

Hybrid High

  • Balanced mix of effects (head + body)
  • Best for: versatile relief or mood balance

Pro tip: Strain names can be misleading. Always check lab-tested cannabinoid and terpene profiles when available.

đź’Š Methods of Use

There are multiple ways to consume cannabis, and each has its own onset time, duration, and bioavailability (how much your body absorbs).

Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping)

  • Onset: 1–5 minutes
  • Duration: 2–4 hours
  • Best for quick relief (e.g., pain, anxiety attacks)

Edibles (Gummies, Baked Goods)

  • Onset: 30–90 minutes
  • Duration: 4–8 hours
  • Great for long-lasting effects — but start low and go slow

Tinctures and Oils

  • Onset: 15–45 minutes
  • Duration: 4–6 hours
  • Ideal for sublingual use or adding to food

Topicals (Creams, Balms)

  • Onset: 10–30 minutes
  • Duration: Varies
  • Used directly on the skin for localized pain or inflammation

🔥 Cannabis for Pain Relief

Cannabis is widely used for managing various types of pain, including:

  • Chronic pain (arthritis, fibromyalgia)
  • Neuropathic pain (nerve damage, MS)
  • Menstrual cramps and migraines
  • Cancer-related pain and nausea

How it helps:

  • THC affects pain perception in the brain.
  • CBD reduces inflammation and calms pain signals.
  • Caryophyllene (a terpene) binds to pain receptors and may boost anti-inflammatory effects.

Patients often benefit most from THC–CBD balanced strains, where the psychoactive effects are tempered by CBD.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Consistent dosing and tracking your reactions can help you discover the best strain and method for your body.

🧠 Smart Cannabis Use: Tips for Beginners

  • Start low, go slow — especially with edibles
  • Understand the differences between body and mind highs
  • Choose strains based on terpene profile and cannabinoid balance, not name alone
  • Keep a use journal to track how different products affect you
  • Stay hydrated and don’t mix with alcohol if you’re new

đź“š References

  1. Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology.
  2. Baron, E. P. (2018). Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Marijuana, Cannabinoids, and Therapeutic Implications in Medicine and Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.
  3. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research.
  4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – NIH. (2021). The Endocannabinoid System: Essential and Mysterious.
  5. Project CBD. (2023). Project CBD | Everything you need to know about CBD
  6. Leafly Cannabis Terpene Guide. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes