When I discovered terpenes in 2013 via Jessica Catalano, author of the Ganja Kitchen Revolution, there was little to no information on them in relationship to cannabis. I found a small article by Kyle Kushman in High Times and one on Leafly, but the information was minimal. I was fascinated by them and started studying essential oil companies to develop my understandings. From there, I created the concept of pairing terpene profiles of cannabis with flavor profiles of food to harmonize and enhance the flavors through smoking. By connecting to the aromas, you could identify your high before you consumed it, to make sure you would enhance an experience and not take away from it. Taking the guesswork out of your consumption — I have since developed this into the Lens Framework, which you learn more about as time goes on.

What follows is opinion — mine — built on a foundation of essential oil research and put into practice. Cannabis was locked in Schedule I for more than fifty years, a legacy of Nixon’s war on drugs, and that classification made serious research almost impossible to conduct. So when someone says the science isn’t there, they’re right — and it’s worth knowing why it isn’t. What’s left is experience, and that’s what I’m offering you here.

I have put these theories into practice with over 5,000 people over 12 years and have found a lot of legitimate responses. Now, let’s get into it.

Unique Layers of Aroma

As we mentioned, there are over 100 terpenes that exist in cannabis, with a core 16 that exist in most cultivars. Typically, there will just be a couple of terpenes in each cultivar and not the full array of the 16. In this article, we will take you through the profiles of what I call the 6 primary terpenes, which I believe to be the most prevalent of those 16. As breeding continues to be refined, this may change.

The primary terpenes are Myrcene, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-Pinene, Beta-Pinene, and Beta-Caryophyllene. As we get deeper into the article, we break each one of these down, with the goal of you being able to identify them and associate a feeling to them. By doing this, you can understand the cannabis you consume and the feeling it will give you based on its terpene and cannabinoid profiles — which can either enhance an experience, act neutral, or take away from it.

The different amounts of multiple terpenes in each cannabis cultivar give the unique layers of smells. If you can break down the smell into parts and associate it to the individual terpene, you will know how to identify the particular feeling of that terpene. Then, based upon it being the dominant, secondary, or tertiary smell, you will understand if that’s the “leading effect” or not. From there, you can synthesize all of the effects into an overall sense of how a cultivar will make you feel. The type of high! From there, you can use the lens of that toward your pursuits. Cannabinoids play a role here too, which I’ll layer I will teach about in a future Substack article — but what I’m teaching you now, based upon anecdotal evidence, works.

These are the beginning understandings and techniques to what we like to call the Lens Framework, or Consumption Informed.

Terpenes should give you this type of feeling, but we all relate to them differently. Think of this as a target of how it should make you feel, and your range around it could be different from others. Below is a very basic chart around cannabis in general that I teach during my THC ServePro Beverage Certifications. This is not about terpenes specifically, but you can get a good idea from the coffee example at the top of the chart. I will dive deeper into this understanding in a few articles from now. Please type any questions in the comments.

Primary Terpenes

1. Myrcene: the most common terpene found in cannabis.

   Aroma: Musky, Earthy, Herbal, Moss, Dirty
   Effect: Soporific, sleep-promoting, sedative
   Found in: Hops and Thyme
   Burn Temp: 334°F
   Notes: Lowers the resistance across the blood brain barrier which allows the THC to feel stronger in the person. Myrcene affects the permeability of the cell membranes, thus it allows more THC to reach brain cells and increase the absorption of other terpenes. It also synergizes the antibiotic potential of other terpenes.

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2. d-Limonene: is a very invigorating and common monoterpene

   Aroma: Bright Citrus Smells
   Effect: Mind Energizer, Invigorating, Alertness
   Found in: Orange, Lemon Rind and Grapefruit
   Burn Temp: 349°F
   Notes: Found in Bergamot, grapefruit and wild orange essential oils. Can be associated with anxiousness for some people because of the racy energy it gives the mind.

3. Linalool: is a very common terpene known for its calming but not sedative effects.

   Aroma: Lavender, Candied Floral
   Effect: Serene, rest-inducing, tranquilizing or relaxing, slightly placid and Revitalizing-refreshing … relaxes mind and feels like your body can take a deep breath
   Found in: Lavender and Clary Sage
   Burn Temp: 388°F
   Notes: Linalool is used as one of the most common essential oils which is lavender that people use to calm tension and for anti-anxiety.

4. Alpha-Pinene: Alpha-Pinene is almost identical to Beta-Pinene which you’ll see as the next terpene but not find any differences between the two.

   Aroma: Pine
   Effect: Clarity, Awareness, Memory Retention
   Found in: Pine needles
   Burn Temp: 311°F
   Notes: Found in essential oils of Douglas Fir, Cypress and Frankincense, this terpene is great for studious work.

5. Beta-Pinene: Beta-Pinene is identical to Alpha-Pinene and you will find the same note here

   Aroma: Pine
   Effect: Clarity, Awareness, Memory Retention
   Found in: Pine needles
   Burn Temp: 311°F
   Notes: Found in essential oils of Douglas Fir, Cypress and Frankincense, this terpene is great for studious work.

6. Beta-Caryophyllene: Found in cloves and black pepper, clove oil, Ylang Ylang oil…. Lifts mood while having a calming effect

   Aroma: Spicy, Pepper, Clove, Woody with sub-notes of leather
   Effect: refreshing to the mind while having a calming effect on the body
   Found in: Black Pepper, Cloves
   Burn Temp: 266°F
   Notes: Found in Ylang Ylang oil which lessens tension and stress while giving you a positive outlook. Beta-Caryophyllene may be neuroprotective and have cardiovascular and immune benefits. Skin and beauty products use a lot of caryophyllene.

Here’s your practice for this week: next time you’re at a dispensary, see if you can identify these aromas if your local dispensary is not offering pre-packaged cannabis. If it is pre-packaged, try to look for testing that has these terpenes in it. Open it up, let the cannabis breathe because pre-packed can mess with the aromas (also, please do this with your own homegrown:) and see if you can identify these smells, these terpenes. From there, associate the smells to feelings.

Thank you for investing your time to shape your relationship with cannabis — a powerful teacher, if we open ourselves to the plant.

You don't need any of this to enjoy cannabis. Part 2 gave you enough to walk into a dispensary with more confidence in choosing your flower. But if you're the kind of person who wants to know what's actually happening — in the plant, in nature, in your body — this is the layer underneath.

The way a plant uses aroma to speak is fascinating: it sends its lightest (meaning most volatile) messages first — the bright, high notes that reach you before anything else — and holds its deeper more grounding ones back for those who are close.

More plainly: Terpenes come in different sizes. The smaller and lighter a terpene molecule is, the more easily it evaporates — so it lifts off the flower and reaches your nose faster. Bigger, heavier terpenes evaporate more slowly, so they show up later and linger underneath. That’s the whole reason the citrus hits you the second you open the jar and the deep peppery note sits below it.

Size determines how easily a terpene evaporates. How easily it evaporates determines when you smell it — and, later on, how quickly it burns off when heat hits it.

The Families of Terpenes

Terpenes are classified by size into subgroups — monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes — based on their molecular building blocks. When oxygen-containing functional groups attach to a terpene, it becomes a terpenoid. The functional group present (alcohol, ketone, ester, ether) shapes the aroma and character: alcohols trend floral, ketones trend sharp/minty, esters trend fruity. All are volatile — they evaporate and burn off at lower temperatures, which is why heat matters.

A few terms worth having:

Functional group — a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a particular compound.

Terpenoid — a terpene that’s been chemically modified with an oxygen-containing group.

Volatile — evaporates easily at low temperatures.

Monoterpenes — the smallest and most volatile terpene class, meaning they evaporate fastest and hit the nose first. Most abundant terpene type in cannabis — limonene, myrcene, and pinene are all monoterpenes.

Sesquiterpenes — larger and less volatile than monoterpenes, so they burn off more slowly and tend to carry deeper, earthier notes. Caryophyllene and humulene are common cannabis examples.

Diterpenes — even larger and heavier; less involved in aroma and more structural/functional in the plant (found in things like plant resins and pigments). Less prominent in cannabis flavor and aroma discussions than mono- and sesquiterpenes.

Ketones — terpenoids with a carbonyl group (C=O) within the carbon chain. Tend toward sharp, minty, or camphorous notes — menthone is a classic example.

Esters — terpenoids formed from an acid and alcohol reaction. Typically responsible for sweet, fruity aromas.

Alcohols — terpenoids with an -OH group attached. Tend toward softer, floral or herbal notes — linalool is the classic cannabis example.

Heat and What Reaches You

The heat arrives before the flame does — even holding a lighter above the bowl and the lightest terpenes start to go. Some of them burn off before they ever reach you, so what you taste in the smoke is a reduced version of what you smelled in the jar. The lower the temperature, the more of them make it to you. But…

Combustion is the traditional method and it works. People have been in relationship with this plant through smoke for thousands of years, and the entourage effect they experienced was real. You do lose some of the terpenes to the flame — but combustion gives you a fuller, faster extraction in a single pass. A flame pulls everything off the material at once, cannabinoids and terpenes together, immediately. The ritual itself carries value that a temperature chart doesn't measure.

What Terpenes Do for the Plant

Terpenes assist the plant in acting as a medicine to fight disease and other deficiencies. They act as the plant’s chemical defense system, mainly in three ways:

Repelling herbivores and pests — many terpenes taste bitter or smell repugnant to insects and grazing animals, deterring them from eating the plant.

Antimicrobial and antifungal action — terpenes can disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and fungi, helping the plant resist pathogens that cause rot, mold, and infection.

Attracting beneficial allies — some terpenes lure in predator insects (like parasitic wasps) that attack the pests trying to eat the plant, or attract pollinators — an indirect defense strategy.

The main mechanism is physical disruption of cell membranes. Terpenes are lipophilic (fat-loving), meaning they’re drawn to and can dissolve into the fatty membranes of bacterial and fungal cells. Once embedded, they:

Disrupt membrane integrity — inserting into the lipid bilayer makes the membrane leaky and unstable.

Cause cell contents to leak out — ions, proteins, and other essential material escape through the compromised membrane.

Interfere with cell respiration and enzyme function — some terpenes also disrupt the proteins embedded in the membrane that the microbe needs to function.

Net effect: the bacterial or fungal cell loses structural integrity and can’t maintain the internal environment it needs to survive — so it dies or can’t replicate. It’s a physical, structural attack rather than a targeted biochemical one, which is part of why terpenes are effective against a broad range of microbes rather than just one specific pathogen.

Here is a Practice You Can Do

If you feel called, stop and smell some flowers, think about terpenes and how they work in the natural world. What comes up for you? Please share in comments below.

Thank you for investing your time to shape your relationship with cannabis — a powerful teacher, if we open ourselves to the plant.

What are Terpenes from a Scientific Lens

Terpenes are Organic Compounds or Hydrocarbons which exist in cannabis, as well as all plants, trees, fruits and vegetables producing the aromas plants emit as well as helping fight internal disease and infections. When consumed by humans in cannabis, it gives us the type of mood benefit we get when high. As discussed earlier, THC gives you the euphoric effect while terpenes give you the type of feeling you feel while working synergistically with THC and other cannabinoids. Terpenes without the entourage of other compounds will hit you differently. Terpenes are what make you feel sedative, stimulated, creative, meditative, relaxed, balanced, energized and much more.

Now, this is where my work as a CashoM (a Professional Steward and Server of Cannabis) and becoming a cannabis connoisseur becomes good because it’s allowed me to explore concepts that have turned into the Lens Framework. If you can identify the terpenes by using your sense of smell or read testing outcomes you can actually identify your high before you even consume to ensure you consume something that will enhance an experience and not take away from it. You can do this through your senses and don’t need any labels or professionals trying to tell you how it’s going to make you feel but you can rely on them too if you don’t want to put your time towards this.

The Chemistry, Briefly

An Organic Compound is: We mention that terpenes are organic compounds above and an organic compound is a carbon molecule that’s bound to hydrogen and sometimes other atoms are linked to it such as oxygen or nitrogen. While a Hydrocarbon is strictly Carbon and Hydrogen. So Terpenes are a Hydrocarbon which is an Organic Compound.

How many Terpenes Exist in Cannabis

How many terpenes exist in cannabis: It’s known that over 200 types of Terpenes exist in Cannabis with each cultivar having multiple types of terpenes existing in it at different levels of each which is why you get so many unique smells with cannabis because you are smelling the layers of terpenes or different aromas.

Reading a Terpene Profile: Dominant vs. Non-dominant

To dive deeper into the different levels of Terpenes: there are different levels of different types of Terpenes in each strain. Meaning there can be XX amount of 1 terpene, XX amount of another and XX amount of many other kinds of terpenes giving it a unique profile. Typically there are anywhere from 1-4 dominant terpenes in a cultivar, meaning these terpenes will have a higher percentage and then there will be a few secondary terpenes that have lower percentages which we will refer to as non-dominant terpenes. Typically, we will not be able to pick up the feelings of the non-dominant terpenes but will pick up the feelings the dominant terpenes give you… A laboratory terpene test could come back a high amount of terpene makeup such as 1.5% Limonene, 0.8% Linalool, .5% Terpinolene 0.1% Alpha Pinene, 0.1% Myrcene making the Limonene, Linalool, Terpinolene the dominant terpenes and the Alpha Pinene and Myrcene the non-dominant terpenes. Now, you won’t always need the test results as you will train your nose to pick up these smells and the olfactory will associate the smell to the memory of how it will make you feel... Now the earlier laboratory terpene test example we just gave you adds up to 3% of Terpenes measuring out to 30 milligrams in 1 gram of cannabis. A common strain could easily have 24% of THC and 2% CBD and opposite of that in a CBD dominant strain that is growing in popularity. This gives you an understanding that a strain with 24% THC and 3% Terpenes will have you feel the euphoric effect of the THC more than the mood benefits of the Terpenes which THC outweighing terpenes is almost always the case. So you will always feel the THC more with the more you consume with the subtle beauty of the terpenes directing the way.

Why this Matters for Humans

The many layers and combinations of terpenes demonstrate the major array of mood benefits it gives humans when consumed as well as the wide medical benefits. As humans we all have different archetypes or makeups that make us all individuals from one another. The construction of cannabis to fit so many needs is because as humans we have so many archetypes and needs that have to be fulfilled whether it’s with cannabis or other plant medicines. This further demonstrates the important role cannabis has and the terpene profiles have to humans. Cannabis’ unique compounds can fit different lifestyles or human archetypes in so many ways. It has an appeal to a lot of our individual needs and can make us better when used appropriately.

Terpenes at the Table

The layer of smells produced by multiple types of terpenes is also very fun to play with in the culinary arts and cannabis pairings, an art form we’ll go deeper into in future volumes. A cannabis pairing — a protocol I theorized and developed in the early days of my company, Cultivating Spirits — pairs the terpene profiles of cannabis with the flavor profiles of food, harmonizing and enhancing taste through smoking. The layers of flavors in which you can incorporate into the food to match the layers of aromas or terpenes in cannabis is not only fun but a good way to train your nose. Terpenes are also in food, adding flavor — for example Thai cuisine utilizes terpene-rich herbs like lemongrass, basil, and pepper.

Here is a Practice You Can Do

You don't need to name the terpenes yet. Just smell your cannabis, notice what the aromas remind you of — citrus, pepper, pine, something sweet — and build a dish around them for dinner. Center yourself for a moment, take a puff, and enjoy what you made. That's a pairing. You did it before you learned the theory, the same way your ancestors did

Thank you for investing your time to shape your relationship with cannabis — a powerful teacher, if we open ourselves to the plant.

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A Hidden Language

Nature seems to have an energy in this world to connect humans, plants and animals to benefit each other in the balance of life. These connections allow the world to work in a synchronicity for full balance.

Terpenes are a compound that exists in all plants, fruits, vegetables and trees where they produce the aromas of the plants. When you smell a flower, you smell its terpenes. In the natural world flowers use the aromas (terpenes) produced to attract pollinators (pollinating insects) through chemical signaling and deter predators. They also help fight disease in the plant.

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A Plant’s Lifetime, Told Through a Potion

Different terpenes evolve throughout a plant’s life cycle, depending on the plant’s needs to help attract or deter. When a plant is young it needs to deter predators by giving off an unpleasant smell, which allows plants to protect themselves in their growing stages. Then, once fully blossomed, they attract — spreading their love, their gifts to the world, by producing beautiful smells that let everyone know they are ready to be harvested or time to spread its pollen.

If you think about nature, we are born, we grow strong and then we produce offspring to keep the species alive before dying. When we die, we want our gifts left to the world. Terpenes act as an aromatic potion to make sure plants can achieve this. The plant’s pollen going to other plants producing seeds that grow into food for other life forms is a demonstration of the reciprocity this earth was built on. This is an honorable lifespan in nature’s eyes. Beautiful!

How we Found Cannabis

The potent elegant smell of cannabis is what originally attracted humans to it. In our primal states we would rely on our senses. Like insects, humans were attracted to cannabis through smell its chemical signaling, knowing it was good for us because our senses told us so. When something smells so good we had to experiment with it. Through the nose, our ancestors relied on the ability to identify what was good for them and what was not as the intelligence of nature intended it to be. We knew the beautiful smell cannabis produced meant it was a good medicine for our body. This is why cannabis should be recognized by all as an important plant for our bodies, mind and soul because of the attractive smells of the terpenes which is nature’s language of saying, this is a gift for you, use it to help yourself. Which may speak to how out of balance with nature our regulatory bodies are.

The Plant’s Essential Oils

Terpenes are the essential oils of the plant which can provide therapy, and health benefits like essential oils you use for aromatherapy. Terpenes are the main component of essential oils you buy at the apothecary or grocery store. People buy these oils to receive an effect, shaping their mood through their use, for instance, to calm themselves. People distill terpenes from different plants and combine them with other terpenes to create blends for specific uses. Companies also add terpenes to products like perfumes and cleaners demonstrating a wide arrangement of purpose these compounds gift the earth. Cannabis naturally has unique levels or “blends” for each cultivar (strain) and phenotype. Instead of smelling or using terpenes through essential oils as a topical you are consuming terpenes in cannabis through smoking primarily (with edibles, concentrates or beverages - much of the time the terpenes are cooked out and you’re only consuming THC), which gets into your bloodstream alongside THC. This combination of cannabinoids and terpenes amplify through what is called the entourage effect delivering the effects of moods of the terpenes in a stronger and faster application.

Knowing Your High Before You Consume

By being able to identify the smells of cannabis, you can identify the terpenes and apply that knowing to the type of effect that terpenes will have which can identify the type of mood or high you’ll be in before you even smoke it. This is part of the formula of the Lens Framework we’ll share with you later. What this does is gives you the tools or at least an understanding that if you’re having a lethargic day and you want to increase your energy, you can smell something with limonene in it, often dominant in Golden Goat. You know it will give you an uplifted mood as well as feel like you took a shot of espresso. This is perfect if you’re dragging at work and need to get motivated by limonene’s energetic benefits. This is a very broad way to understand the Lens Framework but there are acute understandings you can apply to things like creativity, pleasure, work visioning sessions, athletic flow-states, motherhood and more.

Your Practice This Week

Before Part 2, try this: smell your cannabis before you consume it — really smell it. Citrus? Pine? Something earthy or sweet? Sit with it for ten seconds and predict how you’ll feel. Then notice how close you were. This is the beginning of a conversation with the plant that most consumers never have.

Now think about the brilliance of nature and how terpenes work! Their magic in the natural world whether it be through a bumblebee’s experience or your high, terpenes are pure magic!

The subtle energetic tone of a cultivar — the unique sensory imprint it leaves — is shaped by more than just its chemical makeup. It reflects the way scent, taste, and effect harmonize into a feeling that touches both body and awareness.

In this way, a plant’s character is something we experience, not just something we measure.

It’s More Than THC or Terpenes

It’s not only about the THC percentage or terpene profile — those are just the visible notes on a much richer sheet of music.

The true character of a cultivar emerges through a deeper interplay:

• The soil it grew in, which offers not just minerals but microbial life that shapes the plant’s development.

• The spectrum of sunlight it absorbed — full-spectrum light affects terpene production and flavonoid expression.

• The stressors it endured — wind, drought, pests, heat — activate internal responses that lead to the production of secondary metabolites like flavonoids.

• The care it received — from pruning to harvest timing — which can amplify or mute all of the above.

Flavonoids: Nature’s Subtle Communicators

Flavonoids are one of the plant’s responses to this full environment. They’re polyphenolic* compounds that help protect against UV light, pests, and disease — but they also interact with us.

• Some bind to receptors involved in inflammation, mood, and cellular repair.

• Others act as antioxidants, buffering oxidative stress in the body.

• And though they don’t directly activate the endocannabinoid system, they contribute to the entourage effect — the synergy that gives cannabis its signature effects.
  

So when you consume a cultivar, you’re engaging with more than cannabinoids. You’re engaging with a web of intelligence — shaped by earth, sun, and time — that includes the quiet influence of flavonoids.

The Felt Experience

While terpenes shape scent and cannabinoids guide the psychoactive journey, flavonoids provide:

• Color

• Tone

• Subtle emotional resonance
  

They’re part of the plant’s language — less obvious, but no less felt.

Some, like apigenin (found in chamomile), offer calming effects. Others, like quercetin and luteolin, are neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory.

So when we say a cultivar is “uplifting,” “soft,” “cerebral,” or “bright,” we’re speaking a language that includes these quieter players — the flavonoids — and how they shape the emotional and energetic tone of the experience.

Flavonoids as Expressions of Terroir

In wine, terroir describes how place — soil, climate, sunlight, microbes, and human care — shapes flavor and character.

Cannabis has terroir too.

And flavonoids are among its clearest chemical expressions.

They are incredibly responsive to:

• Sunlight (UV light boosts protective flavonoids like anthocyanins)

• Soil life (which shapes nutrient uptake and metabolic responses)

• Environmental stressors (which stimulate defensive flavonoid production)
  

These compounds become molecular storytellers — they hold a memory of place.

When you consume a flavonoid-rich cultivar, you’re tasting more than the plant. You’re connecting with the land it grew on, the stress it endured, the love it received. You’re feeling its terroir.

A Closing Reflection

Flavonoids remind us that cannabis isn’t just a sum of lab data or designer compounds. It’s a relationship — between plant, environment, and consumer.

And by tuning into the subtle language flavonoids speak, we learn to listen not just with our minds, but with our bodies and awareness too.

Glossary

Polyphenol
A group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective benefits. Flavonoids are a type of polyphenol.

Secondary Metabolite
A chemical compound that isn’t essential for the plant’s immediate survival, but supports its long-term health, communication, and protection — including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Understanding flavonoids adds another layer to how we relate to this plant and its purpose.

What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are polyphenolic molecules, also known as phytonutrients—micronutrients found in many plants that offer antioxidant properties and help regulate cellular functions. They exist in fruits, vegetables, herbs, teas, and yes, in cannabis.

These molecules support the plant’s immunity, protect it from environmental stressors, and help it communicate with the outside world through color and aroma.

Bright purple buds, deep green leaves, hints of red or gold—those aren’t just visual flourishes. They’re signals, and flavonoids are behind them. A cannabis plant matures into color because it’s ready to offer something to the world. That timing isn’t random—it’s nature’s rhythm at work.

Terpenes (we will have multiple articles in the coming weeks on Terpenes, which is the magic ingredient in cannabis) are the main source of cannabis’s aroma, creating the distinct scents we recognize. Flavonoids subtly support and shape these aromas by adding bitter, sweet, or astringent notes that interact with terpene profiles. They also help stabilize aromatic molecules, allowing scents to linger longer and feel more balanced. Together, terpenes and flavonoids create a layered and more complex sensory experience.

Cannaflavins and Other Key Players

Cannabis produces its own unique set of flavonoids called cannaflavins, alongside other flavonoids found in various plants.

Some known flavonoids in cannabis include:

• Cannaflavin A, B, and C – unique to cannabis, with anti-inflammatory potential

• Quercetin – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

• Luteolin – calming, neuroprotective properties

• Apigenin – gentle sedative effects

• Kaempferol – supports cardiovascular and immune function

• Beta-sitosterol – known to support immune regulation

These compounds are still under-researched due to cannabis’s legal status in many regions. As barriers continue to fall, we’re likely to discover even more of their therapeutic potential.

Why They Matter in Cannabis

Flavonoids are part of the entourage effect (more coming on the subject of entourage effect after our terpenes posts which will be coming next), the synergistic interaction between all compounds in the plant that creates a fuller, more nuanced experience.

They influence:

• How the body absorbs and processes cannabinoids

• Taste and aroma, beyond what terpenes alone provide

• The subtle energetic tone of a cultivar - This is a heady statement that we will spend the majority of part 2 of this article.

In this way, flavonoids help fine-tune the emotional, physical, and for some a spiritual connection in a cannabis experience. Their role may be subtle, especially compared to the other two compounds that shape the experience in cannabinoids and terpenes but it’s significant.

Flavonoids in the Wider Natural World

Cannabis isn’t alone. Many of the most healing foods on Earth are rich in flavonoids:

• Dark berries

• Leafy greens

• Green and black tea

• Grapes and wine

• Hops

• Dark chocolate (real chocolate—not candy bars)

Flavonoids are part of a shared language between the Earth and our biology. They come from soil, sun, and time — not a lab. That’s one reason they’re so well tolerated and often come without the harsh side effects of synthetic additives.

A Quick Breakdown of the Poetry - Soil, Sun and Time

Soil

The minerals and nutrients in soil (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and magnesium) feed the plant and are used as raw materials in the plant’s biochemical processes. These nutrients form the backbone for creating complex molecules—like flavonoids.

Sun

Sunlight triggers photosynthesis, which produces the energy and carbon structures needed for all kinds of metabolic activity.
Flavonoid production often increases in response to UV exposure—it’s one way the plant protects itself from light stress.

Time

As the plant matures, its chemical profile evolves. Young plants focus on growth; as they flower and age, secondary metabolites like flavonoids increase—especially as the plant prepares to reproduce or die (in the case of annuals like cannabis). This is when we see peak color and aroma expression.

The Chemistry Behind It

Flavonoids are synthesized through the phenylpropanoid pathway, a well-known plant metabolic route. This pathway is influenced by genetics and environmental factors like:

• Light intensity and duration

• Soil nutrient availability

• Temperature

• Water stress or drought

In other words, flavonoids are the result of a dynamic relationship between the plant’s internal intelligence and the signals it receives from the natural world.

In Closing

Flavonoids may not yet be at the forefront of cannabis science, but they are central to how this plant expresses itself and interacts with our bodies.

They help the plant thrive, communicate, and offer its gifts. And when we consume cannabis mindfully, flavonoids are part of what we receive—whether we realize it or not.

A Reflection For You:

The next time you see a colorful, well-cured cannabis flower, pause and ask yourself—what is this plant trying to express through its color, scent, and presence? What is it offering, and what are you ready to receive?

Potency Isn’t the Whole Story

Many consumers chase high THC percentages, but potency alone doesn’t define a great high. Instead, a cannabis plant’s purity, growing environment, trichome development, and cultivation process shape the experience far more than potency ever could. When we shift our focus to how cannabis is grown, we open the door to a more profound high, a cleaner high and therefore a deeper relationship with the plant.

When we think about how cannabis affects us, many people focus on potency—the strength of THC or other cannabinoids in a cultivar (strain). People are finally understanding the importance of terpenes and how that determines our mood, but is this the whole story of our high? What do you know about a clean high?

What Does It Mean for a Plant to Be Fully Expressed?

It’s not the THC percentages that are important but expression and for something to fully express themselves means that there are no deficiencies. Is the plant complete - are the trichomes fully developed. A plant can have high THC amounts and not be fully expressed.

We also look at the concept of full expression by not just the compounds but holistically at the entire flower. Let the entire flower be complete and in its fullest expression - These are aspects that lead to clean high..

While the cultivar determines the compound makeup—including cannabinoids and terpenes—the way these compounds express themselves in the plant is directly influenced by the quality of cultivation which Yield Science can easily help you with. But it gets better - on top of that the overall care of the plant will not only allow for the full expression of these compounds but give the plant a vibrational signature or chi if you will, which affects the high. Some may call it overall harmony.

The Vibratory Signature of Cannabis

Did you know that cannabis shouldn’t make you crash or make you feel paranoid (albeit cannabis helps you process emotions which can feel intense, but that’s a whole other article). If you give plants individual attention while not feeding the plant harmful chemicals and don’t put it in a stressed environment, you won’t receive those feelings. Illustrating one aspect of a clean high which can be related to what I call the vibratory signature of cannabis.

Some even believe cannabis has a spirit—a sentience, that reflects alongside the environment, but the energy and care put into its cultivation. Whether or not you see cannabis as a conscious being, one thing is certain: the energy you put in a plant influences the final product, and ultimately, your experience. This concept of a vibratory signature can be associated with the emotions or spirit of the plant. This translates to a clean high but some even attribute this to something beyond a clean high. attributing a deeper connection which can take you to different levels of consciousness - this will be a different article however.

Even if you don’t attribute sentience to cannabis, it is still a living being. Just like any other plant—or even a child—the attention and care it receives can shape its development. You can be a great kid but if your parents, even those who are loving, always address you from a stressed out and angry place, then that has an effect on your development as a child. This is the same for cannabis - A well-tended plant, nurtured with love, patience, and understanding, will produce a higher-quality flower.

Mass Production vs. Conscious Cultivation

We all know the myth around playing high vibrational music like reggae music makes cannabis happy. There is a reason for this. High vibration will be expressed in the plant and the high. If you don’t believe me, believe Bob Marley.

Mass-produced cannabis, on the other hand, often lacks individual attention. Large-scale operations prioritize operational efficiency over care, treating plants with blanket solutions for pests or mildew alongside one-size fits all nutrient and watering regiments, rather than addressing individual needs. This approach can compromise the integrity of the plant.

Further, cannabis received from cultivators who focus on mass production often deliver you an old product. It can easily take a minimum 3 to 6 months for something harvested from these producers to hit your rolling paper. Because of this, the potency percentages represented on the label are often not even close to representing the actual potency of the product. You can only imagine the overall quality too if it’s not stored in the correct fashion. If you believe me on the vibratory expression of cannabis you can only imagine the vibratory expression of most mass produced cannabis. The expression can be both positive and negative.

Harmony Is the Root of Beauty

True quality isn’t just about potency—it’s about purity and full expression of all aspects of the plant beyond the compounds. The great Many P Hall says in ‘The Secret Teachings of All Ages’ that “harmony is a state recognised by great philosophers as the immediate prerequisite of beauty. A compound is termed beautiful only when its parts are in harmonious combination”. When a cannabis plant is grown in a stress-free environment with clean inputs and focused attention, it can put its energy into completing the growth process of the plant (not putting energy trying to “fix a problem” ) creating harmony that will translate into your high beyond potency. It will truly be the most beautiful flower even if it doesn’t look as shiny as steroid induced cannabis.

Even if you don’t believe in the sentience of cannabis, imagine tending to a small vegetable garden each morning. If you notice a squash plant struggling and give it extra attention, it has a greater chance of recovering, thriving and producing a nutritional veggie. The same applies to cannabis—when cared for properly, the plant can focus its energy on overall health and trichome production, creating an overall higher quality flower rather than what would be produced from merely trying to survive. This brings harmony to the overall product - true beauty.

Growing With Intention

For those of you who believe in the sentience of cannabis or simply that cannabis picks up on energy around us then you can go deeper with the concept of ‘vibratory signature’ as the plant will pick up on the frequency you put towards it. You can even get heady beyond playing music and pray or meditate with the plant. Have you heard of lunar phase gardening? Plant on a new moon and harvest on a full moon, see what happens? I like to harvest on the first full moon after the Fall Equinox. All of this will reflect in your high, making for the cleanest experience and possibly even something that transcends.

Next time you consume cannabis, consider where it came from, how it was grown, and the energy that went into it. This will affect your high, giving you more appreciation. As cannabis is a teacher about life, use this expanded awareness towards areas of life where you need guidance. The experience may be deeper than you ever expected.

But the best thing is to just grow your own with love and Yield Science is a great resource to start!

Welcome & Gratitude

Hello everyone, blessings to you! I’m Philip Wolf, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of you who have followed this Substack. We’re just getting started, and I’m excited to continue sharing this work with you.

The Purpose of This Work

This body of work, which I call CashoM, was created to help you commune with cannabis and align with the lens of your high to enhance different pursuits of life. This understanding is rooted in science, philosophy, and over a decade of experience serving cannabis in intimate settings through Cultivating Spirits. It’s next level and unlike anything the cannabis space has seen.

What We've Covered So Far

We just wrapped up The Wisdom of Nature, a five-part series on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system. Up next, we’ll be diving into flavonoids and terpenes—with terpenes being, in my opinion, the most magical aspect of cannabis.

Why This Matters

By deepening our relationship with cannabis, we gain better insight into ourselves and therefore the world around us making a better world. This knowledge empowers us to be better people and better people create positive change.

Always Free, Always Accessible

This work will always be free—there will never be a paywall. If this knowledge can help create meaningful change, it should be accessible to everyone. That said, I deeply appreciate anyone who chooses to support this work by paying a monthly subscription.

A Short Pause & Exciting Updates

We’ll be taking a brief two-week pause as I focus on some major upcoming projects, including:

• A Rolling Stone article

• A Yield Science article

• Several big talks being pitched for June

When we return, we’ll dive into flavonoids, followed by terpenes.

Stay Connected

In the meantime, you can continue exploring cannabis insights through:
🎙 Praying with Plants Podcast – Available on Spotify
📷 Instagram – @Philip_Wolf_
🎥 YouTube – Philip_Wolf

Thank you all—many blessings! Let’s keep making a change. 💚✨

I have educated over 5,000 people through cannabis and fine dining. What I learned through the cannabis pairing smoking protocol I created was that you can identify your high before you consume to enhance an experience and not take away from it. From there I discovered a whole world on how you can use the lens of being high to explore pursuits in life. It is rich!

Please check out the foundation of this work through the “Art of Cannabis and Food Pairings” presentation at South By Southwest. I trust you’ll enjoy it!

The above video is a legendary talk from Dr. Bob focusing on the science of cannabinoids and how relational it is to the human body with the goal to reach homeostasis. He is fiery in the Presentation making it not only entertaining to watch but will fire you up to do more in the advocacy of cannabis.

The above video was a talk by Dr. Bob at the Tamworth Medicinal Cannabis Symposium - November 2014. Below is a link to why these talks happened in the first place.

https://www.cannabisclubaustralia.com.au/story/2016/12/12/medical-cannabis-trials-mired-in-red-tape

A Quick Change

I was originally going to publish a piece on the entourage effect for part 5 of this series but since I have not taught you about Terpenes yet, it really didn’t make sense (you’ll understand why later:). So instead, I’m honoring Dr. Bob! This also seems timely as I’ve come into contact with a few people this week dealing with cancer, cannabis is a very viable option to combat cancer and this video gives you a holistic understanding to how cannabinoids can do that.

When I met Dr. Bob

In 2010, I attended a seminar at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs—an event dedicated to educating school district superintendents on the health benefits of medical cannabis. The goal was simple but powerful: to advocate for students with medical cannabis cards, advocating that they could safely and legally use their medicine at school.

It was there that I met Dr. Robert Melamede—Dr. Bob—a true pioneer in the early medical cannabis movement. A professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and an influential voice in the underground cannabis science community, Dr. Bob challenged the way I saw cannabis forever.

He shared something profound: not everyone who smokes cannabis is getting high—some are just getting normal. For individuals with a deficient endocannabinoid system, consuming cannabis isn’t about intoxication; it’s about restoring balance, bringing their ECS levels back to homeostasis.

Then, he dropped another mind-blowing fact that cemented my belief in the deep synergy between cannabis and the human body: cannabinoids—the same compounds found in cannabis—are also present in mother’s milk, helping to soothe and nourish infants. Now this might not be big news to people now with the CBD revolution but in 2010 it was incredible to hear.

That conversation changed my understanding of cannabis, reframing it not as an external substance but as a biological counterpart designed to support human well-being. Dr. Bob’s passion for this plant and his fearless advocacy paved the way for many of the discussions we now take for granted in the cannabis space.

Dr. Bob’s Passing

“Robert Melamede, the iconoclastic DNA researcher, entrepreneur and international advocate for the therapeutic use of cannabis, died on April 19, 2024 from kidney failure related to a stroke that he suffered last year. He was 75. - Seven Days VT

His Families Statement

“Thank you for sharing your memories and kind thoughts of Bob," Melamede's family said in a statement. "We know he was loved and respected by many around the world, so we plan to hold an online celebration of life in order for all to attend. This will take place in the coming months and we will share details here on Facebook and Instagram."

Perfect Harmony: From the Fig Wasp to the ECS as We End the 5 Part Series

Just as the fig wasp and the fig tree exist in perfect harmony, each dependent on the other for survival, so too does cannabis share a profound and symbiotic relationship with humanity. Nature’s design is never random—it is intentional, intelligent, and deeply interconnected. Dr. Bob dedicated his life among many others to unveiling the science behind this connection, showing us that cannabinoids are not foreign to our bodies but essential to our biological balance. His work illuminated for myself and countless others how cannabis doesn’t just alter us; for many, it restores us. As we close this series, we return to the wisdom of nature—its brilliance, its synchronicities, and its undeniable role in human evolution. Whether through the ancient dance of the fig wasp or the intricate science of cannabinoids, we are reminded that we are not separate from nature but deeply woven into its fabric.

For more of Dr. Bobs Work Visit the Below Link

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3EA628E7E2B8C129

How brilliant is this plant and the way it synergizes with our body? Looking back to Part 1, we explored the fig wasp—an intricate piece of the jungle’s balance, a testament to the billions of ways nature showcases its brilliance. This same harmony exists between cannabis and the human body. THC interacts seamlessly with our endocannabinoid system, reinforcing the idea that nature designed this plant for an essential role in human life and development.

Cannabis is one of the first crops ever cultivated by humans, dating back over 10,000 years. Ancient civilizations—from China and India to the Middle East and Africa—recognized its medicinal, spiritual, and practical applications. As trade routes expanded, so did cannabis, spreading its influence across cultures and generations. This deep-rooted connection between cannabis, humanity and our biology suggests that, much like the fig wasp in the jungle, cannabis has always had a purpose within the grand design of nature.

THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric sensation commonly referred to as being "high." However, it doesn’t directly create mood enhancement, sedation, or energy—it simply shifts perception, alters time sensitivity, and enhances mental awareness. At lower doses, it can create a sense of upliftment and creativity, while higher doses may lead to a more sedative or “stoned” effect.

Just know that THC is not the only compound that gives you the feeling you have, it’s other cannabinoids and possibly, more importantly, terpenes which we get into in module 4. This combination of molecules THC interacts with is called the entourage effect which we will talk about in module 4.

What the Compound Looks Like

THC has the molecular formula C₂₁H₃₀O₂ and shares a structural similarity with anandamide, a naturally occurring endocannabinoid in the human body. This resemblance is why THC binds so effectively to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing its signature psychoactive effects.

Anandamide: The "Bliss Molecule"

Anandamide: The "Bliss Molecule" Anandamide is an endocannabinoid named after the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning “bliss” or “joy.” Discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam this neurotransmitter plays a key role in mood regulation, cognitive function, and pleasure.

• Happiness & Euphoria – Anandamide binds to CB1 receptors much like THC, creating feelings of well-being and reducing stress (Piomelli, 2003).

• Memory – Anandamide helps regulate memory processing and forgetting, which is essential for learning (Lu & Mackie, 2016).

• Appetite – It stimulates hunger and food intake, similar to the “munchies” effect seen with THC (Di Marzo et al., 2004).

• Sleep – Anandamide influences sleep patterns and REM cycles, playing a role in sleep regulation (Di Marzo et al., 2004).

• Pain Relief – Anandamide has analgesic properties, reducing pain perception by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors (Piomelli, 2003).

• Runner’s High – Research suggests that the “runner’s high” experienced after intense exercise is partially due to a surge in anandamide (Lu & Mackie, 2016).

• Short-Lived Effects – Unlike THC, anandamide is quickly broken down in the body by the enzyme FAAH, making its effects brief (Di Marzo et al., 2004).

When THC enters the system, it mimics anandamide but lingers longer, leading to extended euphoria, altered perception, and relaxation. This explains why cannabis can have a prolonged impact on consciousness (potentially good and/or bad) compared to the fleeting effects of our body’s natural bliss molecule.

How it Processes THC in raw cannabis exists as THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), which is non-psychoactive. To activate its psychoactive effects, decarboxylation (heating) is required.

• Inhalation (smoking/vaping): THC enters the bloodstream quickly via the lungs, delivering almost immediate effects.

• Ingestion (edibles/tinctures): THC is processed by the liver, converting into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting form of THC. This is why edibles are a completely different high and tolerances from smoking don’t cross over leading to longtime smokers having bad experiences. “Oh, I smoke all the time. I can handle this”.

Activated THC & Its Effects on the Mind Once THC is activated and enters the bloodstream, it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing:

• Euphoria – A general sense of well-being.

• Perception & Awareness – Alters time perception and enhances sensory experiences.

• Memory & Cognition – Can temporarily disrupt short-term memory.

• Creativity & Thought Expansion – May stimulate creative thinking and new perspectives.

  • There’s a thought that you can gain new perspectives because you aren’t remembering the short term. We get into this a lot in module 8.

• Relaxation or Anxiety – Effects vary based on strain, dosage, and individual chemistry.

THC Percentages & Potency

• Low THC (5-10%) – Mild psychoactive effects.

• Medium THC (10-20%) – Balanced experience, common in many strains.

• High THC (20%+) – Strong psychoactive effects, better for experienced users.

• Concentrates (50-90%) – Extremely potent, mainly used in extracts and dabs.

THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) Before being exposed to heat, THC is in its acidic form, THCA, which is non-psychoactive but has potential therapeutic benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Neuroprotective effects

• Potential anti-nausea and anti-seizure benefits

Just because THC can provide us with euphoric feelings doesn’t mean we need to rely on them. At times, cannabis may serve as a tool—whether for momentary insight, deep healing, or lifelong support for those with certain conditions. There are many people who truly need to consume cannabis all the time, but there are also many who abuse this feeling. With concentrates providing high amounts of THC we also don’t yet fully understand the long-term effects of high THC concentrations on the endocannabinoid system. Concentrates are great, but this is important to consider.

There are also natural ways to stimulate anandamide production without cannabis, fostering a steadier, self-sustaining sense of well-being. Rather than experiencing intense peaks and valleys, these methods may promote a balanced state of harmony within the body.

Just like in nature, balance is key. If fig wasps overpopulate an area where they are not needed, they can disrupt the ecosystem rather than support it. Nature isn’t bound by human logic, yet it operates with an inherent brilliance—a wisdom that comes from something beyond the logical mind. Perhaps our relationship with cannabis should follow the same principle: guided not just by desire, but by a deeper understanding of what truly serves our well-being.

Citation

Piomelli, D. (2003). The molecular logic of endocannabinoid signaling. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 4(11), 873-884. Discusses anandamide’s role in mood, memory, and appetite regulation.

Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2016). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 516-525. Covers the ECS, including anandamide’s effects on pain and stress responses.

Di Marzo, V., Bifulco, M., & De Petrocellis, L. (2004). The endocannabinoid system and its therapeutic exploitation. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 3(9), 771-784.

When I first heard of cannabinoids (not realizing THC was one at the time, and CBD was not a thing back then), it was 2010 at a seminar at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. The event aimed to introduce the health benefits of medical cannabis to school district superintendents, hoping to allow the handful of kids in the area with medical cannabis cards to use their medicine at school.

This is where I met Dr. Bob—Dr. Robert Melamede—a legend in the early medical cannabis movement and the underground scene, as well as a professor at UCCS (University of Colorado Colorado Springs). Dr. Bob shared something that blew my mind. He explained that some people aren’t even getting high when they consume cannabis—they’re just getting normal. Their ECS levels may be low, and by smoking, they’re bringing them back up to homeostasis.

He also dropped another piece of incredible knowledge highlighting how synergetic this plant is to humans: cannabinoids, the same compounds found in cannabis, are also present in mother’s milk, helping to calm and soothe infants. That moment shifted my entire perspective on cannabis and its place in human biology.

Dr. Bob passed away in 2023 at the age of 75 - God rest his soul. Thank you Dr. Bob for opening my eyes at a very important time and all the work you did for cannabis!

As Dr. Bob taught - The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is nature’s way of keeping us balanced, and cannabis is uniquely designed to interact with it. But how does this happen? The answer lies in cannabinoids—organic compounds that act as messengers within the ECS, influencing everything from mood and creativity to pain relief and inflammation.

You’ve likely heard of THC (Yes, THC is a cannabinoid) and CBD, but they are just two of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis (we get into the 4 main ones in this series). Each plays a unique role in how the plant affects us, and by understanding them, we can deepen our relationship with cannabis—not just for health, but for enhancing life’s pursuits.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis, primarily within the plant’s trichomes. These compounds interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in our body, influencing both our mind and physical state.

There are two main types:
🌿 Endocannabinoids – Naturally produced by our body (like anandamide and 2-AG) to regulate balance.
🌿 Phytocannabinoids – Found in cannabis, these mimic our body's endocannabinoids to provide similar effects.

This synergy is why cannabis can help optimize well-being. But not all cannabinoids function the same way—each has a unique role in how it interacts with the ECS.

Acid Precursors vs. Decarboxylated Cannabinoids

Before cannabinoids interact with our body, they exist in acidic forms. For example:

• THCA becomes THC

• CBDA becomes CBD

• CBGA becomes CBG

This process, called decarboxylation, happens when heat is applied—whether through smoking, vaping, or cooking cannabis. Without it, many cannabinoids remain inactive in their raw form. Through decarboxylation cannabinoids activate giving you the effects.

Cannabidiol (CBD): The Balancer

CBD is one of the most well-known cannabinoids, often recognized for its therapeutic effects with very little psychoactive effects (some say none, but I believe by calming our nervous system has an effect on our brain function, some would also argue the spirit of the plant can have an effect on you to). It primarily interacts with CB2 receptors, influencing the immune system and inflammation.

🔹 What CBD Looks Like – A molecular structure similar to THC but without binding strongly to CB1 receptors.
🔹 How It Processes – Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t create a high. Instead, it modulates receptor activity and influences neurotransmitters like serotonin.
🔹 Effects on the Mind – Helps regulate mood, stress, and anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors.
🔹 Healing the Body – Reduces inflammation, aids in pain relief, and supports immune function.

CBD levels vary by strain, but percentages between 10-25% are common in CBD-dominant varieties. It works best in full-spectrum form, interacting with other cannabinoids for enhanced effects (this is called the entourage effect which we get into in part 5 of this series).

Cannabigerol (CBG): The Foundation

CBG is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids” because many cannabinoids start as CBGA before converting into THC, CBD, or CBN.

🔹 Supports focus, neuroprotection, and gut health.
🔹 Potential anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
🔹 Often found in low percentages (typically under 1%) in most cannabis strains.

Cannabinol (CBN): The Sleep Enhancer

CBN forms as THC degrades over time. It is mildly psychoactive but primarily known for its sedative effects.

🔹 Aids in sleep and relaxation.
🔹 Works synergistically with other cannabinoids to enhance calming effects.
🔹 Found in aged cannabis or extracts designed for relaxation.

Looking Ahead: The Power of THC

While CBD, CBG, and CBN each contribute to cannabis’ benefits, THC is the most well-known and the most misunderstood. In our next post, we’ll explore THC’s role in expanding consciousness and why it remains at the center of cannabis culture.

🔜 Next up: THC on 3/5/25 – The most well-known cannabinoid and how it expands.

🌿 Followed by: The Entourage Effect on 3/12/25 – Why cannabis works best as a full symphony, not a solo act.

Stay tuned on CashoM Substack as we continue unlocking cannabis’ full potential. If you feel inspired please support this work by subscribing for $8 a month - cancel at any time. Thank you!

Your body is synced to cannabis like the fig wasp is to the jungle. The intelligence of nature is profoundly exemplified in the endocannabinoid system. For the keen heart, there may be clues here to understanding how cannabis can bring brilliance into other parts of the blueprint of life.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a built-in network in our human body designed to regulate mood, pain, sleep, appetite, and immune response—helping maintain balance, or homeostasis. This system is proof of our deep connection to cannabis and nature’s brilliance in creating harmony within us.

The ECS is affected by cannabinoids (we will talk more about this in part 3) which are compounds found in cannabis such as THC and CBD that support our ECS. There are other ways the body produces cannabinoids to feed the ECS so it’s not that everyone has to smoke.

At its core, the ECS functions through cannabinoids—compounds that act as chemical messengers. These are found both in the body (endocannabinoids) and in cannabis (phytocannabinoids), each playing a role in maintaining well-being. All humans have an ECS which was discovered in the 80’s and is still considered a medical phenomenon.

“Many of us have heard of some of the transmitter systems within our bodies, such as the sympathetic nervous system, which gives us our fight-or-flight response. Fewer have heard of the more recently discovered endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is amazing when you consider that the ECS is critical for almost every aspect of our moment-to-moment functioning. The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. The ECS is currently at the center of renewed international research and drug development.” - Peter Grinspoon, MD, Contributor; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing in the article The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious

🌿 Endocannabinoids – Naturally produced by the body, these regulate key functions like stress, immune response, and mood.
🌿 Phytocannabinoids – Found in cannabis, these interact with the ECS to support balance and healing.

When cannabinoids interact with CB1 & CB2 receptors, they influence everything from healing to creativity:

Think of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) as keys, and CB1 and CB2 receptors as locks on cells throughout the body. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they trigger processes that help maintain homeostasis (balance).

Here’s how they work:

🔹CB1 Receptors – Found mainly in the brain and central nervous system, these regulate mood, memory, appetite, and perception. THC binds strongly here, creating psychoactive effects.

🔹CB2 Receptors – Found primarily in the immune system and peripheral tissues, these help regulate inflammation and pain. CBD interacts more here, reducing inflammation and supporting immune health.

🔹 THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, altering perception, enhancing relaxation, and expanding consciousness.
🔹 CBD interacts with CB2 receptors, reducing inflammation, supporting immune function, and promoting overall well-being.

This intricate system reveals how cannabis is medicine beyond the typical way we think of it—it’s a tool for optimizing the body, and more. While this design from nature is why cannabis was likely the first farmed crop - the human intuition brought us to the plant. There are other genius functions cannabis provides through the lens of being high that we can master outside the functioning of our body to enhance life’s pursuits - The philosophy of this is what you’ll learn about throughout the course of this work that will affect your lifestyle opposed to the health benefits of the ECS. Please imagine what this is.

And the world has only scratched the surface of the ECS. The more we understand the ECS through science, the more we uncover cannabis’ potential for health and healing— The jungle would not prosper without the fig wasp like our bodies might not with the ECS who’s super vitamin is cannabis.

🔜 Next up: Cannabinoids on 2/27/25 – A closer look at the compounds inside cannabis and how they interact with us.
🌿 Followed by: THC on 3/5/25 – The most well-known cannabinoid and how it expands consciousness.
🌿 Finally: The Entourage Effect on 3/12/25 – Why cannabis works best as a full symphony, not a solo act..

Follow along on CashoM Substack to unlock this wisdom. Please support this work for $8 a month if you believe in it’s importance. This work will always be free but financial support is appreciated to grow it.

Nature is the most beautiful and magical system of support, perhaps the law of creation where everything has a purpose. Each organism plays its part, creating a delicate balance that allows life to thrive. One of the astonishing examples of this can be found deep in tropical jungles, where figs hold the key to survival.

Although often mistaken for a fruit, a fig is actually a collection of tiny edible flowers enclosed in a shell. More importantly, it’s the only tree that produces food year-round, making it the backbone of the ecosystem. Monkeys and countless other species rely on figs as a primary food source. But none of this would be possible without one small insect—the fig wasp.

This wasp, with a lifespan of just 48 hours, is the key to the entire system. When a fig’s shell softens, the female wasp burrows in, losing her wings in the process—her final destination. Inside, she lays her eggs, pollinating the fig before dying. This act of pollination is what allows the fig to mature and continue feeding the jungle. Without it, the fruit would never fully develop, leaving the animals that depend on it without a vital food source. The fig wasp’s brief existence is essential to the survival of an entire ecosystem.

The male wasps hatch first, grow a reproductive organ twice the size of their body, and impregnate their sisters before they are even born. Then, the wingless males crawl out of the fig, where they are met by predators, sacrificing themselves so their sisters can fly away and continue the cycle.

This is nature’s synergy at its finest. Everything has its role, its purpose. Without the fig wasp, there are no figs. Without figs, many species would struggle to survive.

And when we turn to cannabis and the human body, we find a synergy just as profound—one where the plant’s cannabinoids seamlessly interact with our own biological system, influencing everything from mood and memory to pain and inflammation. Just as the fig and the wasp are designed to sustain an entire ecosystem, cannabis and the human body share an ancient relationship, each enhancing the other’s ability to thrive.

Cannabinoids & The Human Body: A Natural Harmony

Within us, we have an entire system designed to interact with cannabis—the endocannabinoid system. This system, like the fig wasp to the jungle, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, or homeostasis, in the body. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant fit perfectly into this system, supporting functions like mood, appetite, sleep, and even immune response.

Mother Earth has given us everything we need to survive and thrive. The relationship between cannabinoids and our biology is no accident—it is another example of nature’s brilliance, a connection waiting to be explored.

This is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, we’ll be diving deeper:

🌿 Next up: The Endocannabinoid System on 2/20/25 – The body’s built-in system designed to work with cannabis.
🌿 Then: Cannabinoids on 2/27/25 – A closer look at the compounds inside cannabis and how they interact with us.
🌿 Followed by: THC on 3/5/25 – The most well-known cannabinoid and how it expands consciousness.
🌿 Finally: The Entourage Effect on 3/12/25 – Why cannabis works best as a full symphony, not a solo act.

The synergy is undeniable. The wisdom of nature is all around us, and cannabis is no exception.

Let’s explore it together—and in doing so, reflect on our own role within nature’s intricate balance. Just as every organism has a purpose, so do we. How can we align ourselves with the wisdom of the natural world, rather than stand apart from it?

Cannabis’ highest purpose is to get us in better touch with ourselves so we can be in better touch with all life around us. For many, it’s a rich feeling to obtain alongside many other worldly delights. As you see the harmonies of cannabis and the human body may we understand that the highest purpose of this plant in our lives is well beyond the lenz in which we look through today. You will discover this as you continue to follow along the CashoM Substack.

I have a deep and profound relationship with cannabis in which I make a living from - the other Master Plants (Cannabis is one) I don’t make any income from. I have over 15 years experience in the cannabis industry and with the direct experience I know a lot about how capitalism moves the plants in good and bad ways.

Through thorough listening, creating relationships with entheogens (albeit can do a better job), ceremonies, reflections and deep prayers I care very much for these Master Plants, their lineages and most importantly how we can connect with Mother Earth - to see all life as sentient. Thus, I do speak with an open heart and curious mind while challenging my beliefs at every turn.

If you choose to watch this video, I hope it opens up a perspective for you. If you like it, please do share.

When it comes to cannabis consumption, the pathway cannabinoids take into your system fundamentally shapes your experience. The two primary routes—through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and via liver processing—offer distinct highs that feel worlds apart. Understanding these differences is key to understanding experiences and tolerances as they differ, especially for new consumers navigating the magical complexities of cannabis.

The Blood-Brain Barrier: Quick Access, Instant Impact

What Is the Blood-Brain Barrier?

The blood-brain barrier is a tightly packed shield of cells surrounding the brain, protecting it from harmful substances. This barrier selectively allows essential nutrients like oxygen and glucose to pass through while blocking large or potentially toxic molecules.

How Does Cannabis Pass Through It?

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, are lipophilic (fat-soluble). This property allows them to dissolve in fats and pass through the lipid bilayer of the blood-brain barrier more easily than water-soluble molecules.

Some research suggests that cannabinoids might even have specialized carrier proteins that facilitate their transport through the BBB, making the process even more efficient.¹

Once cannabinoids pass through the BBB, they bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain, triggering the euphoric and psychoactive effects we associate with smoking or vaping cannabis. Meanwhile, terpenes interact with the neurotransmitter system, modulating mood, focus, relaxation, and other mental/somatic states while enhancing the effects of cannabinoids—a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Liver Processing: A Slower, Deeper Journey

What Happens When Cannabis Passes Through the Liver?

When you consume cannabis infusions like an edible, it takes a slower, more intricate route through your digestive system. Instead of being absorbed directly into the bloodstream, cannabinoids (THC is a cannabinoid) are processed by the liver.

The liver converts THC into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and longer-lasting than the THC absorbed through the BBB which is Delta-9-THC. This metabolic transformation is why edibles often produce a more intense and enduring high than smoking or vaping.

Two Different Highs

The highs from smoking and eating cannabis are not interchangeable. Smoking delivers cannabinoids quickly, resulting in a more immediate and diverse high given all the compounds that can absorb through the blood-brain barrier effecting the experience which will last 45-90 min. Edibles, on the other hand, create a delayed onset and depending on the dosage a more profound, possibly intense (if over consumed) full-body experience driven mainly by THC and CBD lasting 8-12 hours.

This difference is one of the primary reasons new consumers often have bad experiences with edibles. Many expect the effects to mirror those of smoking and may over consume when the effects don’t hit immediately—only to find themselves overwhelmed hours later.

Skin Absorption: A Minor Pathway

Your skin, the body’s largest organ, can also absorb cannabinoids, but the effects are minimal and localized. Transdermal products like patches and topical’s can deliver cannabinoids without a psychoactive high, making them ideal for targeted relief rather than recreational use. Honestly, you would need an extremely high dose of THC through the skin to feel any psychoactive effects.

Saliva: A Newer Frontier

These compounds can be absorbed through your saliva via tinctures or through emulsification processes used in making THC/CBD-infused beverages. These processes often incorporate nanotechnology to break down cannabinoids into smaller, water-soluble particles, enhancing their bio-availability and allowing for absorption through mucous membranes like those in the mouth. There is a lot more to talk about here which I will do a whole separate article on soon where I will also discuss stomach absorption.

Key Takeaways

• The blood-brain barrier delivers rapid, diverse effects through smoking or vaping.

• The liver metabolizes edibles into a more potent compound, creating a slower, deeper and longer high.

• Skin absorption offers localized medicinal effects without psychoactivity.

• Tolerance varies based on the consumption method—what works for one pathway may not translate to the other.

By embracing these differences and approaching each method with curiosity and mindfulness, you can unlock cannabis’ full potential while avoiding unpleasant surprises.

¹National Library of Medicine - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7150944/

First, I want to acknowledge the Wildfires in LA - How sad to see peoples lives being completely changed through the story of fire in just a few days. I pray that beauty will rise through the ashes in a way that I can’t even imagine at this time. Here is a link to a Google Doc that has links to 158 trusted GoFundMes that goes directly to families or communities. Please consider helping if you can.

Free Webinar - January 15th

I will be leading a free webinar on the Importance of Cannabis Hospitality on January 15th from 10 - 10:45 PST. Please fill out this form if you’re interested in attending.

What we will discuss

- What is Cannabis Hospitality

- Total Addressable Market

- The North Star of Cannabis Consumption

- The Opportunity to Impact Peoples Lives

- The Importance of Skilled Professionals

- Business / Service Models

- Q&A

I appreciate you and look forward to seeing you on Jan 15th!

Sign up form for the free webinar

A Quick House Cleaning - Because we’ll save the deep cleaning for the Spring

We have updated our about page to teach you how to follow the information of the CashoM Sunbstack so you can make the most of it! Please see below our check out our about page.

You will notice letters M and U at the end of each post that comes from the CashoM body of work which a 220 page book originally created for Cannabis Sommeliers. This stands for module and unit. M2 - U3 = Module 2 Unit 3. Over the course of the next year all of this work will be published and think of it as an arc starting at the beginning and ending in Module 12. It’s important to follow the arc as there’s a reason to chronologically follow the flow of information.

*** A Quick Note: The CashoM Cannabis Hospitality Stewardship Program for professionals by Philip Wolf is $500 off through December. Apply here

Ingesting cannabis—through edibles or drinkables—offers a journey unlike any other method of consumption. Where smoking provides rapid effects through the bloodstream, ingestibles follow a longer, more intricate path, metabolized by the liver. When metabolized, Delta-9 THC (the normal compound that gives us a euphoric “high feeling” while other compounds give us other feelings) turns into 11-Hydroxy-THC. This process and new compound transforms the experience, creating effects that are often deeper, longer-lasting, and more physical than the highs from smoking.

For many, edibles (infusions) and drinkables are an opportunity to savor cannabis mindfully, blending it seamlessly into meals, celebrations, or quiet evenings at home. For many, and I say this noting that I’m not a Dr. But people consume edibles for deep sleep and pain management. If we want to reflect on what infusions can remind us to honor not just the substance but the process. Preparing, serving, and consuming ingestibles can be a ritual that invites intention and care into our relationship with cannabis.

What Are Edibles and Drinkables?

Edibles and drinkables, or ingestibles, are foods and beverages infused with THC and other cannabinoids. They are a bridge between culinary creativity and the transformative effects of cannabis. Unlike smoked or vaporized cannabis, which acts quickly by entering the bloodstream, ingestibles take their time, traveling through the digestive system and liver. This process alters THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound with a more potent and enduring effect.

However, some THC beverages use an emulsification process that allows THC to process through your saliva, by passing your liver. We will have a future Substack post about this in the future.

How Ingestibles Work

Cannabis is fat-soluble, meaning it binds to fats to enter your system. Eating edibles on a full stomach ensures the cannabinoids have fat to bind to, delivering their effects more consistently. On an empty stomach, edibles may take longer to kick in—or fail to produce noticeable effects at all.

This fat-binding property explains why the same dose can feel dramatically different depending on when and how you consume it. Always check in with your body, eat first, and start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to edibles.

The Unique Nature of Edibles

When consuming edibles, you’re primarily experiencing the effects of cannabinoids like THC or CBD, as terpenes—the compounds responsible for cannabis’ “mood benefits” or “energetic’s”—are often lost during the infusion process. This means traditional distinctions like traditional indica or sativa don’t apply to ingestibles, despite what some packaging may claim. Any perceived differences are likely a placebo effect based on expectations rather than chemical reality. Also, you can add other herbs to reach traditional indica/sativa effects but left alone, you’re just experiencing the effects of Cannabinoids which do not effect traditional indica or sativa effects.

Edibles shine when you’re looking for a sustained, body-focused effect. They’re ideal for restful evenings, and experiences when the sustained, body-focused effect is desired. Edibles last for 8-12 hours which anchors in the importance of dialing in your dose.

Why Choose Drinkables?

Drinkables, like edibles, are a versatile and enjoyable way to consume cannabis. However, they act faster—effects may begin within 15 to 30 minutes, as liquids require less digestion. With certain technology, drinks can process through our saliva for fast acting effects. Pre-packed cannabis beverages are growing in popularity, but the true magic often lies in mixologist-crafted drinks, which bring artistry and customization to the table.

Drinkables are perfect for social gatherings, offering the familiar comfort of raising a glass while delivering the unique effects of cannabis. Whether you’re sipping a sparkling THC tonic or a CBD-infused mocktail, these beverages offer a communal, celebratory experience.

Crafting Edibles and Drinkables

The art of infusing cannabis into food or drink begins with decarboxylation, the process of activating cannabinoids through heat like THC from their raw forms. Once activated, cannabis can be infused into butter, oils, or syrups—or even used as a spice in its decarboxylated form. Each method offers distinct flavors and textures, allowing for endless culinary creativity.

• Infused Butters and Oils: These are the foundations of many cannabis recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes. While butter is easier to infuse, oils like olive or coconut provide greater versatility.

• Decarboxylated Cannabis as a Spice: Using cannabis directly as a garnish or seasoning adds texture and a subtle herbal flavor to dishes.

• Drinkable Infusions: Syrups, tinctures, and concentrates can turn any beverage into a cannabis-infused creation.

Pre-Packaged vs. Chef-Crafted Options

• Pre-Packaged Edibles and Drinks: These are widely available at dispensaries, ranging from simple gummies to gourmet chocolates and beverages. Labels provide dosage information, making them ideal for those seeking convenience and consistency.

• Chef-Crafted Edibles: When created by a cannabis chef, the possibilities are limitless. These experiences can be tailored to suit any occasion, offering precise dosing alongside culinary artistry.

Serving Suggestions and Dosage Guidelines

Everyone’s tolerance and metabolism are different, so proper dosing is essential. A bad edible experience—where effects are too strong or last too long—can turn someone away from cannabis entirely. Here are some general guidelines:

Dosage Calculator For Those Who Want To Make Their Own Edible - By Wake and Bake

• First-Time Users: Start with no more 2.5 mg of THC and wait at least two hours before consuming more.

• Occasional Consumers: Begin with 2.5–5 mg of THC. If comfortable, consider a second serving after a few hours.

• Daily or Heavy Consumers: 10 mg or more, adjusted to personal tolerance.

Mindful Consumption

Ingestibles invite us to slow down and reflect. They’re not just about the high—they’re about the process. Preparing, serving, and savoring these creations can be a grounding ritual, helping you connect to the plant, your body, and the present moment.

As you explore edibles and drinkables, remember to honor your limits and approach each experience with curiosity and respect. What is your “why” to consume? In doing so, you’ll deepen your relationship with cannabis and discover new ways it can enrich your life.

A Quick Story

When I was on a special working group for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to help determine important consumer education to be implemented at cannabis consumption lounges, I had an important suggestion. That suggestion was to require lounges to have information that taught consumers the difference in edibles and smokables processing in the body. The “horror stories” in the cannabis world come from people eating too much THC in edibles - often this is due to the fact that people feel they have a big tolerance for flower and that will translate to edibles which is not the case. The CDPHE did not take my advice and I’m still at a loss with how many people who work in the industry don’t know this information. But hey, no you do! I hope that feels good.

In every journey, there’s a beginning. For cannabis, that beginning is the flower—the blossom of the female cannabis plant and the origin point for all cannabis products. From the potent compounds in the trichomes to the whole flower itself, every concentrate, edible, tincture and topical traces its roots back to this vibrant bloom.

Cultures have long revered flowers as symbols of life cycles and renewal, teaching us that every blossom carries meaning beyond its physical beauty. I invite you to really sit with this, perhaps you can feel it in your body. Cannabis flower, too, invites us into deeper connection and mindfulness. As the plant flowers, it transforms, just as we do in our moments of growth.

This lesson focuses on the essence of cannabis flower—what it is, why people consume it, how much to consume, and the tools we use to enjoy it. Whether you’re an experienced connoisseur seeking a refresher or someone new to cannabis, this foundational knowledge sets the stage for a thoughtful relationship with the plant.

What is Flower?

Cannabis flower—known by names like bud, pot, weed, chronic, or kind bud—is the harvested, cured blossom of the cannabis plant. The flower produces trichomes which hold the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids we associate with cannabis’ effects.

To unlock these effects, cannabinoids like THC require heat to activate. This is why smoking or vaporizing flower is common, though, albeit rare, the flower can also be consumed raw (offering nutritional but non-psychoactive benefits).

From its natural state, flower can be transformed into concentrates, edibles, tinctures or topical’s, but many still find its unaltered form the purest way to experience cannabis.

Tools for Consuming Flower

Smoking flower requires more than just the plant itself. Many tools can enhance the experience, but all you truly need is a flame and an open mind.

Smoking Apparatuses:

• Pipe: A compact, simple option for quick consumption.

• Bong: A water-filled device that cools and filters smoke for a smoother hit.

• Bubbler: A smaller, portable version of a bong.

• Joint: Cannabis rolled in paper, ready to be shared or enjoyed solo.

• Blunt: Cannabis rolled in cigar paper, offering a longer, often more robust session.

  

Additional Tools:

• Tray: For breaking up, packing a bowl or rolling a joint.

• Grinder: To break up cannabis. I prefer my fingers as I get a better connection to the cannabis. If cannabis is moist, a grinder is preferred.

• Flame: A lighter or hemp wick (a wick that you can light to then put it to the bowl, this is healthier as you are not inhaling butane) to spark the cannabis.

• Bowl Poker: For clearing the remainder of the bowl.

• Ashtray: To put your ash and the remnant of the flower.

Mindful Consumption

Take a moment to ask yourself: Is flower the right choice for me? If it is, consider which consumption methods and dosage fit different moments in your life. Remember to introduce yourself, set an intention and give thanks to the cannabis at the very least. Remember reciprocity.

By taking simple steps of intentionally selecting how, your dosing and when to consume, you create space for mindfulness in your cannabis journey - which can create small steps of repetition for mindfulness in other areas of life. As humans, starting with small actions and creating patterns can lead to larger changes in yourself, cannabis is a beautiful ally in a bigger journey. Like the flower itself, this practice can deepen your connection to the plant and to yourself.

Let the flower remind you of its origin—of its transformation into something more—and allow it to inspire your own blossoming.

Just like our own family heritage, cannabis carries a lineage that influences how it grows, looks, and affects those who consume it. Genetics—the fundamental units of inheritance—are what make each strain or cultivar unique. These are passed down from parent plants to their offspring, shaping traits that determine how a particular strain will make you feel and what physical qualities it will have which lies alongside the growing conditions which can be like the conditions us humans are raised in… Think sun grown vs indoor lighting, organic vs toxic nutrients, hydro vs soil etc…

Cannabis genetics play a crucial role in creating the experience each individual has when consuming the plant. Just as your own genetics contribute to your appearance, personality, and health, cannabis genetics determine its flavor, effects, and how it thrives in different growing environments. The crossing of genetics has been instrumental in adapting cannabis to grow in various conditions around the world, as well as in developing desirable traits for consumption ie.. terpene profiles and THC percentages.

Phenotype’s: The Unique Expression of Cannabis Genetics

While genetics form the blueprint of a strain, phenotype’s represent the visible and sensory characteristics that come to life. A phenotype is the specific expression of the genetic code—how a strain looks, smells, tastes, and performs which is mainly based upon terpenes and flavonoids which are part of the compound makeup (we will go deep on these compounds in the coming months which are the secret sauce:). Think of phenotype’s like identical twins: they share the same genetic foundation, but subtle differences in appearance or behavior distinguish them. Similarly, two plants with the same genetics may express different phenotypes, leading to small, but noticeable, variations between them.

Historically, when breeding cannabis, cultivators aim to select the strongest phenotype from a batch. They look for traits like vibrant color, high THC, enticing aroma, robust structure, or large yield. Now, some cultivators look for specific compound make ups not always determined by high amounts of THC or CBD per se but a spectrum that provokes an effect that people like. For me personally, I prefer THC content of 17%, a small amount of CBD for the health benefits and different terpene profiles for different moments. By choosing the best of these expressions, cultivators help ensure that the most desirable qualities of the plant are passed on. Unless they are trying to cultivate a cultivar that needs to thrive in a certain environmental condition, then they will look for traits that will allow the strain to do so.

Crossing Genetics: Creating New Cultivars

The process of crossing genetics involves using male pollen from one strain and applying it to the female plant of another strain. This pollination leads to the creation of seeds, which hold the genetic material of both parent plants, resulting in a new cultivar with a combination of traits from each.

Cultivars and Landrace Strains

Some strains, known as landrace strains, have remained relatively untouched by human cultivation, evolving naturally in specific regions over centuries. These landrace strains, such as Durban Poison, Hindu Kush, Thai Stick, Acapulco Gold, and Afghani, represent the geographical origins of cannabis. Their genetics have adapted to the specific climate and terrain of their native environments, making them unique in their natural state.

Hybrids and Famous Crosses

As humans have intervened, crossing genetics has created many famous hybrid strains. Some of the most legendary cannabis lineages include the OG strains, Kush varieties, Hazes, and Diesels. These hybrids have become famous for their potency, unique flavors, adaptation to growing environments and effects, combining the best qualities of their parent strains to create new experiences for consumers.

Appreciation

By understanding the deeper ancestral roots of cannabis, we can better appreciate its diverse offerings and the unique experiences it provides. Some say cannabis was the first farmed crop¹ by humans which spurred a whole new way of human existence. Prominent along ancient trade routes, cannabis has truly intertwined with human development for thousands of years. Now, with the specific precision in which cannabis is bread you can create fine tuned feelings that can be used to enhance areas of life, awakening a the North Star of communing with cannabis reciprocally within right relation by mastering the lens of being high as a creative force to your pursuits. Soon, through science, these specific breeding techniques will create a health revolution as we understand what cannabinoids affect what part of the endocannabinoid system healing the body. May we be reciprocal with cannabis as the plant will do many wonders for our life. May we honor our lineages.

¹"Marihuana: The First Twelve Thousand Years" (Springer, 1980).