Effects of Cannabis

Urdedpal

New Member
THE HIGH
THC
Cannabis plants produce psychoactive ingredients called cannabinoids. The main ingredient in cannabinoids that gives the high effect is called delta-9 THC. All strains vary in THC levels and quantities or percentages. The difference between THC levels and THC quantities is that THC levels are genetically determined: they cannot be influenced by the grower. THC quantities, on the other hand, are related to bud mass and how much resin can be collected from that bud mass. By way of example: some bud may only contain 20 percent THC, with a THC level of 5. The same plant grown under better conditions could produce 70 percent THC, with a THC level of 5. The level is genetic. The quantities of 20 percent and 70 percent are under the grower's control.
CH3
OH
H3C
C3Hn


Genetic THC levels correspond to the ratio of THC to other cannabinoids contained in the trichomes of the pistils of a flowering female plant. Although this ratio varies depending on the strain, how it is grown, when it harvested and how it is cured, under optimal conditions a stable strain should produce a consistent THC level that is genetically inherited. Once the THC level is genetically set in the cannabis seed it can not be increased past this point during the plant's life. Likewise, the maximum quantities of bud that the plant can produce are also genetic and can not increase past this point during the plant's life. The grower should endeavor to create a growing environment which optimizes both these traits to their full potential. Emphasis should be made here on choosing good genetics. You can't improve on something that isn't there in the first place.
An optimally potent plant will have both high levels and quantities of delta-9 THC. Cannabis plants also produce a compound called delta-8 THC. This ingredient is found in low levels but does contribute to the high. When we mention THC levels, we are referring to both delta-8 and delta-9 THC. There are also other ingredients that add to the high, such as CBD, CBI\I, THCV, CBDV, CDC and CBL. Since these are minor components compared to THC they will not be discussed in this book.

When examining a strain in a seed bank catalogue you can check the THC levels of that plant to understand the potency. Many seed retailers and breeders measure their plants' THC levels and offer accounts of how much THC their plants have. Of course, breeders may be tempted to embellish the THC levels their plants produce. If you want to know more about the THC level of a specific strain, you should consider consulting the seed bank or breeder for details.
 
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