At Chalice, we believe all cannabis, whether indoor or sun grown, can lead to incredible cannabis. But as cannabis continues to expand and history continues to be written, we figured we'd get into exactly what makes sun grown weed cultivation different than indoor harvests.

Joints consist of cannabis rolled up inside a thin rolling paper that is usually white, but novelty papers come in all colors and flavors. Papers can be big, small, or made out of hemp, rice, paper, etc. There are all kinds of variants…

Dabs are hyper-concentrated amounts of cannabis that are made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids using a solvent like butane or carbon dioxide. The resulting sticky oils can harden in a solid or almost crystalline form, or remain nearly liquid in a syrupy oil form.

When people think of beloved weed holidays, they typically think of 4/20 or 7/10. But, for true cannabis connoisseurs, their minds go to the entire month of October and early November as it is an entire month packed with good cannabis deals and the best sun-grown cannabis they can find.

As cannabis becomes legal in more states, more new cannabis products keep popping up on the market. As a cannabis company, we assume that the influx of products, especially the varieties of concentrates now on the market, must confuse the average consumer if it confuses us…

THCA, or Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid is the acidic form or precursor to THC! It is the most abundant non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis! All cannabinoids start off in their acidic forms which have differing structures and effects than that of their non-acidic versions. They then convert to their counterpart through decarboxylation or a heat source of some sort. Whether this be a lighter, a torch, or an oven as an element for cooking with THC or making edibles.

Cannabidiolic Acid is a compound that is produced by both cannabis and hemp. It is abundantly found in the live plant of the CBD variety and is the king compound in industrial hemp and its’ by-products. Just like CBGA, CBDA converts to CBD over time and when exposed to heat. As mentioned in last week’s article CBGA converts to three major cannabinoids precursor compounds depending on which plant enzymes are activated to direct the synthesis when decarboxylation occurs. This occurs simply when the plant is introduced to or exposed to heat or sunlight. So CBDA is then converted to CBD!

CBC – Is otherwise known as Cannabichromene! CBC is a non-psychotropic phyto-cannabinoid which means it is non- intoxicating and doesn’t affect a person’s thinking. Phyto-cannabinoids are just cannabinoids that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. One of the most distinct characteristics of CBC is its potent anti-inflammatory benefits, amongst others. CBC has the same origins as both THC and CBD in that they all stem from Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA). CBC comes from converting from CBGA into Cannabichrome Carboxylic Acid (CBCA) and then finally to CBC after exposure to heat or ultraviolet light. However, CBC is still a cannabinoid that needs to be further researched to examine all the benefits this cannabinoid has to offer.

CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a chemical in the Cannabis Sativa plant. What is the Cannabis Sativa plant? It is just the biological name for cannabis or hemp. CBD has little to no amount of THC and has effects on some chemicals in the brain that are different from THC! Cannabis is a genus of plants that contains many different compounds that can have different effects on the body. Two different cannabis plants are marijuana and hemp. Two chemicals in these plants are THC and CBD. Marijuana has higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD and hemp has higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC. For those that seek medical marijuana, CBD is an essential component, it is derived directly from the hemp plant – a “cousin” or another form of the cannabis plant.

CBN otherwise known as Cannabinol is a non-intoxicating compound that is most commonly known as the cannabinoid that is created when THC ages or when THC-A oxidizes. This cannabinoid is produced when marijuana and hemp plants are exposed over long periods of time to both air and sunlight. This causes the THC to convert to CBN! This cannabinoid is unique as it can bind to both CB1 and CB2 receptors within the bodies Endocannabinoid System. but tends to have a higher affinity for CB2. This means that it works synergistically within the body’s immune system to help regulate the immune system as well as the peripheral nervous system.

CBG or Cannabigerol is a minor cannabinoid but is also said to be the mother of all cannabinoids! Why? well because without it, cannabis would have no high! AND all other cannabinoids are derived from Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA) which is an acidic form of CBG. Even THC and CBD! Holy mother of cannabinoids! CBG is derived from a young cannabis plant, specifically when a cannabis plant begins to mature and bud, as they contain higher amounts of CBG than a fully developed plant. As a cannabis plant matures– various enzymes and compounds combine to create CBGA, which is where all cannabinoids start as the plant nears the end of its grow cycle. With the combination of UV light, the absorption of this light goes and converts THCA and CBDA.

First things first – a Cannabinoid is a type of chemical in the Marijuana plant that causes drug-like effects within the brain and body. These interact specifically within the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the immune system. To break it down even further, Cannabinoid refers to every chemical substance that joins to the Cannabinoid receptors that are present all over our brain and body. These are compounds that are found in the cannabis plant (or synthetic compounds) that interact with the Endocannabinoid system.

This last terpene is another simple terpene that is known for its ability to assist with bone health, it's ability to induce red eyes and cottonmouth, and it's ability to fight inflammation. Like some of the other lesser known and more simple terpenes, Delta 3 Carene is found in plant essential oils, is a common ingredient in cosmetics, fragrances, and food as a flavoring agent for things such as OJ, salad dressing, teas. Delta 3 Carene is also an industrial strength insect repellant!

Phytol is one of those terpenes that shows up in trace amounts but with the combination of the plant matter and the Entourage Effect this terpene can provide some powerful benefits and provide relief for various ailments. Phytol is uniquely used as a precursor in the manufacturing of synthetic vitamins such as E and K1. This terpene also is a food additive to spices, extracts, food colorings, and flavorings. In addition, the chlorophyll in plants is also derived from Phytol. Lastly, Phytol is most commonly used in cannabis as a cutting agent for vape pens specifically. 

Valencene is a unique and rare terpene that has a similar aroma to that of Limonene. This is a unique terpene that contains medicinal benefits but also acts as a powerful insecticide that specifically helps repel fleas, ticks, and mosquitos. It is utilized within pest control as well as cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care items. Valencene is also used specifically in infused Olive Oils but also other food preparations like salad dressings, etc.

Derived from Geranium Plant, Geraniol is a rare terpene that isn’t the easiest to find! It is most recognizable by its predominant smell of roses. Geraniol is a major player in the fragrance industry- perfumes, colognes, lotions, candles, etc. and it is also a popular food additive in pastries and desserts and is considered a natural flavoring agent for ice cream and candy. This terpene also has the unique ability to be found in bees yet act as a repellant for mosquitos and other insects, and just like the terpene from last week: Camphene, Geraniol is a common ingredient in citronella that naturally helps repel bugs. Since this terpene is so rare a good rule of thumb is to find strains that have higher percentages of Linalool as this usually correlates to a percentage of Geraniol.

Camphene may be a simple secondary terpene, but it is a powerhouse! Offering many useful benefits and effects and provides relief for pain, stress, heart health, skin conditions and more. Historically Camphene was used medicinally but was also used in the 19th century as an ingredient to help fuel lamps. Now, Camphene is an ingredient in citronella to help provide light while also fending off bugs and pests.

Borneol helps support the cannabis plant in more ways than just the Entourage Effect. Borneol helps the plant repel insects and parasites and helps maintain the necessary growth cycle needed to produce quality cannabis flower.

Unlike Myrcene and Limonene, Nerolidol is a secondary terpene! This means that it doesn’t show up in massive amounts and has more of a subtle presence that is enhanced and contributes to the effects of other terpenes. This means that Nerolidol is a critical component of the Entourage Effect, meaning it is enhanced and supportive to the effects of all the terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, etc. all working together synergistically.

Eucalyptol is a versatile terpene that has been used and is present in a wide range of applications. This includes herbal medicine, spa treatments and products, balms and lotions, western medicine, aromatherapy, cannabis, and more.