Elevated Education
…is your go-to resource for cannabis knowledge at Beach Boys Cannabis Co., a trusted weed dispensary serving South Portland, Scarborough, and Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Whether you're new to cannabis or a seasoned enthusiast, our educational hub offers comprehensive guides on weed strains, consumption methods, and the science behind cannabinoids and terpenes.
Explore detailed breakdowns of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, learn about the anatomy of the cannabis plant, and discover the aromatic world of terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene. Our content is designed to enhance your understanding and appreciation of cannabis, helping you make informed choices about the products available at our dispensary.
At Beach Boys Cannabis Co., we believe that education is key to a positive cannabis experience. Visit our Elevated Education page to deepen your knowledge and connect with our community of informed consumers.
Love your BUDs
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Let’s dive into the key parts of the cannabis plant:
Flowers/Buds: The epicenter of the plant, packed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and aromatic terpenes. These are the primo parts, harvested and dried for consumption or further processing.
Leaves: Sporting serrated edges, leaves have fewer cannabinoids but still pack some punch. Perfect for teas or extracts.
Stems: The sturdy backbone, transporting essentials and sometimes used for hemp fiber.
Seeds: Nutrient-rich and versatile, seeds are great for food, oil, or sprouting.
Trichomes: Tiny, resinous, and packed with cannabinoids and terpenes, trichomes are what give cannabis its sticky, aromatic goodness.
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Cannabinoids are natural compounds in cannabis that interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), influencing various bodily functions. Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most studied.
THC: The main psychoactive component, causing the "high," with potential pain-relief and anti-nausea effects.
CBD: Non-psychoactive, known for anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, anxiety-reducing, and anticonvulsant properties.
CBG: A minor cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective effects; a precursor to other cannabinoids.
CBC: Non-psychoactive, with potential anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antidepressant properties, often working synergistically with other cannabinoids.
CBN: Mildly psychoactive, formed from THC degradation, known for potential sedative effects.
Each cannabinoid uniquely interacts with the ECS, and their combinations in strains influence overall effects and therapeutic benefits.
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Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique scent and flavor, from citrusy and piney to earthy and spicy. Found in the resin glands alongside THC and CBD, terpenes play several important roles:
Aroma and Flavor: They create the distinct smells and tastes of different strains, like citrus, pine, berry, and earth.
Entourage Effect: Terpenes work with cannabinoids to enhance or modify their effects, producing varied physiological and psychological responses.
Therapeutic Potential: Many terpenes have their own therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety effects.
Strain Differentiation: Terpene profiles help distinguish strains and guide consumers to the effects they desire.
Some primary terpenes include:
Myrcene: Earthy, musky aroma, sedative effects.
Limonene: Citrus scent, uplifting and anti-anxiety properties.
Pinene: Pine aroma, anti-inflammatory, and focus-enhancing.
Caryophyllene: Spicy scent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic.
Linalool: Floral aroma, relaxing and stress-relief.
Humulene: Earthy aroma, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-suppressing.
These terpenes are not unique to cannabis but are crucial in shaping the plant's overall experience and therapeutic benefits.
DIVE IN: CONCENTRATES
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Highly potent or concentrated cannabis product extracted without the use of chemicals.
BUBBLE HASH or ICE WATER HASH is made by rehydrating plant material in ice water, freezing resinous trichomes, making them brittle and break off with the slightest agitation. The remaining ice water hash slurry is filtered through a set of screens or bubble bags, with increasingly fine micron ratings leaving behind a pure powder-like substance, defining the micron-range-specific hash (i.e. 90u-120u). This process of extraction best preserves the aroma and flavor. ROSIN extraction is completed by pressing dried flower, kief, drysift, or bubble hash between two heated plates (about 120°F to 220°F). Beach Boys Cannabis Co. curates the finest collection of LIVE ROSIN or HASH ROSIN, extracting solely from fresh frozen plant resin or bubble hash. The high pressure and controlled heat of the rosin press can extract concentrates up to 90% THC, while maintaining their terpene profile, aroma and flavor.
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Solvents are chemicals used along with heat and pressure to break down cannabis plant material and extract key components including oils, cannabinoids, and terpenes. Solvents, commonly butane, propane, and ethanol are used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes.
Hydrocarbon or ethanol extraction offers the most efficient method of extracting trichomes from plant material, however requires close attention to safety throughout the extraction process and removing solvents from the consumables. Extracts using butane as the primary solvent are known as Butane Hash Oil or BHO. SHATTER is typically translucent, golden in color with a glass-like composition. WAX is described by its texture i.e. BADDER, SUGAR, CRUMBLE.
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Concentrates labeled as LIVE, are created from freezing flower immediately post harvest and keeping material frozen through the extraction process to best preserve terpene profile in solvent based extractions. LIVE RESIN offers the best preservation of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids when using solvents. CURED products differ by beginning extraction from dried/cured plant material. These terms are often used to describe both RESIN, BADDER, and SAUCE.
Deep Dive on Terps: Terpinoline
Terpinolene is a lesser-known cannabis terpene with a complex aroma blending pine, floral, and citrus notes. Found in lilacs, nutmeg, and apples, terpinolene is linked to potential antioxidant, sedative, and antimicrobial effects. Learn how it contributes to uplifting strains like Jack Herer, Ghost Train Haze, and Golden Goat.
Deep Dive on Terps: Ocimene
Ocimene is a sweet, herbal terpene found in cannabis, basil, and lavender. Known for its antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, ocimene contributes to the aromatic profile of strains like Jack Herer and Golden Goat. Explore the benefits and natural sources of this versatile terpene.
Deep Dive on Terps: Nerolidol
Nerolidol is a floral and woody terpene found in cannabis, jasmine, ginger, and lemongrass. Known for its calming effects, nerolidol is linked to potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and sedative benefits. This terpene is commonly used in skincare, aromatherapy, and natural medicine. Discover how nerolidol enhances cannabis strains like Skywalker OG, Sweet Skunk, and Island Jack Herer with its soothing properties and rich aroma.
Deep Dive on Terps: Bisabolol
Discover bisabolol, a soothing terpene found in cannabis and chamomile, celebrated for its sweet, floral aroma and potential therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Learn about bisabolol-rich cannabis strains like AC/DC, Harle-Tsu, and Pink Kush, and explore how this terpene enhances your cannabis experience.