Welcome back to Week 4 of Cannabis 101! If you’ve been following along, you know this series is all about breaking cannabis down into fun, easy-to-digest lessons. This week, we’re pulling back the curtain on what actually happens when cannabis enters your system—and trust us, it’s cooler than you think.
Educational Nuggets
1. Meet Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The ECS is your body’s internal “balancing act.” It helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite, and even pain responses. When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with ECS receptors, nudging your body back toward balance (a fancy word for this is homeostasis).
2. Cannabinoids vs. Terpenes
Cannabinoids are the chemical stars (THC, THCa, CBD, CBG, etc.), but terpenes set the stage. They’re the aromatic compounds that give each strain its unique scent and flavor. Bonus? Terpenes also influence your experience—think calming lavender-like linalool or energizing citrusy limonene.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: All cannabis gets you high.
Fact: Nope! Compounds like THCa, CBD, and CBG are non-psychoactive until heated. You only get “high” when THCa becomes THC through heat (like smoking, vaping, or baking).
Myth: Stronger weed = better weed.
Fact: THC percentage isn’t the only measure of quality. The entourage effect—how cannabinoids and terpenes work together—often matters more than raw potency.
Wellness Insight
Cannabis is about more than just chilling out. It’s about supporting balance in your everyday life. THCa flower can bring calm without the buzz, CBD can help quiet your mind for better sleep, and CBG can sharpen focus without the jitters. Think of cannabis as a toolkit—different products for different moments.
Final Thoughts
That’s it for Week 4 of Cannabis 101! Now you know a little more about how cannabis works inside your body and why there’s so much more to it than just THC percentages.
👉 Stay tuned for Week 5, where we’ll break down dosing and how to find your sweet spot without going overboard.
Related Readings:
Cannabis 101: Week 1 – Start from the beginning with the basics of cannabis education.
Cannabis 101: Week 2 – From cannabinoids like THCa and CBG to terpenes and strain effects
Cannabis 101: Week 3 – Explore terpenes, the entourage effect, myth-busting truths, and mindful cannabis use.
Nature’s Treatment – Explore how natural remedies like THCa and CBD support wellness.
What Does 420 Mean? – A fun look at cannabis culture and where 420 came from.
Not Your Average Walk-In Dispensary – See why our shop feels more like family than a storefront.
Why Visit a Local Dispensary Instead of Shopping Online? – The real benefits of shopping local in Galesburg.
How to Store Your Cannabis Flower for Maximum Freshness – Keep your flower fresh and potent with these tips
Your Guide to Buying THCa the Right Way – Learn what to look for when buying THCa flower in Illinois.
Explore Our Illinois Dispensary Menu – Check out the latest farm-fresh THCa flower, edibles, and vapes.