We have various medical cannabis seeds available in South Africa. Cannabis produces a variety compounds known as plant cannabinoids, many of which have not been detected in any other plant. There are over 480 natural components found in cannabis sativa, of which 66 have been classified as cannabinoids which are chemicals unique to the cannabis plant.
8 Major cannabinoid acids produced by cannabis
Cannabis doesn’t directly make the most famous cannabinoids associated with the plant, THC and CBD. Instead, it synthesizes several cannabinoid acids. These cannabinoid acids must be “activated” (decarboxylated), usually by heat, to yield the compounds that most consumers are after (THC or CBD). But in addition to THCA and CBDA, there are number of related cannabinoid acids that can be produced by cannabis.
THCA and CBDA are usually the most abundant cannabinoids in strains. The major cannabinoid acids include CBGA, THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. CBGA is the starting compound that enzymes in the plant use to make the other three. In addition to these, there are an equal number of corresponding “V” compounds with slightly shorter chemical structures: CBGVA, THCVA, CBDVA, and CBCVA.
Cannabinoid acids are not known to produce intoxicating effects like THC. But they do have a variety of interesting properties. For example, many cannabinoid acids have antibiotic or insecticidal properties. This is likely related to the reason Cannabis produces these compounds in the first place: to defend itself.
Raw Cannabis vs. Decarboxylated Cannabis
Raw cannabis is plant matter that has not been dried or cured. Once cured, a small amount of decarboxylation occurs. The rest takes place when the plant material is heated – or combusted – to temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, marijuana still has beneficial uses in its raw, uncured form. Before curing and decarboxylation, THC and CBD – the two most active cannabis compounds – exist as acids (THC-A and CBD-A). These acids possess anti-inflammatory effects, similar to vitamins and minerals found in other plant-based foods.
If you consume raw cannabis, use either the fan leaves or flowers that have been freshly-picked. Raw marijuana can be stored in your refrigerator just as long as other greens like kale or spinach. However, it is essential to monitor your raw cannabis because it is prone to wilting and mold. This is particularly true for densely-packed flowers that contain a high moisture content.
If left undisturbed, the active compounds in cannabis will decarboxylate over time. However, total decarboxylation of THC-A and CBD-A in raw plant material would take years. When exposed to heat, the compounds decarboxylate instantaneously.
Medical Cannabis Seeds South Africa
We have various medical cannabis seeds available in South Africa.
Cannabis produces a variety compounds known as plant cannabinoids, many of which have not been detected in any other plant. There are over 480 natural components found in cannabis sativa, of which 66 have been classified as cannabinoids which are chemicals unique to the cannabis plant.
8 Major cannabinoid acids produced by cannabis
Cannabis doesn’t directly make the most famous cannabinoids associated with the plant, THC and CBD. Instead, it synthesizes several cannabinoid acids. These cannabinoid acids must be “activated” (decarboxylated), usually by heat, to yield the compounds that most consumers are after (THC or CBD). But in addition to THCA and CBDA, there are number of related cannabinoid acids that can be produced by cannabis.
These are:
CBGA (Cannabigerolic acid)
THCA (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
CBDA (Cannabidiolic acid)
CBCA (Cannabichromenenic acid)
CBGVA (Cannabigerovarinic acid)
THCVA (Tetrahydrocanabivarinic acid)
CBDVA (Cannabidivarinic acid)
CBCVA (Cannabichromevarinic acid)
THCA and CBDA are usually the most abundant cannabinoids in strains. The major cannabinoid acids include CBGA, THCA, CBDA, and CBCA. CBGA is the starting compound that enzymes in the plant use to make the other three. In addition to these, there are an equal number of corresponding “V” compounds with slightly shorter chemical structures: CBGVA, THCVA, CBDVA, and CBCVA.
Cannabinoid acids are not known to produce intoxicating effects like THC. But they do have a variety of interesting properties. For example, many cannabinoid acids have antibiotic or insecticidal properties. This is likely related to the reason Cannabis produces these compounds in the first place: to defend itself.
Raw Cannabis vs. Decarboxylated Cannabis
Raw cannabis is plant matter that has not been dried or cured. Once cured, a small amount of decarboxylation occurs. The rest takes place when the plant material is heated – or combusted – to temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, marijuana still has beneficial uses in its raw, uncured form. Before curing and decarboxylation, THC and CBD – the two most active cannabis compounds – exist as acids (THC-A and CBD-A). These acids possess anti-inflammatory effects, similar to vitamins and minerals found in other plant-based foods.
If you consume raw cannabis, use either the fan leaves or flowers that have been freshly-picked. Raw marijuana can be stored in your refrigerator just as long as other greens like kale or spinach. However, it is essential to monitor your raw cannabis because it is prone to wilting and mold. This is particularly true for densely-packed flowers that contain a high moisture content.
If left undisturbed, the active compounds in cannabis will decarboxylate over time. However, total decarboxylation of THC-A and CBD-A in raw plant material would take years. When exposed to heat, the compounds decarboxylate instantaneously.
Medical Cannabinoid CBD CBG Strains Seeds South Africa
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