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Welcome back to Equinoxx’s Cannabis Education Series, where today, I’m giving the essential run-down on prominent cannabinoids we experience with medicinal cannabis. If your health journey has led you here, I could bet you’ve heard of THC and CBD, popular and prevalent cannabinoids that patients use every day to find balance, peace, and harmony. I’m here to tell you there’s SO MUCH MORE to explore about cannabis than just THC or CBD; it is chock-full of compounds that, especially together, create an array of beneficial effects. While science has identified hundreds of phytocannabinoids within cannabis—and though we live in a highly technological era—very few isolated compounds have been the subject of scientific research, due to the widespread illegality of the plant. What we do know is the cannabinoids researched so far already give us a clear view into the power of the cannabis plant. Let’s get into it! The Mother of All Cannabinoids, CBG Before diving into the compounds you’re surely familiar with by now, THC and CBD, we must take a moment to appreciate and understand the one who started it all, Cannabigerol (CBG). Cannabinoids are structural isomers, meaning they have the same molecular formula, but different structures. In other words, they’re using the same ingredients, but are baking different cakes. Each molecule contains the same number of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen atoms, but uses them differently, resulting in different physiological and mental effects to the human body. This all stems from the innate makeup of CBG; cannabinoids such as THC and CBD form during the maturing and breaking down of the original CBG. Unfortunately, because it’s difficult to isolate, there’s not too much research available for its acute effects. However, we do know CBG interacts directly with our CB1 and CB2 receptors, and it’s been found to aid in appetite loss, bacterial infections, cancer, glaucoma, central nervous system disorders, and more. We Know Her Well: CBD Of all the cannabinoids science has researched thus far, we know the most about CBD. Unlike other cannabinoids, Cannabidiol doesn’t bind directly to our CB1 and CB2 receptors. Rather, it binds to other receptors in our body, which in turn speak to our cannabinoid receptors. It’s neuroprotective and arguably mildly euphoric, but it’s not psychoactive like its popular counterpart, THC. In fact, when taken in conjunction (dosed at the same time), CBD can counterbalance the psychoactive effects of THC. If you’re looking for the heady euphoria of THC, this may be a combo you want to avoid. However, for the many CBD patients who need a stronger physical effect—but who want to avoid the mental effect—this combo can be very powerful. I’ll talk more on the synergistic effect of multiple cannabinoids working as one on a later post, but for now, it’s important to note that as an isolate, CBD offers positive effects on many disorders. CBD has proven effective at providing better sleep, deeper relaxation, and relief from anxiety, depression, and nausea. You’re likely familiar with its effective treatment of epilepsy, but its potential to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, RA, and other inflammatory diseases should not be overlooked. Functionally, CBD is neuroprotective, meaning it slows and prevents diseases of the brain. And while it’s considered as the opposite to THC in euphoric effect, patients often report feeling an overall sense of well-being and bliss with CBD, which is euphoric in its own right. Before THC, There's THC-A Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the non-psychoactive, monocarboxylic precursor to our beloved THC. Fresh cannabis—or any form of cannabis that’s yet to be processed, cooked, or smoked—does NOT contain THC; it contains THC-A. Unlike THC, it does not produce the heady euphoria you get from “weed;” however, it carries more medicinal benefits for patients seeking long-term, body-wide healing. You’ll typically find THC-A in freshly juiced cannabis, cold-pressed tinctures, or in eating fresh cannabis leaves. As with all cannabinoid precursors (e.g. CBD-A), it offers protection from neurological disorders, cancers, and diseases over an extended period of time. Like a vitamin, or a suit of armor, ready to protect before you even know you need protecting. Unfortunately, at this time, it’s simply easier and more economical to use CBD or THC for medicating with cannabis. Fresh and unadulterated leaves—for eating or for juicing—are almost impossible to come by unless you’re growing your own, in which case, it could be difficult to grow enough to sustain a regular diet. However, if you can source cannabis leaves and stems for this purpose, it’s a great, non-psychoactive, supplement to boost your overall health and bring balance to your physiological systems. The "It Girl," THC Well, we really wouldn’t be here today (and by here, I mean the cannabis industry and/or this blog) if it weren’t for the one, the only… Tetrahydrocannabinol. Though it all starts with a healthy dose of THC-A, that cannabinoid is ready and willing to drop a carbon atom and give us the heady euphoria that made “weed,” “ganja,” and “pot” the substance we recognize today. When we light a joint, heat up our vapes, or bake a batch of special brownies, we participate in decarboxylation. Simply put, this is the physical removal of a carbon atom; THC-A transforms into THC, a process that triggers the psychoactive “powers” of cannabis. When THC is smoked, your liver turns about half of what’s taken into 11-Hydroxy-THC, the source of weed’s heady, psychoactive effects. More than just psychoactive effects, THC has shown seemingly endless benefits for the mind, body, and soul. It’s a muscle relaxer, an appetite stimulator, pain reliever, and antidepressant. It may surprise you to know it’s also a bronchodilator (it opens your airways), and it has hypotensive properties. Epilepsy, chronic inflammation, and cancer are other disorders we add to this list as well. As we talked on at length in the last article, cannabinoids seek homeostasis; they find an imbalance and level the playing field, so to speak. And while all cannabinoids play their part in helping us find equilibrium, THC seems to drive these benefits to their max capacity. Relief from pain, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and more is typically enhanced when THC is added to the mix. Your Nighttime Cannabinoid Following THC’s life cycle, we arrive at CBN, which I personally like to characterize as “Aged Like a Fine Wine.” Cannabinol results from the degradation of the cannabinoid THC, and you may know it from cannabis products meant for better sleep. Under too high a temperature or with too much oxidation, the compound THC begins to break down; THC decreases, CBN increases. Now, the main reason we have to talk about CBN is that it’s the likely source for so many mis-truths surrounding cannabis. The age-old fallacy that all cannabis makes you “tired, sleepy, stupid” seems to stem primarily from the large presence of CBN in strains we all got before cannabis was regulated. You know, your run-of-the-mill “cartel brick weed.” Back in the day, cannabis was often stored and cured improperly, exposing the product to conditions beneficial to the breakdown of THC. CBN content was higher because of this, resulting in the intergalactic couch-lock we all witnessed in the Just Say No commercials growing up. These days, you’re more likely to experience these effects with CBN-specific products, as it’s not as potent or commonplace in your everyday strain. So yes, it is completely true that CBN causes drowsiness; and yes, it gives you the munchies, too. This makes CBN a great remedy for those suffering with insomnia or appetite loss. It’s also effective at easing pain, spasms, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. Moreover, it’s been shown to delay symptoms of ALS and the spread of drug-resistant pathogens, such as MRSA. This is just the start of what will one day be an entire dictionary of cannabinoids. As science is able to isolate more compounds, researchers will continue to delve into the many ways cannabis helps bring our systems to balance. With the knowledge we do have, however, you can begin making more informed decisions at your local dispensary, as it pertains to your unique biology and health plan. Did we miss your favorite cannabinoid? Has a cannabis question been taking up too much space in your head? Reach out to us! I’m going deep into the world of terpenes and their effects, as well as the prowess of the Entourage Effect, in Part Three of this Cannabis Education Series. For now, stay in touch, and drop us a line! You can stay tuned for the next part in this series, learn more about the zodiac’s relationship to cannabis, or start a chat with us over on Instagram. Research is still young and growing, so the discussion is always on, and we want to hear what you know as well!

For so long, cannabis patients had limited options for consuming the medicinal qualities of nature's miracle plant. Smoking the flower (or bud) was the main way for cannabis users to feel the bountiful effects of the plant’s chemical properties. Some historical studies have found that topical or edible methods of cannabis consumption have existed for hundreds of years, too. In modern times, though, chemical and non-chemical extraction processes allow for a more concentrated form of cannabis use. In essence, cannabis concentrates are (almost) all of the cannabinoids and terpenes that can be extracted from the plant, a process that's done either with or without a chemical solvent. In other words, these products are made exclusively from the chemical compounds that give cannabis users the effects they’re looking for. Without the excess plant material, cannabis products can be up to 3x the THC levels, compared to even the top-shelf cannabis bud available. Some concentrate forms, such as distillate, can even test up to 99% THC! As cannabis becomes more legalized throughout the country, the industry continues to innovate and improve the concentrate experience for consumers, too. If you’ve only had a “dab” once or twice, you might be surprised to learn all there is to know about the vast world of cannabis concentrates. Keep reading to see just what common types of cannabis concentrates are available on the market today. Solventless Cannabis Concentrates The first category of cannabis concentrates we’ll look at is that of solventless products. In essence, these concentrate materials are developed using physical transformations such as shaking, heating, and pressurizing, as opposed to using chemical transformation. What happens when regular cannabis bud is transformed into its concentrated form? Well, the goal of these processes is to remove the tiny appendages called trichomes from the rest of the plant. Trichomes produce resinous secretions with all of those yummy terpenes and sought-after cannabinoids. In solventless concentrates, these trichomes are separated from the rest of the plant without the use of chemicals. The three solventless cannabis concentrates we’re going to look at are kief, hash, and rosin. Kief/Keef Collected in a powdered form, Kief is the simple collection of the shaken leftovers from a cannabis plant. You can collect your own kief at the bottom of an everyday grinder underneath a sifting screen. Kief can be smoked on its own, or you can roll your pre-rolls in them for an infused experience. Hash & Bubble Hash Another favorite solventless form of cannabis concentrate is Bubble Hash. For this process, cannabis buds and ice water are combined in special filtration bags. After vigorously shaking the bags, the cannabis trichomes are released and collected. Other hash is created by a process called Dry Sift Hash, which is also intended to remove the trichomes but only be sifting through a screen. The resulting hash from either process will be great for infusing pre-rolls or producing rosin. Rosin Rosin can be made from dried flower, kief, or hash. This is one of the most popular forms of cannabis concentrate, as it presents the plant’s medicinal quality in its purest form. Without any solvent residue, this concentrate type is more flavorful than many others as it protects the natural terpenes of the plant. Processors will take the flower, kief, or hash and add some heat and pressure to turn the material into rosin. Picture a panini press with two hot plates you can squeeze together. Take your cannabis product, and lay it on some parchment paper on both of the sandwiched hot plates, which should be heated anywhere from 120°F to 220°F. After a proper squeeze of the hot plates, you’ll have the rosin cannabis users know and enjoy so much. Extracts: Cannabis Concentrates Made with Solvents Concentrates that are created with the use of a chemical solvent are called extracts. Commonly recognized chemical solvents are Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), Butane Hash Oil (BHO), and distillate. Supercritical Carbon Dioxide is another solvent often used to extract concentrate material from the cannabis plant. For this article, we’re going to take a look at BHO extracts. Processors will use butane to strip away the cannabinoids and terpenes from a cannabis plant. Don’t worry, though – the process is pretty delicate on the flower itself. For that reason, cannabis users love BHO products since they will retain a lot of the plant’s natural flavors. After the extraction process, there is another level of filtration to ensure any excess chemicals are removed before the concentrate material reaches consumers. It’s the responsibility of the processors to then retest the concentrated materials for potency and harsh chemicals that might still be present. The final cannabis extracts then come in a variety of consistencies that we’re going to take a look at. While this isn’t the most comprehensive list (that could take up an entire book), these are some of the most common types of cannabis extracts, produced specifically from BHO extraction. Shatter One of the first cannabis concentrates available to consumers was Shatter. Shatter is brittle and easily breakable. After it’s extracted via BHO, the product looks like a smooth gold sheet of glass. The lighter the product is in color, the better. Darker cannabis shatter indicates a lower quality, possibly from the presence of leftover chemicals from the extraction process. This is a favorite cannabis concentrate because it has high THC due to its structure remaining intact. Otherwise, processors will stir and whip the shatter to produce a ”wax” or “budder” consistency. Wax When cannabis shatter is vigorously whipped into a runnier consistency, Wax is created. Wax is a favorite concentrate to consume as it’s easy to separate small amounts at a time (as opposed to shatter, which is sometimes too brittle when breaking it apart). Wax is whipped into a malleable form for easy measuring and separating. Since it’s still high in THC and other cannabinoids, cannabis users will often request wax at their local dispensary. Budder/Batter Budder (also called Batter) is smooth and creamy like butter. It’s made by whipping cannabis shatter just like wax is, but budder needs even more whipping to get that softer consistency. It’s glassy in appearance and slightly oily in texture, hence the name. This isn’t the same as cannabutter, though – it’s not to be used as a cooking ingredient! Instead, cannabis budder is still consumed when it’s heated and vaporized (such as when taking a dab). Budder is often bright yellow and has a lot of flavorful terpenes present. Sauce Another popular type of cannabis concentrate made from BHO extraction is called Sauce (also called Terp Sauce). This extract is sticky, gooey, and viscous. It’s sometimes referred to as Terp Sauce due to its high level of terpenes. This material is most often sought after when it’s labeled as High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extract (HTFSE), which indicates a very flavorful profile. Sauce can be found in a variety of colors from light gold to a darker brown. Crumble If you’re interested in a cannabis extract that can easily be added to an already packed bowl, give Crumble a try. Crumble is similar to budder, but it’s duller and matte instead of glossy. It can be easily broken apart – almost in a powdery way like a pie crust – which is why it’s great to add on top of a bowl of cannabis flower to increase the overall potency. It’s worth noting, though, that this product has its crumbly consistency due to its lower level of terpenes than other cannabis concentrates. Keep Researching Common Types of Cannabis Concentrates Cannabis concentrates are beautifully varying and multi-purposeful – just like the different cannabis strains are. If you’re new to the world of cannabis concentrates, take your time to discover what types might be ideal for you. Whether you prefer solventless concentrates or extracts, you’ll find your favorite cannabis products with some thorough research. We also encourage you to stay in the loop with other education and industry updates by following our cannabis blog or checking out our Instagram at your convenience.

Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces comprise the family known as Water Signs. As with the other three elemental groups, Water signs create a triangle across the wheel of the Zodiac, the most stable aspect in astrology. Despite being three unique signs, they have an innate connection with one another; they represent similar traits and areas of power. Elemental Relationships in the Zodiac The Zodiac is a cosmic family comprising 12 unique, but related, “personalities,” or signs. Each sign has distinct characteristics, rules different realms of the universe, and represents exclusive strengths and weaknesses. These 12 signs are divided into four elemental categories: Water, Fire, Air, and Earth. Today (June 21 - July 23), we’re being ruled under the sign of Cancer, a Water sign. Understanding our place in the Zodiac—and therefore, our individual prowess and destiny—illuminates much of our everyday needs, our innate proclivities, and our innermost desires. Guided by this knowledge of ourselves, we can reach for and obtain what we need most out of life, including what we need most out of our medicine. This post (and future articles) attempts to analyze the commonalities in each Zodiac and suggest ways to best express those quirks with cannabis. Considering the vast amount of options we’re given, choosing a cannabis strain, a terpene, or a ritual can be overwhelming. Between a better understanding of yourself and a better understanding of cannabis, you can begin medicating in a more intentional way, and hopefully with greater results. As we talk further about each Zodiac—their individual traits, modalities, and elements—remember that we all carry a part of every sign in our birth charts. Typically, we label ourselves by our Sun Sign; however, the Zodiac of your Moon, Ascendent, Venus, Mars, and more gives you additional insight to yourself. As complex beings, we represent a myriad, a prism, of expression and characteristics; each sign in your chart represents a different piece of you. Whether your sun sign is Fire, Air, Earth, or Water, there’s room for everyone to celebrate their watery fluidity! Let’s learn how. Floaty Highs for Water Signs Water signs are most characterized by sentiment. Together, Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are our Feelers: notoriously sensitive and best known for their almost-psychic ability to understand emotions. Water signs focus more on family and the home than other elements, and their mysterious intuition allows them to pick up on changes in energy with more acuity than others. Those in touch with their Water sign energy tend to access deeper areas of their inner lives to process situations and experiences; they’re defined most by their interpersonal relationships and rely the most on the feelings of others. If you’ve noticed an emotionally-charged shift lately, it’s likely the influence of our current Cancer rulership. Cancer has a way of almost forcing you to sink into your feelings; whether you like it or not, you likely feel yourself effortlessly engaging in this highly charged time. The best move is to simply ride this wave, and with the right indica-leaning strain, the season should be smooth sailing until Leo arrives. We say indica-LEANING because, hey, no one needs to fall in THAT far during a Water season. Get cozy with a sensual, kushy strain; something intimate, lightly social, spiritually bubbly, and sweet. You might even reach for a strain high in CBD to boost the body high and take some heat off your overactive brain. The importance is in balance; release the weight you’ve carried all day; but still, stimulate the brain so you may view your life, thoughts, and feelings with this new lens. The theme of these strains should be “rose-colored glasses.” As we tap further into our interconnectivity, it’s a great time to smoke with friends or family. Water signs thrive in intimate smoke seshes. Here, they can process and express their whirlpool of thoughts, but with someone who makes them feel safe (emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally). Fill that bong and pass it around, you’ll love the meaningful exchange as you and your loved ones take turns spreading the weight of the world, ultimately carrying it all together. Terpenes for Water Signs Even if you’ve only heard the word “terpenes,” you know them well. Not only do they provide medicinal benefits, but they also create the flavor profiles unique to each strain on the market. Terpenes are found in many plants, including cannabis, and each offers a specific set of benefits to different areas of the body. So much more than a sweet, gas, pine, or creamy flavor, terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids to create the mind and body effects we call “highs.” For example, the common terpene Pinene is a known stimulator; you see it often in sativa-leaning strains. Myrcene, conversely, is a powerful sedative commonly found in indica-leaning strains. Linalool is a known anti-convulsant, Limonene has shown to treat acid reflux, and so on. Knowing what we do about the cosmic energy of Water seasons, we can use terpenes to better medicate with cannabis. As you seek out your kushy medicines this season, keep the following terpenes in mind: Linalool In addition to convulsions, Linalool is great for balancing mental and physical health with its calming effects. Linalool is popularly found in lavender. You know, THAT scent every spa and calming lotion is also known for. When your thoughts are running like Usain Bolt through your head all day, Linalool can calm your mind, help you fall asleep, wake refreshed, and dull that sharp buzzing anxiety causes in your neck, shoulders, and back. Limonene This terpene is pretty popular in cannabis, meaning it should be easy to find in a strain near you. Limonene offers powerful anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, perfect to settle the overactive mind during a turbulent Water season. Sabinene To balance the mind and body during Water seasons, we look to Sabinene for physical support. This terpene is known for its healing effects for the liver, the digestive system, and arthritis. Water signs, in turn, rule the digestive system (stomach, liver, and bowels), hands, and phalanges (fingers and toes). Whether you have issues with these areas of the body—and could really use the benefit—or not, this is the season to bolster strength here. (Did you know? You can use Weedmaps to find strains near you, and you can filter based on strain type, THC potency, specific terpenes, and cannabinoid content!) Rituals to Celebrate the Water Sign in Us All Celebrating your inner Water sign is as simple as welcoming emotions into your metaphorical house, but if you’re looking for a little more to do or some fun inspiration, we have you covered. “Me” Time Feed your inner sea creature with a soak in a hot bath, and as often as possible (BONUS: pair Linalool with a lavender bath salt for extra Pisces healing power) Get back to journaling. Writers can agree that the times we’re most emotional are the best for putting pen to paper. Write yourself a beautiful piece of prose inspired by your current state. Or, write (and subsequently TRASH) the heated or nasty letter you’ve been wanting to send out; expressing your feelings can be the best way to overcome them. Practice yoga, and bring your mind and body together as one. Yoga is a powerfully emotional tool, despite being one of physical focus and mental endurance; it can help bring balance to a particularly charged time. “We” Time Specifically in Cancer season, spending time with your mother (or close mother figure) is an especially restorative activity. Family time (whether biological or chosen) helps us stay rooted in who we are and what’s important to us. Use sentimental alone time to garner appreciation for your loved ones. Write letters, send postcards, or craft a gift for someone special. It’s summertime! Plan a day on the river, lake, ocean, or pool to play games, peacefully float, or cookout with your friends. “WEED” Time Host a small smoke sesh for the people you connect with most Show some respect to the element of water, and deep clean your bong (I mean, finally!) Simultaneously hydrate and medicate with CBD sparkling waters SLEEP with the help of indicas and CBD. After Water always comes Fire, so rest up now before our energies soar with intensity and light. We’re going to keep you updated and inspired throughout the rest of Cancer season over on our Instagram page. We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating, coping, and all-around paddling through this time of fluidity. Stay tuned on our blog for more information on cannabis, the stars, science, and more. If there’s something new you’re dying to see here, drop us a line anytime!

THC in BCE: Nature's miracle plant has probably been around longer than you think. Domestication of the Cannabis Crop Though we can biologically trace the cannabis plant back millions of years, it’s thought that original human intervention in its growth (or, domestication) started around 12,000 years ago in Central and Southeast Asia. Our ancestors discovered and developed many useful crops for a wide variety of agricultural purposes. Some of the first domesticated crops were chickpeas, wheat, barley, peas, and flax. Amongst these crops was our beloved cannabis plant. According to our research, cannabis was originally farmed as hemp. Traditionally speaking, hemp is the descriptor for the cannabis plant when it produces less than 0.3% of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When it produces more than .3% of THC, that cannabis plant is categorized as the “weed,” "ganja," or "Mary Jane" we now know and medicate with. Ancient cultures probably used hemp, primarily a textile crop, in a variety of ways before honing in on its psychoactive properties. Hemp is excellent for making clothing, rope, paper, and other everyday items. As innovation and industry expanded over time, it’s likely that our ancestors started by using cannabis strictly for these purposes, before discovering that the heated rosin from the female plants could produce a giddy, euphoric sensation. What an enjoyable accident, right?! Ancient Use of Cannabis for Psychoactive Effects Before and after discovering the psychoactive properties of cannabis, we can thank nomadic peoples for spreading this multi-purpose crop throughout the rest of the world. They would travel west to Europe, up to northern Asia, southwest to Africa, and finally, all the way to the Americas in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Scythians were a group of Indo-European nomads who likely were responsible for the initial spread of the cannabis plant, as it moved from Asia to the Middle East and Russia. Once the psychoactive properties of the cannabis plant were discovered, nomadic groups likely took the seeds with them along the Silk Road between China and Iran. It’s probably around this time that strain-specific cannabis farming became popular. Much like we do today, people likely tested the psychoactive effects of different cannabis plant types and focused on those strains accordingly. A lot of these cultures didn’t use the psychoactive effects of cannabis just to “get high,” though. The Hindu religious peoples would incorporate cannabis as a kind of incense during religious ceremonies. They considered it a way to appease the gods (as well as the participants!). The earliest documented use of cannabis for its psychoactive properties was around 500 B.C.E. in the mountains of western China. Researchers are able to determine the levels of THC that existed in remains from some of the grave sites in this area. It’s believed that mourners would gather around these graves, inhaling the cannabis vapors and experiencing the euphoric sensations collectively. The chemical compounds that were present in these ritual remains can be identified through mass spectrometry. It was around this time in this region that the levels of THC were noted to be higher than of previous cannabis remains, indicating the strategic farming of more psychoactive strains. History of Medicinal Cannabis In conjunction with cannabis’s psychoactive properties are its medicinal properties. The earliest documented use of cannabis for medicine is noted in Central/Western China as far back as 2700 B.C.E. We can thank Emperor Shen Nung for this, whose name actually meant “Divine Farmer,” and who is credited with being the “Father of Chinese Medicine.” Shen Nung is reported to have used cannabis to treat a variety of ailments, and he wasn’t alone in that. The ancient Indian Hindus, Assyrians, Greeks, and even Romans also have texts that suggest the medicinal use of the cannabis plant. Even the ancient Egyptians left behind a piece of papyrus (dated around 1500 B.C.E.) that notes cannabis was used as a topical medical treatment. Cannabis as medicine offered a variety of treatments that aided in our bodies’ biological processes. While cannabis has been grown in almost every culture for medicine, tool-making, and more, its existence has also been politicized. “Intoxicating” substances have been restricted, prohibited, and used as a means of control over the masses. It’s also been used to promote racial prejudice and fears about unstable economic phases in American history. Modernization of Medicinal Cannabis The Americas didn’t get to enjoy the benefits of the cannabis plant until the mid-1500s when the Spanish brought seeds across the Atlantic. Again, the plant was originally used as hemp for tool-making and industrial purposes. We have medical pioneers such as J. Russel Reynolds (the direct physician to Queen Victoria in 1878) to thank for experimenting with cannabis and its health effects in the modern scientific era. His discoveries helped solidify the potential medicinal benefits for future generations. By the late 1800s, cannabis could be found in pharmacies throughout all of Europe and the United States. The plant was even included in the official United States Pharmacopeia for its various health benefits and treatment options. As mentioned above, though, politics and restrictions stunted the growth of the cannabis industry throughout the United States by the 1900s. The Prohibition Era resulted in 29 states outlawing cannabis altogether by the year 1931, and the “War on Drugs” only made things even more difficult for the natural health benefits of cannabis to be studied. We’ll get into more detail about the politics behind the cannabis industry in another article. For now, we encourage you to check out the rest of our cannabis blog to stay educated on the industry, cannabis health benefits, and how we can live naturally side-by-side with the planet and the stars.

Everything you learned about cannabis in your school’s D.A.R.E. program, throw it out the window T.O.D.A.Y. Welcome to Part One of your new Cannabis Education Series, where we’re going deep with facts, science—and yes, probably the stars, too—to truly break down and understand the way our bodies work, the way cannabis acts on our bodies, and the way we can use it to bring our bodies back to natural equilibrium. Let’s Get Physiological: What Is The Endogenous Cannabinoid System? For more than a century, scientific research surrounding cannabis has been largely suppressed due to the Pure Food and Drug Act. a nasty history of racism, and the infamous “War on Drugs.” However, as legalization spreads throughout the U.S. and the world, we are proving—through research—time and time again that cannabis is not only soothing or healing for many, but it might actually play a key role in regulating our own human biology. Understanding the many ways cannabis acts upon our physicality starts with learning the endogenous cannabinoid system (eCS), ​​the Great Regulator for some of our most critical bodily functions. The endogenous cannabinoid system (eCS) is our bridge between body and cannabinoid. Well, it’s really more like stars in a constellation, a whole galaxy… or the lymphatic system, if you’re familiar. It takes cannabinoids produced internally by our bodies and externally by plants, and it hand-delivers them to receptors found throughout our body. Memory, immunity, metabolism, the way our cells speak to each other—these are all a ride on the eCS playground. I like to think of the eCS as the Great Regulator because it helps us maintain homeostasis. In conjunction with our hormonal and nervous systems, the eCS works to stabilize our internal environment, maintaining a state of health and well-being. When something stressful—school, breakups, job losses, the overall state of the world—happens, our body finds ways to offset the negative energy; filling in the gaps. Basically, the endogenous cannabinoid system keeps us in balance (mentally, physically, and spiritually). This is all to say, physiological equilibrium is important. Arthritis, stroke, obesity, Alzheimer's, and cancers are some of the serious illnesses that can result from long term disturbances in our physical equilibrium. Therefore, your own body’s ability to adjust during times of stress or change is imperative to your state of being. CB1 and CB2: The Middlemen CB1 and CB2 are cannabinoid receptors, your typical middlemen. They take sugar and make a cake. When your body experiences a stressor, your eCS releases cannabinoids to these receptors, which turn that signal into a physiological reaction. These are spread throughout our body; we find CB1 in brain and spinal nerve cells, whereas CB2 relates more to the immune system. CB1 is particularly abundant in the neocortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. So, it’s ALL UP in our brains. It’s CB1 that translates most THC messaging to the nervous system, including all the heady euphoria. This explains why cannabis has a famous (and sometimes infamous) relationship with memory, sleep, and pain, and why these are the related symptoms most commonly treated by THC or CBD. CB2 is more commonly found in white blood cells, the spleen, and tonsils. While CB1 is responsible for the fun, flashy, popular effects of cannabinoids (the “feel good” receptor), CB2 does more in the background. CB2 monitors pain and inflammation, undoubtedly important functions for overall and long-term health. CB2 is also more abundant in immune cells, which combined with its effects on inflammation, makes it a promising defense against cancer and especially interesting to researchers. The presence of cannabinoid receptors meant one important thing to founding scientists in the early 90’s: there must be cannabinoids. At the time, they weren’t sure if our mammalian biology created the cannabinoids to activate receptors, or if the receptors acted from plant-derived or external cannabinoids. Now, we know the answer is both. Endocannabinoids: The Power Within Us All Let’s start with the difference between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are produced outside the human body. Typically, they’re found in plants, and they include THC and CBD, among more than 100 other cannabinoids. (We’re going to discuss more about phytocannabinoids in our next segment, so more on that later.) Endocannabinoids, alternatively, are produced inside the human body and include anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines. Earlier I talked about “filling in the gaps” with the help of our endogenous cannabinoid system. The body does this from birth with endocannabinoids. You can think of these as “natural THC molecules.” Though research is only a few decades old, science has identified two types of endocannabinoids, anandamide and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), and each fatty molecule rules its own domain. Anandamide helps to manage appetite, bolster memory, regulate hormones, and maintain sleep patterns; 2-AG seems to play a larger role in immunity, pain management, and fighting cancer cells. Both are produced naturally, as needed, for the purpose of communicating to a receptor and activating our eCS. You already know what Anandamide is, you probably just don’t know you know (you know?). When you’re running a marathon, and your body wants to give out, you experience a Runner’s High. This is due to the release of Anandamide. The same pertains to the euphoric feeling you experience when eating spicy food or indulging in dark chocolate. In response to physiological stress, your body releases endocannabinoids, much like endorphins, to balance out the negative and make you feel good. Like Anandamide, 2-AG aids in immunity and pain response, but as the primary endocannabinoid in mammals, it does a lot more, too. 2-AG seems to have an effect on cancer cell production and apoptosis, helping our bodies to eliminate unhealthy cells. 2-AG acts primarily on CB2 receptors, so I like to think of this pairing as the mechanics to our health. When messages are firing between 2-AG and CB2, our biology functions like a well-oiled machine, setting us on a path to enjoy the euphoric effects of Anandamide on our CB1 receptors. If this was a perfect world, our endocannabinoids would be enough to regulate our biology until the end of time. But as we all know, the world is full of uncertainty, distractions, deadlines, personalities… and it’s a lot to process. In times of especially high stress or illness, your body’s own endocannabinoids may not be enough to bring your body to equilibrium. In the same way you’d take iron for anemia, melatonin for insomnia, or vitamin C to fend off a cold in the winter, phytocannabinoids can be taken to supplement an overworked eCS. Phytocannabinoids occur naturally in plants (hello, cannabis!) and attach to our CB1 and CB2 receptors just like endocannabinoids. I’m going to take you deep into the world of phytocannabinoids, their effects, what we know, and how to use them in Part Two of this Cannabis Education Series. For now, if you have any questions, drop us a line! You can also stay tuned for the next part in this series, learn more about the zodiac’s relationship to cannabis, or start a chat with us over on Instagram. Research is still young and growing, so the discussion is always on, and we want to hear what you know as well!

Navigate this new season like a pro, with the help of nature's best medicine What is Cancer Season? The days between June 21 and July 23 mark the celebration of Cancer season. Cancer brings us the beginnings of summer; a new cycle, something fresh and unexplored. Just as Cancer represents birth and motherhood, think of your life as a newborn baby: a blank canvas that’s yours to paint, but that requires conscientiousness and love to get right. We are now controlled by the whims of this cardinal water sign, and to be honest, most of us are in for an emotionally turbulent 30 days. Luckily, nature has the best medicine to offer us. What better way to celebrate a season of healing than with a cannabis strain that allows you to float safely above a deep sea of unpredictable waves? The Trademarks of a Cancer Sun Our fellow Cancer Cannivores are ruled by the moon, notoriously the most emotional of the planets. They relate intrinsically to their homes, their families, and their inner selves with an innate care-giving quality that can sometimes reach the intensity of a rogue tidal wave. Just like the crab that represents the Cancer sign, they prefer the safety of their rigid outer shell, reserving their deeply loving energies for their closest relationships. Sensitivity, compassion, and self-protection: these are the themes of the season, which we’ll keep in mind as we determine the greatest ways to medicate with cannabis until Leo steps onto the scene next month. Cannabis Strains for Cancer Season While Cancer loves to sink into the depths of their emotional fluidity, indica strains can be risky for this season. Already more in tune with (and perhaps already exhausted from) your thoughts and feelings, this is a good time to balance the world’s state with something slightly uplifting and physically calming. We introduce to you, the Hybrid. No, we don’t want to numb or erase the emotional depths of Cancer season, we’re just careful not to exacerbate them. The right hybrid strain can offer a mix of body calm (goodbye anxiety!) and mental lift. Hybrids are like rose-colored glasses this Cancer season; your feelings are at the surface, but you’re navigating them with an open mind and, hopefully, a healthy dose of joyous gratitude. Cancer takes rulership over the stomach and digestive systems, so this is a good time to honor your core with terpenes and cannabis strains that give it support. Caryophyllene, Sabinene, and Limonene are just a few common terpenes known to aid in digestion, reflux, IBS, and other stomach-related issues. If you’re a cannabis patient, you’ve likely seen Caryophyllene and Limonene posted on your fair share of product labels. These are two of the most common terpenes in all of cannabis, and thank goddess for that… This season, we just can’t handle the disappointment of not finding the right medicine. Dosido, Wedding Cake, and Space Runtz are just a few of the popular strains you might reach for, especially if you can find a batch with a comforting amount of CBD as well. Rituals for a Cancer Season Medicating isn’t solely reliant on what you’re smoking; what you’re doing is equally important to healing, and each season brings unique challenges to work through. Inside that thick crab shell, we’re finding comfort in ourselves and our loved ones: bio-family, chosen family, or otherwise. Don’t shy away from this reclusiveness, but rather, use it to invest in your future self and relationships. The next season will demand more resilience and endurance, so use this time to build a strong foundation and prepare for what’s ahead. Here are some ideas for maintaining a successful Cancer season: Host a small, nighttime smoke sesh in your backyard with your best friends Hydrate! It's not just summer, it’s Cancer season. Honor your water sign by feeding it Try a CBD joint: high CBD has the effect of making one “feel like a jellyfish,” or so a friend once told me. Take that floating feeling, and dive deep Bathe in the moonlight Cook a meal for your friends or family More than anything, the best thing to do this Cancer season is relate. Check in with your friends, be a shoulder to lean on for those who need it most, and don’t fear the emotional tides as they move in and out with the moon. Most of all, if you’re having a hard time carrying the weight of your own existence, make some serious “me time” for a good smoke and a gentle high. Take care, cosmonauts; I’ll see you for Leo season.

The Two Annual Equinoxes Welcome to the new Oklahoma-based cannabis brand called Equinoxx. With a focus on our connection to our natural surroundings, we’re dedicated to providing down-to-earth plant medicine for medical marijuana patients throughout Oklahoma. Every year, there are two equinoxes—one in the spring and one in autumn. These occur when the length of the day is equally balanced with the length of the night. The Spring Equinox, called Ostara, is a great time for planting seeds and setting intentions. We encourage patients to take this opportunity to think about where they would like their life journeys to go. As the Fall Equinox comes around, called Mabon, it’s time to think about the rewards we have reaped after working hard all summer. This is a period of harvest, for agriculturists and cannabis growers alike! The two annual equinoxes make the perfect bookends for the prime season of cannabis cultivation. Thus, we present Equinoxx. As we reflect on the equinoxes and their significance in our daily lives, it’s important to remember how we can benefit from connectivity with the planetary and celestial worlds. Here at Equinoxx, we follow the stars. Are you familiar with your astrological sign? Well, we plan to celebrate each astrological season throughout the year. Follow our website and social media as we keep our eyes on the skies. Equinoxx and Cannabis As a natural medicine, Equinoxx reminds us we’re tied to the world around us, from the earth to the sky. As a new cannabis brand in Oklahoma, Equinoxx is dedicated to the practice of sustainable cultivation. This planet gives so much to us—medicines grow straight from the ground. We want to encourage all patients to give right back to this bountiful planet. Whether committing to recycling or planting a garden, we’re all participants in the health of our local ecosystems. We’re doing our best to stay eco-conscious on every level of our cannabis cultivation. Equinoxx is a new kind of cannabis brand that emphasizes our natural roots. As we move through the celestial celebrations of equinoxes and solstices each year, we will keep our patients updated. We just passed the Summer Solstice, which encourages everyone to spend some time outside and with loved ones. To stay in tune with our natural surroundings, of course, means we also need to stay in tune with our local community. Perhaps that means an outdoor smoke sesh together! Cannabis is as natural as our own bodies. That’s why we champion the notion of “Striking the Balance.” When you light up an Equinoxx cannabis product, you’re refocusing your body’s biological healing capabilities. As important as it is to participate in outdoor activities, it’s also important to remember that we don’t just “spend time” in nature. We are nature. Equinoxx strives to honor that principle in everything we do. A New Cannabis Brand in Oklahoma We’re excited to grow alongside this blooming medical marijuana industry. We hope you follow along our journey and intentionally participate in the natural world, just as we are striving to do. Looking forward to the season of your astrological sun sign? So are we! Let’s celebrate it together.