First, let's start at the beginning. Of the more than 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, with attributes that can range from altered perception to mood modification.
In 1946, Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam was the first to isolate from plant material and totally synthesize from scratch, THC. This marked the beginning of cannabis research that would lead to the discovery of many other cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and "endocannabinoids," the cannabinoid compounds our bodies naturally produce to trigger our immune system response and regulate our homeostatic balance (our overall state of optimal health, function and stability).
The most abundant cannabinoid found in buds or flowers of a mature cannabis plant, is tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCa). THC is not actually produced by the cannabis plant but is instead a byproduct of its age and degradation. Oxygen in the air, temperatures, and humidity all play an important roll in t
Autoflowering, autoflower, automatic, or auto cannabis plants are those whose flowering starts automatically and doesn’t depend on a change in the photoperiod. This means that they bloom depending on their age and not on the hours of light and darkness that they’re exposed to. This sets them apart from the photoperiod cannabis varieties, which require a change in the photoperiod, i.e. being moved to a 12/12 cycle (12 hrs of light and 12 hrs of darkness) so that they start producing flowers.
It is the opposite of photoperiodic flowering, which is when the plant, in its natural setting, starts producing flowers after the summer solstice, when the days become shorter. This autoflowering feature is incredibly useful for indoor growers, as they can keep their autos in a constant light cycle until harvest day. Moreover, this is also especially helpful in outdoor crops, since you can harvest much earlier than with photoperiod plants, thereby avoiding any mould problems which may arise with the first autumn rains.
he conversion of THCa to THC over time. We attempt to delay this process as long as possible when we are properly conserving and storing cannabis.
When THCa comes in contact with high-temperatures – like that from the flame of a lighter – the process of conversion of THCa to THC happens almost instantaneously, the user inhales what is now THC, and this results in the effects we associate with smoking cannabis. Because of this, it is impossible to ingest THCa through inhalation; in order to consume THCa it must be ingested by eating.
Phytocannabinoids, like THC or THCa, interact with the endocannabinoid system in the same way that endocannabinoids such as anandamide do: they fit into cannabinoid receptors like a key in a lock and modulating the transmission of messages from one cell to another.
THC can trigger different biochemical responses that can include everything from dopamine release, resulting in feelings of relaxation, to a physical response, such as reduced inflammation or increased hunger. It also interacts with various regions of the brain, including the hippocampus (memory), frontal cortex (thinking and decision-making) and cerebellum (physical movement and coordination).
