Cannabis in America has been dated back to early colonists who grew hemp mainly for rope and textiles, as did tribes in Africa and also in European colonies. Before politics and racial factors led to the criminalization of marijuana in the 20th century, certain colonies were actually required to grow cannabis because of its many uses. These cannabis crops, which became mainstream in the 1600s in areas such as Virginia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, were most likely hemp crops since they reportedly contained low levels of THC and also high levels of CBD.
In the 1830s, Irish doctor Sir Willian Brooke O’Shaughnessy discovered a correlation between cannabis extracts and relief from stomach pain, and by the end of the 1800s, cannabis extracts were sold in clinics and pharmacies throughout the US and Europe to provide aid to those with stomach pain, nausea, and other ailments.
Cannabis Growth for CBD Production
Understanding how cannabis is grown and produced is key to understanding how THC and CBD are created, extracted, and used. For those of you who are fascinated with the botany of cannabis, we’re breaking down the different stages of growth, all of which play a key part in CBD production.
Cannabis Seeds
Depending on the reason as to why cannabis is being grown, picking the seed is the most important part of the process. There are dozens of commonly known strains of cannabis, each having a slightly different chemical makeup. Certain strains of cannabis contain only trace levels of THC, resulting in a high concentration of CBD, which is ideal for CBD extraction. Some of the top strains of hemp grown for CBD production include ACDC, Remedy, and Sour Tsunami.
Germination and Seedlings
Germination occurs after a short period of dormancy when a spore or seed once it is introduced to moisture and a plant’s life begins. Once seeds are planted in soil with proper light, good airflow, and ideal water conditions, seeds begin to sprout and grow within 5-10 days. Germination is followed by the seedling stage which lasts two to three weeks. Leaf growth begins with two embryonic leaves, then the vibrant green plant quickly grows another six leaves.
Vegetative and Flowering Stages
With thoughtful watering and nutrient-dense soil, the plant develops rapidly in the vegetative stage, which can last from 3 to 16 weeks. The flowering stage follows and is the most vital stage of growth. During this 11-week time frame, male plants are weeded out before they can fertilize the females. If the females are fertilized, the plant is practically useless, so making sure all the males are removed is incredibly important.
The levels of THC found in cannabis are determined by the growth pattern of the plant in this stage. Cannabis in its beginning stages of growth has only trace amounts of THC, while plants that are grown to full maturity result in high levels of THC. The key to growing CBD-rich hemp is to harvest the plant before the amount of THC surpasses 0.3%. If a plant exceeds that amount of THC, the entire crop becomes unusable for CBD production.
Cannabis CBD & Terpenes
Terpenes are compounds found in plants that are responsible for giving them their unique aromas. They are also responsible for a plant’s therapeutic benefits. Much like CBD and THC, terpenes bind to endocannabinoid receptors found in the body and the brain and add immense therapeutic benefits when used in conjuncture with other cannabinoids. This is known as an entourage effect and is the reason most seasoned CBD users prefer Full Spectrum or Full Extract CBD over THC-free types like Broad Spectrum and Isolate. When CBD is stripped of THC, all the beneficial terpenes are also removed, so although Broad Spectrum and Isolate CBD are still good, there just isn’t the same level of healing once the terpenes are gone.
The cool thing about creating CBD formulations is chemists can add terpenes from hemp and other plants to create a unique product. Depending on what terpenes are added, CBD products can be tailored to treat specific ailments more effectively. While one terpene may encourage muscle relaxation, which is ideal for pain creams, others may promote increased energy or improved focus. Terpenes can even change the flavor profiles in CBD oils and edibles, and when done correctly, can eliminate the need for added flavoring. Understanding exactly how terpenes work has been a slow process; however, there is no denying they provide immense benefits when added to CBD.