CANNABIS : A CLOSER LOOKFOR

THE ASPIRING BUDTENDER

Written by Cannabis Training University (CTU)

All rights reserved

Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

Introduction

As a Budtender in a medical marijuana dispensary, it is crucial to know what some of the

different compounds in the amazing cannabis plant can do for your medical marijuana
patients.
By understanding the important therapeutic benefits of cannabis compounds, it can
ensure that each medical marijuana patient is given the best options for their particular
condition.
Some of the most exciting findings in recent years have been the discovery of the many
different compounds found inside of the cannabis plant, and the different effects each
compound can have on the end user.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol or (THC) is the most widely known compound in the
cannabis plant, and it is responsible for many of the effects experienced by the cannabis
user such as:

◉ Mild to moderate pain relief

◉ Appetite stimulation

◉ Relief from insomnia

◉ Anti-depressant effects

2
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

All cannabis, whether it is industrial hemp, or the drug marijuana, contains at least some
THC. But industrial hemp cannabis contains such a tiny amount of THC that it cannot get
a user “High”.
The dried flower tops of the female cannabis plant however can contain as high as 25%
THC, creating a mind altering psychoactive experience for the user.
THC though, in high amounts, can at times cause paranoia-like symptoms in users and
therefore it is sometimes recommended to try strains with a lower THC level, and a higher
amount of other compounds, such as CBD. Patients with a pre-disposition to
schizophrenia and anxiety disorders should avoid cannabis with high-THC levels.

Hemp field being grown in the Netherlands

3
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

CBD, or Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis. It is a major constituent of

the plant, representing up to 50% in its extracts. Medically, it has been shown to relieve
anxiety, inflammation, convulsion, and nausea.
Amazingly, CBD has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, which has led to a
recent explosion of interest in CBD amongst pharmaceutical companies, all trying to
capitalize on the findings.
In November 2007, it was reported that CBD reduces growth of aggressive human breast
cancer cells and reduces their ability to grow and multiply. CBD has been found to also
reduce muscle spasms and provide pain relief in patients.
CBD is often found in large quantities in hashish, or cannabis resin. Although in herbal
cannabis, CBD is typically found in low amounts. CBD alone is not psychoactive, and
therefore many patients are finding that by choosing a strain of cannabis that has lower
levels of THC, and higher levels of CBD, they are more relaxed, and do not experience and
paranoia or anxiety like they may with high THC strains.
Users often report that CBD can postpone the initial high feeling that is normally felt
almost instantly, but that strains with high CBD also tend to last longer than those without
it.
Some of the popular strains that are high in CBD are “Sour Tsunami”, “Harlequin”, and
“Cannatonic”.
Because CBD has a calming effect and helps lower the anxiety that some users get from
high THC strains it is one of the most helpful tips that a Budtender can explain to a medical
marijuana patient.

4
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

American Hash-Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Another compound commonly found in cannabis today is CBN, or “Cannabinol”. CBN is

produced as THC degrades or oxidizes. In fresh cannabis buds CBN only exists in small
amounts, while it is found in higher amounts in Hashish. CBN is usually formed when THC
is exposed to UV light and oxygen over time.
CBN generally makes a patient feel sleepy, disoriented, or “couch locked”. Medically,
CBN’s primary effects are as an anti-epileptic, and for relief from ocular pressure for
patients with glaucoma. CBN has a small amount of psychoactive properties, only about
10% of the strength of THC. Cannabinol has been found to reduce heart rate in users. But
because CBN makes users feel groggy, many patients do not like strains with too much
CBN in them.
CBN levels can be kept to a minimum by storing cannabis products in a cool, dark, airtight
environment.
Cannabichromene has a calming effect and helps people who suffer from chronic pain.
Cannabigerol (CBG) helps lower intraocular pressure, provides a calming effect, and is
mainly found in strains of cannabis with a low amount of THC.
CBG, along with CBD, is being widely studied currently for its ability to help counteract
the spreading of cancerous tumors.

5
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is currently being used in clinical trials for relief for those
inflicted with Type 2 diabetes.

Cannabis Curing in airtight jars

What are the expected levels of THC in cannabis

flowers?
The answer is that it can vary. Plants with a mild amount of THC have less than 10%. A
moderate amount of THC is considered 10-17%, while a strong amount of THC is 17-25%.

What about the levels of THC in cannabis

concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates can be made to have much higher levels of THC than found in dry
flowers, and are therefore the chosen method for many long-time cannabis connoisseurs.
Hashish is commonly found to have THC levels between 25-70%.
Bubble Hash has been reported with levels of THC as high as 85%.
Kief is anywhere from 20 to 65% THC.

6
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

Kief being sold in an American Medical Marijuana Dispensary

The quality of the cannabis plant that is used has a great effect on the amount of THC that
it is capable of producing.
Also, the more buds that are used, as opposed to leaf material, can have a large effect on
the potency of cannabis.
Too much exposure to air can reduce the amount of THC found in the end product.
Today there are many laboratories that
study and determine the exact percentage
of THC, CBD, and CBN in each type of
cannabis.
Many medical marijuana dispensaries are
now having their cannabis tested at a lab
before displaying it and offering it to their
patients.
Although cannabis that has been tested is
generally more expensive than untested
types, many patients are willing to pay the
extra price for medicine that they can be
sure contains the percentages of
compounds that they are looking for.

7
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

What determines how much THC and CBD are in a

plant?
The answer is that it is the result of heredity.
But the total amount of cannabinoid in a plant is the result of how well the plant was
grown and stored.
Now that you know the different effects that THC, CBD, and CBN have on patients, you
are better prepared to land a job as a Budtender in a Medical Marijuana Dispensary.
The 420-industry needs compassionate, well-trained & informed providers to ensure the
best care for each medical marijuana patient.

8
Cannabis : A Closer Lookfor The Aspiring Budtender

Cannabis Training University promotes safe and ethical use of medicinal marijuana in
accordance with all applicable laws. This company does not endorse illegal use of
marijuana in any shape or form.

Stay up to date by going to www.theCTU.com on a regular basis.

CTU is constantly working on adding more content to the site and for you!