Hemp is a plant that comprises three subspecies - Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis - and is one of the most useful plants to grow on Earth. Humans discovered cannabis more than 5,000 years ago. The oldest cannabis product site dates back to 12,000 years ago and lies in the area of present-day China. It is considered a versatile plant that can be used entirely. Hemp fibers were already used in Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, where they were added to clay bricks for reinforcement. Until the 20th century, it was widely used all over the world, and it was also cultivated and popular on Slovenian soil.

It can grow up to six meters in height. Cannabis contains a group of substances called cannabinoids that are specific to cannabis, but are also found in some other plants. Cannabinoids play a very important role in the human body, as the human Endocannabinoid system is one of the most important systems. It regulates and works in synergy with other systems (immune, intestinal, etc.). One of the few cannabinoids also has a psychoactive effect and is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This cannabinoid is the negative one that is attributed to psychoactive effects and because of which cannabis has been on the list of illicit drugs for too long, the prohibition has been long-lasting, and the consequences and harm of this are still being felt today.

In addition to THC, cannabis contains more than 140 cannabinoids, all of which have a beneficial effect on our body, health and well-being. The versatility of hemp has been known for a long time, it is industrially interesting mainly due to its rapid growth, yield and versatility. The seeds are used to produce the oil we use in cooking, they can be used to produce protein and flour. Stems and fibers are used for textile and construction purposes. The leaves can be used to make excellent teas, flowers or. the tops and hemp pollen are mainly used to obtain hemp extracts / extracts / tinctures, which are rich in cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

In recent years, the amount of scientific literature on cannabis, its ingredients and beneficial effects has been increasing each year. Many studies have already been evaluated, and more and more research can be found which include clinical studies.

Terpenes are another very important group of ingredients in addition to the cannabinoids found in cannabis. Terpenes are compounds that are present in all essential oils. They are well known especially in the world of aromatherapy and herbalism, and in combination with cannabinoids their effect is increased (the so-called "entourage" effect). Terpenes are primarily concerned with well-being. In recent years, more and more people and groups have been involved in research into the effects of terpenes and combinations of terpenes with cannabinoids.

Each variety or strain of cannabis has a unique cannabinoid and terpene profile. As a result, some varieties have a positive effect on our body and give us a feeling of energy, another one to calm down and get a better sleep, or take care of better focus and concentration . If you often feel pain, we suggest drops for pain relief.

In America and Canada a big step forward has already been done. Cannabis is allowed, people are very susceptible to cannabis, and it is also systematically built on the importance and understanding of individual varieties of cannabis for medical purposes.

Characteristics of individual varieties and strains of cannabis

We roughly divide cannabis into three subspecies, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis . Each has its own characteristics. Cannabis sativa is a subspecies rich in the cannabinoid cannabidiol. CBD, on the other hand, is Cannabis indica , in which the cannabinoid THC predominates. Cannabis ruderalis is a Russian subspecies and is a fast-growing species due to the short and difficult conditions in which it thrives. Over time, these three subspecies have been mixed together around the world, creating many different strains of cannabis with genetics that have very different cannabinoid as well as terpene profiles.

Kush

Kush is one of the more desirable strains of cannabis, originating in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. In the late 1970s, this variety was imported from India to the US and Canada, where it is still very popular today. They created many different sub-varieties (Mango Kush, O.G. Kush, Afghan Kush, Hindu Kush, etc.). All of these varieties are characterized by their high THC cannabinoid content and the predominant terpene being myrcene. The characteristics of this variety are mainly relaxation and calming.

Cake

Cake varieties are characterized by their high THC content of cannabinoids, and the predominant terpene is Limonene. A characteristic of these varieties is a strong influence on relaxation and well-being as well as on improved sleep. These varieties are very popular in the US and Canada and include Ice Cream Cake, Mint Cake, Gelato Cake, etc.

Berry

Berry strains are also one of the more desirable varieties, they are also characterized by a high content of the cannabinoid THC, and the predominant terpene is myrcene. All these varieties are characterized by a happy feeling while eating, muscle and mind relaxation and good sleep. These varieties include Blackberry, Berry Pie, Berry OG, Acai Berry Gelato, Berry White, etc.

Widow

Among the most famous strains around the world is White Widow, a balanced hybrid first bred in the Netherlands by the Green House Seeds. A blend of Brazilian sativa landrace and rich South Indian indica, White Widow can be found on every menu of a Dutch Coffee Shop since its birth in the 1990s. The buds are typically white with a crystalline resin, drawing attention to the strong effects they bring. Immediately upon ingestion, a strong burst of euphoria and energy is felt, which stimulates both conversation and creativity. The genetics of the White Widow strain have provided many other legendary strains around the world by mixing strains, such as White Russian, White Rhino, Purple Widow, Critical Widow, Blue Widow, and others. Nevertheless, many growers prefer to grow the original strain, White Widow, which blooms indoors for about 60 days. All of these strains are rich in the cannabinoid THC, and the predominant terpenes are limonene, myrcene, and terpinolene.

Haze

Haze strains are popular, as well. The predominant cannabinoid is Cannabidiol or CBD. In some strains, the content of cannabinoid THC is low, in others high, and in some of them it predominates over CBD. Among the more popular Haze strains is CBD Mango Haze with a high CBD content, released by CBD Crew in 2013. This pleasant and aromatic blend combines the tropical flavors of Mango with the added benefits of high cannabidiol levels. The buds of CBD Mango Haze are expressed with spicy and sweet notes reminiscent of mango, pineapple and black pepper. The predominant terpene is myrcene.

CBD rich strains

Among the strains that are predominant with the cannabinoid CBD, the following are particularly popular:

• CBD Charlotte’s Angel
• Harle-Tsu
• Royal AC/DC
• AC/DC
• Cherry Burst
• CBD OG
• Blue Dream CBD
• 3D CBD
• BlackBerry OG CBD

All of these strains are characterized by containing high levels of the cannabinoid CBD and lower levels of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. As a result, there is no pronounced psychoactive feeling in these strains. The predominant terpenes and consequently the feelings of well-being depend on the strain to the strain, and from some names we can directly infer which is the predominant terpene contained in the strain.

Industrial hemp

The term industrial hemp represents all varieties of hemp having a THC content below legit limits. These values vary from country to country, the majority being 0.3% within the EU, but there are some discrepancies. Switzerland currently allows 1.0%, Italy 0.6%, etc. In Slovenia, the legally permitted THC content is 0.2%, which puts us in a rather unfavorable position comparable to other countries within the EU, which is why we are practically uncompetitive in cannabis production and limited to varieties with very low CBD cannabinoid content. Namely, strains with a THC content of up to 1.0% can reach a CBD content of up to 20%. On the other hand, strains with a THC content of 0.2% reach CBD contents on average somewhere up to 5%, but usually lower. The yield of cannabinoids of such strains is consequently significantly lower than is possible in neighboring countries, where higher THC cannabinoid content is allowed in individual varieties.

Use of different varieties and strains of hemp in the preparation of hemp drops and other hemp products

Different varieties or. strains of industrial hemp have different properties and can affect our well-being differently. The predominant cannabinoids and terpenes take care of our well-being, consequently it is very important to know the varieties or. cannabis strains and their characteristics and content of individual ingredients. At Widlab, we are focusing on the individual effect of terpenes in individual varieties of cannabis in the development of hemp drop formulations, investigating their effects and consequently preparing different CBD drops for the purpose of alleviating various symptoms and effects.

Resources:
https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navadna_konoplja
Guy, Geoffrey William; Brian Anthony Whittle; Philip Robson (2004). The Medicinal Uses of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
https://www.healthline.com/health/sativa-strains
https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/