An Investor’s Glimpse into the Role They Play in the Cannabis Industry
If you are thinking about entering the cannabis industry as a cannabis investor or grower, then it behooves you to learn about the most popular cannabinoids and what they’re used for. It may come as a surprise to you that not all cannabis plants are created equal.
Just like other flora, there are distinct differences between these plants that ultimately determine the final product. These differences are known as cannabinoids – and Elite Robotics is here to explain.
What is a Cannabinoid?
A cannabinoid is the chemical substance that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain that cause an effect. Cannabinoids come in three different types: synthetic, medicinal, and recreational. According to the most recent research on the subject, a cannabis plant produces between 80 and 100 cannabinoid chemicals. It also produces roughly 300 non-cannabinoid chemicals.
Considering all the cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid chemicals that are contained in a cannabis plant, you may be wondering just how closely you’ll need to pay attention to the chemical composition. Fortunately, you really only need to consider three main cannabinoids during the growth, harvesting, and processing of a cannabis plant.
#1 – Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol – more commonly referred to as THC – is one of the most recognized and most abundant cannabinoids in a cannabis plant. This chemical is responsible for the sense of euphoria and “high” feeling that occurs when smoking or ingesting cannabis products.
Considering the effects of THC, it comes as no surprise that federal lawmakers are most concerned with this particular cannabinoid. THC remains a Schedule I substance at the federal level. In fact, cannabis that is grown and harvested with a THC level that exceeds 0.3 percent must be destroyed by federally mandated law at the grower’s expense. However, the rules are more relaxed at the state level. Many states allow for recreational and/or medicinal usage of THC.
From a medical standpoint, THC has proven or indicated to have the following health and wellness benefits:
- Has shown to be helpful in relieving chronic pain, anxiety, and nausea
- Has been used as an alternative to muscle relaxers for those with MS
- Has proven to help HIV/AIDS patients regain their appetite
- Has proven to be helping in aiding sleep
- Has shown evidence of being a holistic replacement for opioids
If you’re growing cannabis or are a potential cannabis investor, then you’ll need to be cognizant of the THC levels in your product. The best way to go about that is by sending samples off to a third-party lab or by investing in your own cannabis testing equipment.
#2 – Cannabidiol (CBD)
Second only to THC, cannabidiol – more commonly referred to as CBD – is one of the most prominent compounds found in cannabis. Unlike Delta 9 (THC), CBD has no psychoactive chemicals, meaning a person won’t feel any euphoria or become impaired when imbibing it. Because it’s considerably safer than THC, the legality surrounding CBD is much more relaxed, allowing it to be widely available in shops and dispensaries.
Although the research into CBD is still preliminary, it has shown various health and wellness benefits. CBD has been used to treat acne, anxiety, chronic and acute pain, nerve-related pain, depression, sleep disorders, and muscle spasms.
#3 – Cannabinol (CBN)
Cannabinol – more commonly referred to as CBN – is a lesser-known cannabinoid that some scientists call a toned-down version of THC. Preliminary research says that CBN is about 75 percent less effective than THC. Although it has shown some promise in providing pain relief, assistance with sleeping, and other health and wellness benefits, much more research needs to be done. It’s expected we’ll know much more about CBN in the near future.
Are You Considering Investing in the Cannabis Industry? Contact Elite Robotics!
The people who are growing cannabis need a reliable way to test their samples for the content of THC and other cannabinoids. Elite Robotics aims to be a leader in the cannabis testing equipment space by putting the lab in the hands of growers and cultivators.
Our cannabis testing equipment can provide data for THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids. It can also give insight on terpenes, solvents, metals, and microorganisms. With the ability to do their own testing, growers and cultivators won’t be solely reliant on third-party labs.
Discover more about our cannabis testing equipment or become an investor by contacting Elite Robotics at (805) 987-6217. Or, send us a message directly using our contact form.