Cannabis has been around way longer than dispensaries. For thousands of years, people have used the cannabis plant for food, medicine, fibre, and rituals. Fast forward to today: with cannabis legalization in Canada, the plant has stepped out of the shadows and into everyday life.
Before we get into cannabinoids, terpenes, and all the cannabis products lining shelves, let’s zoom in on the star of the show — the cannabis plant itself.
Meet the Cannabis Plant
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L. if we’re being scientific) is an annual flowering plant with plenty of personality. It’s been grown for sturdy fibres, nutrient-packed seeds, and — of course — the resin-rich buds that people enjoy for wellness and recreation.
Here’s a closer look at the different parts of the cannabis plant and why they matter:
Stalks & Fibres
Think of these as the plant’s backbone. Cannabis stalks are tall, tough, and surprisingly versatile. For centuries, people have turned them into rope, textiles, paper, and even building materials. Industrial hemp — a type of cannabis — is mostly grown for this purpose.
Fun fact: Hemp was once the go-to material for making ship sails thanks to its unbeatable strength.
Leaves
The iconic cannabis leaf is easy to spot and often used as a symbol of cannabis culture. While leaves contain some cannabinoids, they’re not nearly as potent as the flowers. Their real job is photosynthesis — keeping the plant healthy and thriving.
Fun fact: Narrow, thin leaves often suggest a sativa-dominant plant, while wider leaves point toward indica traits. Hybrids? They usually show a mix of both.
Seeds
Tiny but mighty, cannabis seeds are loaded with protein and nutrients. People have eaten them, pressed them into oil, and even sprinkled them into smoothies. The seeds themselves don’t naturally contain THC or CBD, but hemp seed oil is still a staple in food and skincare.
Fun fact: Hemp seeds are considered a superfood — rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Flowers (a.k.a. Buds)
The buds are the heart of the cannabis plant — and where all the good stuff lives. This is where cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (the compounds that give cannabis its flavour and aroma) are concentrated.
- Trichomes: Tiny, crystal-like glands covering the buds that produce cannabinoids and terpenes.
Fun fact: Trichomes act like armour, protecting the plant from pests and harsh weather.
- Pistils: Those little hair-like strands that start white and change colour as the plant matures. They’re a visual clue for growers about when the plant is ready for harvest.
Fun fact: Pistils can turn orange, red, or brown as the buds ripen.
- Sugar leaves: Small leaves nestled around the buds and coated in trichomes. They’re less potent than the flowers but are often used in extracts.
Fun fact: They get their name because their frosty coating looks like a dusting of sugar.
Cannabis vs. Hemp
People often ask: What’s the difference between cannabis and hemp?
They’re technically the same species, but they’re grown for different reasons.
- Hemp is cultivated for its stalks, seeds, and naturally low THC content.
- Cannabis (sometimes called “marijuana” in the past) is grown for its resin-rich flowers.
Fun fact: In Canada, hemp is legally defined as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Why Cannabis Matters Today
Cannabis in Canada is more than just a plant — it’s part of culture, wellness, and the economy.
- Wellness & recreation: From creativity to relaxation to better sleep, cannabis plays many roles in people’s lives.
- Cultural shift: Since legalization in 2018, cannabis has gone from taboo to mainstream.
- Economic impact: Cannabis creates jobs and opportunities for Canadian farmers, producers, and retailers.
- Education & access: Legal cannabis helps reduce stigma and encourages safer, more informed use.
Cannabis Science 101
We’ll dive deeper into the science in future posts, but here are the basics:
- Cannabinoids like THC and CBD live in the trichomes of the plant.
- Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give each strain its unique scent, flavour, and subtle effects.
- Together, they interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a natural network that helps regulate balance and well-being.
How People Use Cannabis
Every cannabis product starts with the plant. Today, Canadians can explore cannabis in so many forms:
- Dried flower & pre-rolls
- Vape cartridges & concentrates
- Edibles & cannabis beverages
- Oils, tinctures & capsules
- Topicals & creams
This variety makes it easier than ever to find a format that fits your lifestyle.
Responsible Cannabis Use
Cannabis affects everyone differently. A few golden rules help keep things safe and enjoyable:
- Start low and go slow, especially if you’re new to edibles.
- Follow your province’s legal age requirements.
- Store cannabis securely away from kids and pets.
- Choose licensed cannabis retailers for products that are tested, regulated, and reliable.
Conclusion
Cannabis is more than a product on a shelf — it’s a plant with deep roots in history, a place in modern culture and wellness, and a future that continues to grow. By understanding the cannabis plant itself, you’ve built a solid foundation for learning about cannabinoids, terpenes, and the many cannabis products available in Canada today.
Stay tuned for our next post: “THC, CBD, & Beyond: Understanding Cannabinoids.”
🌿 Pro tip: The best cannabis experiences start with curiosity and balance. Take your time, explore what works for you, and remember — start low, go slow.