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Modern Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide to Conscious Consumption

Introduction

The Asian community is an underserved population with little to no access to cannabis education. Even though historically the cannabis plant’s origin is known to have begun in Asia. The cannabis plant was and still is a major staple for use as a medicinal option within our Asian families, but there is still a fear and negative narrative within the community due to the war on drugs and prohibition of cannabis. This simple, short, and sweet educational booklet will serve as a stepping stone to de-stigmatize the plant and provide basic education in hopes that our Asian community will begin to allow more candid conversations, welcome plant medicine with an open mind, and accept the plant as a medicinal option for improving our health & wellness.

Table Of Contents

I. History of Cannabis

II. War on Drugs

III. Hemp vs Cannabis vs Marijuana Terminology

IV. Cannabinoids

V. Terpenes

VI. The Endocannabinoid System

VII. Ways to Consume Cannabis

VIII. Dosing Cannabis

IX. How to Read and Understand COA’s

X. How to know if Labels are Compliant

XI. Consuming Cannabis Consciously

XII. Presenting Companies

XIII. Thank you

I. History Of Cannabis

Cannabis is documented as one of history’s oldest cultivated crops. Most ancient cultures reference cannabis as an herbal medicine that can be used to create fiber, clothing, paper, sails, rope and its seeds and leaves to be used as food. The oldest known written record on cannabis use comes from the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung in 2,727 BC. Known as the father of medicine, he looked to the cannabis plant as a healing option.

In America, Spanish and English settlers began cultivating cannabis during the 1500s. By the late 1800s, cannabis extracts were sold in pharmacies and doctors’ offices in both Europe and the United States to treat stomach problems and other ailments.

II. The Role Of Propaganda And The War on Drugs

Cannabis had been used as a medicinal option in many countries for centuries until prohibition began. Political and racial factors in the 20th century led to the criminalization of cannabis in the US. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, cannabis became the target of a racist movement against the plant and still affects how drug policies are carried out in the U.S. Corporate interests and anti-immigrant sentiment began to turn Americans against all forms of cannabis and they started passing laws prohibiting all forms of it out of fear of social degeneration and addiction. This fear led to the ‘War on Drugs’ which has unfairly targeted people of color for the last 90 years.

III. What Do I Call It?

Hemp vs Cannabis vs Marijuana

Cannabis: refers to all products derived from the cannabis sativa plant regardless of it’s cannabinoid profile. However, many people use ‘cannabis’ synonymously with ‘weed,’ ‘pot’ or any other product that contains more than .3% THC. Cannabis derived cannabinoids with high THC potency has an intoxicating effect, which causes the euphoric experience or in simple terms, gets you high.

Hemp: Cannabis and hemp are taxonomically the same plant, but in order to be classified as hemp, the plant must contain less than .3% THC. Hemp-derived cannabinoids have been federally legal since the Farm Bill passed in 2018 and are classified as non-intoxicating. You can experience the full health benefits of the plant without feeling high.

Marijuana: Although the plant had previously been known as “cannabis” in the US, anti-cannabis activists began referring to it by its Spanish name, “marihuana,” to further tie its use to immigrants and drive political momentum behind the war on drugs. Many people avoid this term now for its bigoted connotations.

IV. Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are compounds found in most plants that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system and create a diverse range of effects. Cannabis plants are rich in major cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC. Although there is still more to be discovered about the way each of the minor cannabinoids work in our bodies, we already have insight into THC and CBD’s potential to bring our bodies health systems into balance.

The ABCs Of Cannabinoids

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Intoxicating CBD

Cannabidiol

NOT Intoxicating CBC

Cannabichromene

NOT Intoxicating

CBG

Cannabigerol

NOT Intoxicating

CBN

Cannabinol

VERY MILDLY

Intoxicating

●PAIN

●SLEEP

●NAUSEA

●MUSCLE RELAXANT

●PAIN

●INFLAMMATION

●SLEEP

●NAUSEA

●DEPRESSION

●ANXIETY

●PAIN

●INFLAMMATION

●ANXIETY

●HEALTHIER SKIN

●DEPRESSION

●SEIZURES

●NEUROPROTECTIVE

●ANTIOXIDANT

●SEIZURES

●NEUROPROTECTIVE

●ANTIBACTERIAL

●BONE/NERVE GROWTH

●HEALTHIER SKIN

●IMMUNITY

●BONE/NERVE GROWTH

●INHIBIT TUMOR GROWTH

●INFLAMMATION

●ANXIETY

●SEIZURES

●ANTIBACTERIAL

●IMMUNITY

●INHIBIT TUMOR GROWTH

●PAIN

●SLEEP

●SEIZURES

●ANTIOXIDANT

●IMMUNITY

●BONE/NERVE GROWTH

V. Terpenes

Terpenes are the fragrant oils that give cannabis (and other natural flowers, fruits, and vegetables) their aromatic and flavor qualities. Like cannabinoids, more than 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant. While there is still a lot more research to uncover, studies show terpenes work with cannabinoids to alter or enhance the effects you feel. This is also known as the Entourage Effect.

Common Terpenes Found In Cannabis

LIMONENE

Citrus

PINENE

Pine with mountain air + wood

B -CARYOPHYLLENE

Pepper w spicy + woods

ALSO FOUND IN EFFECTS BENEFITS citrus, juniper

energy, uplifted mood, stress relief

antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

pine needles, rosemary

focus, creativity, uplifted mood

black pepper, cinnamon, cloves calm

antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pain relief, muscle spasms relief

LINALOOL

Floral with sweetness

lavender

calm, relaxation

Antidepressant, pain reduction, antiepileptic, sedative

MYRCENE

Musk with herbal + citrus

lemongrass, mango, thyme, hops sedation, relaxation

sedative, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

VI. The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Our brain is made up of neurons and neural circuits. Neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids travel from one neuron to another and attach onto receptors to send signals throughout our body. This signaling network, called our endocannabinoid system, helps us maintain balance and a mind-body connection.

Some scientists believe that many human ailments and diseases – including pain, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette’s and Alzheimer’s as well as epilepsy, glaucoma, osteoporosis and cancer – stem from an imbalance or weakness in the ECS.

Therefore, phytocannabinoids, also known as plant cannabinoids (i.e. THC, CBD), can successfully treat these conditions. When they enter our body, they are able to easily connect with our ECS to provide the various effects we are familiar experiencing.

VII. 4 Ways To Consume Cannabis

Reference this simple guide of common methods to help you determine which methods may work best based on the relief or effect you're trying to achieve.

INHALANT Processed through the lungs before entering bloodstream

vape, joint, pipe, one-hitter, inhaler

PROS: fast-acting instant

CONS: not discreet, can be harsh on lungs

PROS: discreet, predosed

Processed through the metabolism before entering bloodstream

SUBLINGUAL Processed through glands under tongue before entering bloodstream

edible, capsule, beverage, powder

CONS: slow onset and varied effects

45 - 60 min

tincture, spray, strip

PROS: discreet, fastacting

CONS: alcohol-based products can sting, MCTbased products recommended

10 - 20 min

PROS: localized relief

TOPICAL

Absorbed by skin and is non-psychoactive because it does not enter the bloodstream

lotion, balm, rollon, patch, bath bomb

CONS: varied effects

20 - 40 min

VIII. Dosing With Cannabinoids

For the first 3-5 days, take daily at the recommended milligrams. If you find that the dose is too strong, consider decreasing the dose the next time you consume.

CBD: 5-10mg

THC: 1-2mg

After the initial 3 – 5 days, increase the amount by the recommended milligrams and continue the increases until you reach the intended effect.

CBD: 5-10mg

THC: 1-2mg

A Guide to Dosing with CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC

Keep In Mind:

●When dosing non-THC products, we are looking for that “goldilocks Zone.” We dont want too much or too little; we want just right. And interestingly enough, the “goldilocks Zone” differs for each ailment. For example, anxiety is best treated in low doses while epilepsy requires higher doses.

●Don’t immediately increase your dosage because you don’t feel the relief. Give it about a week of consistent intake for your body to work with the cannabinoids.

A Guide to Dosing THC

Keep In Mind:

●When just starting out, ease into it with a macro dose close to bedtime in case you experience drowsiness.

●If you over-consume, take CBD to counteract the high. If you don't have CBD, chew on a few peppercorns.

●It is recommended that you consult with your health care provider as there can be interactions with your other prescription medications or herbal supplements.

●DO NOT mix alcohol with THC, drive, operate machinery or handle anything that requires balance or fast reflexes.

IX. What To Look For In A Cannabis COA

1. All cannabis products should have a COA (certificate of analysis). If you can’t find one, don’t buy it.

2. COAs must be created by Third-Party independent labs and not by the company selling the products.

3. Batch numbers tell you that the COA is accurate for the specific unit you want to buy.

4. Cannabis potency should match on the COA and the product packaging. For CBD this could also include fullspectrum vs broad spectrum oil and guarantees the product contains less than .3% of THC.

5. COA’s will also analyze the terpene profile of a batch, which can give you clues about how effective the product might be for your needs.

6. COAs also test for harmful contaminants. Avoid any products that contain heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides, yeast, mold, and pathogenic bacteria.

X. How To Know If Labels Are Compliant

Cannabis product labels must follow all the laws, which vary from state to state. So, the first step is to understand the laws in the state where you’re buying cannabis. Each state's laws will provide an understanding of both cannabis and hemp infused product labels.

Here is an example of a few but not all important items required for compliant labels In California;

Compliant cannabis labels include:

● Yellow and black cautionary icon which acts as a government warning that the product contains THC.

● Children & Pregnant Warning: Inner & outer label

● THC Potency

Compliant hemp labels include:

● Manufacturing Information: Inner & outer label

● FDA Statement: Inner & outer label

● Children & Pregnant Warning: Inner & outer label

XI. Consuming Consciously

1. Understand cannabis, from the history to the science

2. Ask if a brand’s business practices align with your values.

3. Reward companies that are environmentally responsible, from reducing energy consumption to protecting the waterways and soil.

4. Support integrity and transparency by making sure that the brands you are purchasing from are treating their staff and community with care.

5. Flex your inner activist by using your voice and your vote to advocate for cannabis reform.

XII. Presenting Companies

About Eunice Kim, Founder + CEO, HiVi

Eunice Kim is the founder and CEO of HiVi a digital-first cannabis company that is changing how conscious consumers discover and adopt cannabis for their wellbeing. Eunice is a passionate champion for social change both in and out of the cannabis industry and prioritizes women, BIPOC/minority, and queer-led businesses and partners.

Founded in 2019, HiVi is a first-to-market cannabis hub that guides consumers on their wellness journey with an inclusive community and science-powered Concierge for personalized product recommendations. HiVi redefines what it means to get high by educating and empowering the consumer to make cannabis decisions for themselves, all while saving them the pains of trialand-error, money, and time.

Prior to starting HiVi, Eunice worked at major fashion media brands including Vogue and W and founded her own womens sneaker brand that was carried in top retailers including Nordstrom, Fred Segal, Bergdorf Goodman and more.

About Sysamone Phaphon, Founder + CEO, Savanh

Sysamone Phaphon is a leader and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Cannabis industry. She is the current CEO and founder of the AAPI inspired CBD Nanoemulsion brand, Savanh. Sysamone also provides growth strategy & brand consultancy for hemp and cannabis brands. Prior to pursuing the consultancy path & building her own health & wellness company in the CBD space, she was previously the Head of Growth for cannabis manufacturer, Vertosa, where she managed PR, Marketing and brand partnerships for Vertosa & their various cannabis brand clients.

Founded in 2019, Savanh was built to modernize Asian healing traditions. Savanh's message is rooted in genuine love for Asian culture and a desire to evolve our traditions for a modern era. Above all, Savanh is here to educate, guide, and earn the trust of our brothers and sisters as they explore wellness.

Savanh products are formulated using cutting-edge technology and science backed to ensure every dose is safe, has stable potency and exceptional taste.

XIII. Thank You

We thank our generous sponsors and supporters for making this initiative possible. Together as a community, we are changing the narrative and supporting the cannabis and wellness movement.

Presenting Sponsors:

Weedmaps

CalAsian Foundation

Supporting Sponsors:

Vertosa

My Green Network

Meadow

Canopy Growth

Ashe Society

FlowerHire

Special thanks to our translators:

Randy Horn

Reth Sreyneath

Pisith Pitou

Phayvanah Halsackda

Chanthachone Sipaseuth

Keisuke Kubota

Monika Bhasin

Halal Hemp

Geraldine Mae Cueva

Wendy Zeng

A project by the AAPI cannabis collective in pursuit of inclusivity and destigmatization through education and guidance.