Cannabis produces numerous cannabinoids – the compounds chiefly responsible for its therapeutic properties. You’re probably already acquainted with the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its non-psychoactive cousin – cannabidiol (CBD).
But while THC and CBD are marijuana’s most popular cannabinoids, studies have discovered at least 100 other phytocannabinoids in the plant.
One way to classify cannabis products is by assessing the potency of their dominant cannabinoids. In this post, we introduce a special category of weed known as type 2 flower.
What Is Type 2 Flower?
Cannabis falls into several chemotaxonomic units, based on the potency of its principal bioactive cannabinoids.
The categories include;
- Type 1
- Type 2
- Type 3
- Type 4
- Type 5
Type 2 flower refers to marijuana buds containing equal tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol concentrations. It differs from type 1, which is higher in THC than CBD, and type 3, which contains more CBD than THC.
When shopping for cannabis extracts, many would readily settle for products that lean towards one specific cannabinoid.
Cannabidiol is notably popular with medical marijuana users.
CBD exerts its biological effects by impacting certain endocannabinoid receptors, particularly CB2 receptors. The compound also interacts with various endogenous cannabinoids (such as anandamide) and neurotransmitters (including serotonin).
Meanwhile, tetrahydrocannabinol appeals more to recreational users. While THC offers nearly similar therapeutic benefits as CBD, its psychoactive abilities make it ideal for those craving an intense cerebral rush.
Tetrahydrocannabinol primarily impacts CB1 receptors. This category of endocannabinoid receptors is mostly expressed near the brain and central nervous system, which explains THC’s mind-altering abilities.
CB1 receptors differ from CB2 receptors, which are generally spread in peripheral tissues and organs.
Unpacking Type 1 and Type 3 Flower
As noted, type 1 flower is remarkably high in tetrahydrocannabinol. They typically derive from THC-based strains, such as Sour Diesel.
Type 1 flower delivers intense, fast-acting euphoria. Users report near-instant changes in energy and mood, depending on the serving portions.
Type 2 flowers come from cannabidiol-rich cultivars like ACDC. Their genetic lineage renders them higher in CBD than THC, which explains their generally mellowing effects.
What Makes Type 2 Flower Unique?
1. Offers the Best of Both Worlds
Type 1 cannabis is highly stimulating. Type 3 is exceptionally soothing.
However, type 2 flower delivers blended effects.
Type 2 combines type 1’s psychoactive abilities with type 3’s non-intoxicating properties, making it excellent if you’re craving the best of both worlds.
While users report diverse effects, type 2 cannabis flower is partly uplifting and partly relaxing. It calms your mind while keeping you physically energized and mentally focused to stay on task.
2. Sets In At the Right Time
Some cannabis users prefer type 1 flower as it delivers a cerebral rush within minutes of consumption. For others, type 3 stands out for its slower-acting effects.
Type 2 straddles both worlds. This cannabis flower kicks in just at the right time, helping you manage your expectations better.
No need to worry about instant heady buzz or delayed relaxation. Simply administer type 2 flower and let the effects kick in just when you anticipate them.
3. Makes THC Less Overwhelming
THC-high flowers can quickly overwhelm the senses. While these products deliver potent therapeutic benefits, the resultant mind-altering properties may often negate their pharmacological efficacy.
Fortunately, taking CBD-rich type 2 flowers helps modulate those effects.
Studies have shown that consuming cannabis products containing significant amounts of THC and CBD presents fewer adverse effects than taking THC alone.
The tetrahydrocannabinol in type 2 flowers initiates quick action. However, the product’s CBD content modulates those effects, preventing intoxication.
4. Induces Milder High
The ideal euphoria should hit gently but deliver immense therapeutic benefits.
As seasoned cannabis users would agree, excess mental stimulation can be counterproductive to overall wellness goals.
Type 2 flower is easier on the psyche. It delivers a mild high, inducing body relaxation while keeping you mentally alert.
Unlike highly stimulating type 1 or intensely sedating type 3, type 2 strikes a balance between medical and recreational effects.
5. Delivers the Entourage Effect
When co-administered, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol exert enhanced therapeutic effects through a mechanism called the entourage effect.
The THC in type 2 flower offers cerebral lift, combating fatigue and stimulating mental creativity. Meanwhile, CBD addresses stress and insomnia.
Studies have also shown that both cannabinoids possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Note that the entourage effect involves terpenes too.
Terpenes are compounds that account for cannabis’s distinct aroma, although they also possess therapeutic properties. Noteworthy ones include myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and linalool.
6. Ideal for Any Time of Day
Type 1 cannabis is excellent for those seeking to charge up for the day ahead. The high THC content in these flowers will activate your energy levels, enabling you to confront whatever challenge the day throws your way.
On the flip side, type 3 flower is great for evening unwinding. It lets you detox from the stressful experiences encountered during the day as you mellow down to restful sleep.
But when it comes to type 2 cannabis, there’s no such thing as “the ideal dosing time.” You can unlock the flower’s benefits regardless of the time of day you administer it.
Take type 2 in the morning to rev up your energy levels. Or, consume it at bedtime to boost your sleep quality.
Type 2’s balanced effects also make it excellent for integrating into your fitness routine. Measured doses of this flower can supercharge your energy levels and improve endurance during strenuous workouts, as its calming properties soothe performance anxiety and post-workout muscle aches.
Word About Type 4 and 5
Type 4 flowers are high in cannabigerol (CBD), a lesser-known cannabinoid with diverse therapeutic properties.
Type 5 contains minimal cannabinoids. This category is notably suitable for new cannabis users still trying to build a tolerance for the plant.
The Bottom Line
Type 2 cannabis flower provides balanced effects due to its equal tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol potency. While type 1 and type 3 flowers lean toward THC and CBD, respectively, type 2 products deliver the best of both worlds.
Smoking type 2 flower lets you unlock marijuana’s therapeutic benefits without becoming overwhelmingly intoxicated. The products’ two dominant cannabinoids help soothe various ailments, as CBD modulates THC’s psychedelic abilities.
However, note that the net effects of type 2 flower depend on the potency of its chief bioactive cannabinoids.
For perspective, a product containing 20% THC and 20% CBD will deliver more intense effects than one formulated with, say, 10% THC and CBD. That calls for moderation while administering type 2 flower.
Remember to also research your local cannabis laws. In the United States, you can legally access type 2 flower if it contains a maximum THC potency of 0.3%.