A Beginner’s Guide to the Plant, the Science, and Access in the UK is the essential episode for anyone curious about cannabis but unsure where to start.

Hosted by Sian Phillips of the CTA, this episode breaks down the plant’s biology, key cannabinoids, the UK’s legal framework, and how medicinal access works.

With clear, accessible explanations, this is the episode to share with friends, family, or professionals seeking facts over fear.

Definitions (words used in the podcast)

CB1 Receptors - Cannabinoid receptors located primarily in the brain and nervous system, affected mostly by THC.

CB2 Receptors - Cannabinoid receptors located mostly in the immune system and gut, indirectly affected by CBD.

CBD (Cannabidiol) - A non-psychotropic cannabinoid used for inflammation, anxiety, and overall wellness.

CBD Products - Cannabis-derived food supplements legal in the UK if compliant with food safety laws and not making health claims.

Cannabinoids - Chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects.

Cannabis - A flowering plant from the Cannabaceae family, used for medicinal, therapeutic, and industrial purposes.

Endocannabinoid System (ECS) - A cell-signalling system in the body involved in regulating mood, pain, sleep, immune function, and more.

Endocannabinoids - Cannabinoids produced naturally by the human body.

Entourage Effect - The synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds enhancing their individual effects.

Hemp - A low-THC variety of Cannabis sativa L., cultivated for industrial uses such as textiles, building materials, and food.

Industrial Hemp Licence - A licence issued by the Home Office to legally cultivate low-THC cannabis for industrial purposes.

Medicinal Cannabis - Cannabis prescribed by specialist doctors for conditions unresponsive to conventional treatments. Grown under strict conditions.

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (MoDA) - UK legislation that lists cannabis as a Class B controlled substance, making recreational use illegal.

Phytocannabinoids - Cannabinoids produced mainly by the cannabis plant, but also found other plants.

Ruderalis - A hardy cannabis strain often used in breeding to produce autoflowering hybrids.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) - A psychotropic cannabinoid known for producing a 'high' and for its medicinal effects.

Terpenes - Aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that influence the plant’s smell and therapeutic effects.

Titrate - The process of starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to find the minimal effective dose.

Trichomes - Tiny glandular structures on cannabis flowers where cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are produced.

The Cannabis Trades Association is the UK’s largest and longest-standing membership organisation representing the cannabis and hemp industry.

We support businesses across the medicinal cannabis, CBD wellness, and industrial hemp sectors - championing regulation, innovation, and responsible growth.

These podcasts are part of our mission to inform, connect, and advocate for a safe, legal, and thriving cannabis industry. Whether you're a policymaker, professional, or simply curious about the sector, we’re here to share insights that matter.

Visit us at www.cannabistrades.org

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