Education
Committed to cannabis education, safety, and responsible consumption.
Understanding Cannabis: The Basics
Cannabis is a plant that contains hundreds of naturally occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most widely recognized cannabinoids are:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is responsible for the euphoric or “high” sensation most commonly associated with cannabis consumption. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, specifically binding to CB1 receptors primarily found in the brain and central nervous system.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has gained significant attention for its potential wellness applications. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce intoxicating effects. Many consumers incorporate CBD into their routines for its reported calming and balancing properties.
The Entourage Effect
Many cannabis researchers and practitioners reference the “entourage effect,” a theory suggesting that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds work more effectively together than in isolation. This is one reason why full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products are popular among educated cannabis consumers.
Cannabis Consumption Methods
There are several primary methods of consuming cannabis, each with distinct onset times and duration of effects. Sunderstorm manufactures cannabis-infused edibles, and it is important for consumers to understand how edibles differ from other consumption methods.
Inhalation
Smoking and vaping
Onset Within minutes Lasts 1–3 hours Inhaled cannabis reaches the bloodstream rapidly through the lungs. Onset typically occurs within minutes, and effects generally subside within 1 to 3 hours.
Sublingual
Under the tongue
Onset 15–45 minutes Sublingual cannabis products, such as tinctures and certain lozenges, are absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue. Onset is faster than traditional edibles but slower than inhalation, typically between 15 and 45 minutes.
Edibles
Ingestible cannabis products
Onset 30 minutes–2 hours Lasts 4–8 hours Edibles are cannabis-infused food or beverage products that are consumed orally. When ingested, THC is processed through the digestive system and metabolized by the liver, converting delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that can produce stronger and longer-lasting effects.
Key points about edibles
- Onset time is typically between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the individual’s metabolism, body weight, and whether they have eaten recently.
- Effects can last significantly longer than inhaled cannabis, often between 4 and 8 hours, and in some cases longer.
- Consumers should always Start Low and Go Slow, meaning they should begin with a small dose (typically 2.5mg to 5mg of THC for new consumers) and wait a full two hours before considering an additional dose.
Responsible Use Guidelines
Sunderstorm is deeply committed to responsible consumption. We adhere to all state regulations regarding labeling, packaging, and consumer safety wherever our products are sold, and we extend that commitment by providing the following guidelines:
Know Your Dose
Always review the THC and CBD content on the product label before consuming. Cannabis products sold through licensed retailers carry standardized labeling, required by state law, that discloses cannabinoid content per serving and per package.
Do Not Operate a Vehicle
Cannabis impairs motor function, reaction time, and judgment. Never operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after consuming cannabis products. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and dangerous.
Keep Products Away from Children and Pets
All Sunderstorm products are manufactured and packaged in compliant, child-resistant packaging pursuant to state regulations. Store all cannabis products in their original packaging, in a secure location inaccessible to children and pets.
Understand Your State’s Laws
Cannabis laws vary significantly by state and locality. Sunderstorm manufactures and distributes only through licensed, compliant cannabis retailers. Always purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary to ensure you are consuming a lab-tested, regulated product.
Consult a Healthcare Provider
Cannabis may interact with certain medications and may not be appropriate for all individuals. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a history of psychosis or other mental health conditions, or are taking prescription medications, consult a licensed healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Age Restriction
Cannabis products are strictly for adults 21 years of age or older for adult-use purposes. Depending on state law, medical cannabis may be available to qualified patients aged 18 and older with a valid physician recommendation.
The Importance of Buying from Licensed Retailers
One of the most important things a cannabis consumer can do is purchase exclusively from licensed cannabis retailers. Here is why it matters:
Lab Testing and Safety
Cannabis products sold through licensed retail markets must be tested by an accredited, independent laboratory for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, microbials, and other contaminants. Sunderstorm products meet or exceed all state-mandated testing requirements before they ever reach a retailer’s shelf.
Accurate Labeling
Licensed manufacturers like Sunderstorm are required by law to accurately disclose cannabinoid content, ingredients, allergens, and serving sizes on every product label. Consumers purchasing from unlicensed sources have no guarantee that labeling is accurate.
Supporting a Regulated Industry
Tax revenue from licensed cannabis sales funds public health, education, and community reinvestment programs in the states where it is collected. Purchasing from licensed retailers ensures that those funds remain within the regulated system.
Consumer Recourse
If a consumer has a concern about a licensed cannabis product, there are clear regulatory pathways to report issues to the state’s cannabis regulator. Consumers who purchase unlicensed products have no such protection.
Sunderstorm’s Quality and Compliance Commitment
Sunderstorm holds active manufacturing and distribution licenses issued by the California Department of Cannabis Control, and works with licensed partners in other states. Our facilities operate under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to ensure product consistency, safety, and full regulatory compliance at every stage of production.
Every Sunderstorm product is:
- Manufactured in a licensed, audited cannabis facility.
- Formulated using tested and verified cannabis extract.
- Packaged in compliant, child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging.
- Labeled in accordance with all state requirements.
- Available exclusively through licensed cannabis retailers.
Sunderstorm is committed to being a model operator in the cannabis industry, demonstrating that regulatory compliance and consumer education are not afterthoughts but the foundation of everything we do.
Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
The human body contains a complex cell-signaling network known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a role in regulating a range of physiological and cognitive processes including mood, memory, appetite, pain sensation, and immune function.
The ECS is composed of three core components:
Endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids are naturally produced molecules within the body, similar in structure to the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The two primary endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).
Receptors
Receptors are found throughout the body. CB1 receptors are primarily located in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are more commonly found in the peripheral nervous system and immune system.
Enzymes
Enzymes break down endocannabinoids once they have carried out their function.
When plant-derived cannabinoids like THC and CBD are consumed, they interact with this system, which is why cannabis can affect so many different physiological functions. Research into the ECS is ongoing, and Sunderstorm believes that supporting consumer education in this area is part of our broader responsibility to the communities we serve.
Glossary of Common Cannabis Terms
- Cannabinoid
- A class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- A document issued by an accredited testing laboratory that details the cannabinoid profile and contaminant test results for a cannabis product.
- Distillate
- A highly refined cannabis extract that has been processed to isolate specific cannabinoids, often used in edible manufacturing.
- Infusion
- The process of incorporating cannabis extract into a food or beverage product.
- mg (Milligram)
- The standard unit of measurement for cannabis dosing. A milligram is one-thousandth of a gram.
- Onset
- The time it takes for the effects of a cannabis product to be felt after consumption.
- Serving Size
- The recommended portion of a cannabis product to consume in a single sitting, as defined on the product label.
- Terpenes
- Aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to flavor and aroma and may influence the overall effect profile of a product.
- THC
- Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
- CBD
- Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.
Articles
- Cannabinoids Exploring Cannabinoids in the Future of Medicine How cannabinoid research, better delivery systems, and genetic testing are shaping the future of cannabis medicine. March 14, 2022 · 2 min read
- Responsible use Parents, Pot, and the Perception of Cannabis in the American Home Practical ideas for parents who use cannabis: how to talk about it, choose a method, and store it safely at home. August 9, 2021 · 3 min read
- Cannabinoids How You Can Get Scientifically Better Sleep with CBN What CBN is, what research and surveys say about cannabis and sleep, and the CBN products Sunderstorm offered at the time. October 29, 2020 · 3 min read
Guides from KANHA
Dosing, ingredients, and how KANHA makes its gummies, from kanhatreats.com.
- Cannabinoids Beyond THC: The Coactives Behind Every Bite August 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Cannabinoids Meet the Coactives in KANHA Sleep July 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Edibles Effects of the Edibles February 1, 2023 (opens in a new tab)
- Edibles How KANHA Brought Nanotech to Cannabis November 13, 2023 (opens in a new tab)
- Edibles Chocolate Complements Cannabis June 14, 2023 (opens in a new tab)
- Terpenes Terpenes That Will Help You Sleep March 1, 2023 (opens in a new tab)
- Quality Clean Cannabis: KANHA Commits to Category 4 Testing November 1, 2024 (opens in a new tab)
- Safety How to Open Your KANHA Bag June 8, 2020 (opens in a new tab)
A note from KANHA and Sunderstorm
KANHA was created because we believed the cannabis industry could do better.
Better quality, better consistency, better transparency, and better education. This page is a reflection of that commitment. We will always be honest with our consumers about what is in our products, how they work, and how to use them safely.
Cannabis is a powerful plant with a rich history, and we believe adults have the right to make informed decisions about how they incorporate it into their lives. Our job is to make sure you have everything you need to make that decision wisely.
Thank you for choosing KANHA, a Sunderstorm Brand.
KANHA is a registered brand of Sunderstorm, Inc. All rights reserved. This content is intended for adults 21 years of age and older and is provided for educational purposes only. Nothing on this page constitutes medical or legal advice.