By RQS Editorial Team

At Royal Queen Seeds, we are constantly on the lookout for the best information and knowledge about cannabis. In our interviews, we talk to figures from all over the cannabis industry. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Andreu.

"Hello, my name is Andreu. I am a 27-year-old biologist specialised in plant breeding. Cannabis is the crop that I have always been passionate about, to the point that I carried out a project on the therapeutic application of cannabinoids during my studies. Currently, I contribute to different R&D projects. Among them is a plant breeding programme focused on creating new cannabis varieties."

(Listen to it in Spotify and Apple Podcast)

In addition to our Podcast Interview with Andreu. ✍️
We’ve done an exclusive Q&A about Cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids to get some advice for our readers. You can find Andreu’s insights below!

1. What are cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in a cannabis plant?

All of these compounds are secondary metabolites of the plant that are not directly involved in its growth, but in the interaction between the plant and its environment. Cannabinoids and terpenes are produced in large quantities in the female flowers, and to a lesser extent in the leaves. However, flavonoids are mainly found in the leaves of the plant.

Cannabinoids are a very broad group of substances that bind to the cannabinoid receptors present in our body. Cannabinoids are not only found in the cannabis plant. There are also endocannabinoids—those produced by our brain—and synthetic cannabinoids, which are synthesised in labs. So far, about 150 cannabinoids have been identified in the cannabis plant, of which very few are psychoactive.

Terpenes are volatile substances that define the organoleptic characteristics (taste and aroma) of the plant. They are responsible for the good or bad taste of a strain when consumed.

Finally, flavonoids are phenolic compounds that have gained importance in recent years due to their antioxidant function. In plants, many flavonoids are expressed in the form of pigments. For example, when we notice that a cannabis plant turns purple, this is because there are compartments inside the cells, called vacuoles, that accumulate a higher content of anthocyanins, and therefore we get this purple pigmentation.

2. Why does cannabis produce these substances naturally?

Plants produce thousands of chemical compounds, and cannabis is no exception. Although cannabinoids and terpenes have a very different effect on people, the plant synthesises them for a common purpose, to defend itself against herbivorous insects. Interestingly enough, insects lack an endocannabinoid system and do not respond in the same way as people. For example, THCA has been shown to induce cell death in insect cells.

Some researchers indicate that cannabinoids also protect the plant against bacteria and fungi, due to their antifungal and antibiotic activity. In addition, terpenes also protect the plant against high temperatures. The plant's strategy is clear; to store these protective substances in the trichomes located on the female flowers—the most important place in the plant, where the seed will be born.

Finally, the plant produces flavonoids to capture certain wavelengths of light different from chlorophylls, which is why certain colours are produced in the leaves and flowers. In addition, it also protects the plant against UV radiation.

Why does cannabis produce these substances naturally?

3. In the same cannabis strain, can we always expect the same results in terms of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids?

No, but this would be ideal. Biology indicates that a phenotype is the expression of a set of genes in a given environment. Based on this simple equation, all plants of the same strain should contain the same genes involved in the production of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

However, as these are complex traits controlled by many genes, there are always small genetic variations. In addition, the growing conditions should be completely consistent for all plants in terms of substrate type, irrigation, fertilisation, temperature, light, ventilation…

"To obtain a good terpene profile, never overdo it with fertilisers during the flowering stage, as they will affect the flavour." 

4. Which cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are most predominantly found in the plant?

Currently, the predominant cannabinoids in the plant are THC and CBD. Although, in recent years we can find strains with minority cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). The latter has psychoactive properties. Regarding this, I have seen that Royal Queen Seeds has released two varieties with minority cannabinoids, one with CBG and the other with CBDV.

As for terpenes, I would highlight pinene, myrcene, limonene, linalool, and caryophyllene. Each terpene contributes a specific aroma to the strain's organoleptic profile. Finally, although flavonoids are less understood, some are exclusive to the cannabis plant, such as cannflavins A, B, and C, which display an anti-inflammatory function.

5. How do they act in our organism?

Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors distributed in our body. There are two main cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. For this reason, a cannabinoid can act on a cannabinoid receptor located in the brain, as well as in the intestine or in a cell of the immune system.

As for terpenes and flavonoids, they participate by modulating the pharmacological action of cannabinoids through the entourage effect. Thus, terpenes and flavonoids modify the action of cannabinoids in our organism. For example, in 2018, a preclinical breast cancer study was published where a higher antitumour efficacy was obtained using a THC preparation with terpenes and flavonoids compared to isolated THC. However, the molecular mechanisms involved between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in our body have not yet been described.

How do they act in our organism?

6. Why does THC get us high and CBD does not?

When studying THC and CBD, we can see that their chemical structure is very similar. In fact, their chemical composition is exactly the same: 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms. However, the arrangement of their atoms is different, and thus their chemical and pharmacological properties are distinct.

But, why is THC psychoactive and CBD is not? Very simple; for that we have to look at how they interact with the CB1 cannabinoid receptors, located mainly in the central nervous system. The psychoactive effect of THC is due to its agonist activity with the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. It binds with high affinity and activates it, giving rise to its psychoactive effect.

However, CBD binds with very low affinity to this receptor and also acts as a negative allosteric modulator. This means that its binding does not activate the receptor, but reduces its activity, and thus the stimulation of other cannabinoids such as THC. For this reason, a flower with high THC and low CBD levels will always have a greater psychoactive effect than a flower with high THC and high CBD levels.

7. What is the difference between natural and synthetic cannabinoids?

A synthetic cannabinoid is a synthesised molecule that mimics the chemical structure of THC or CBD to interact with cannabinoid receptors. These compounds were created to investigate possible therapeutic effects and to study the pharmacology of cannabinoid receptors, although in recent years they've also been used as drugs of abuse.

For recreational use, synthetic cannabinoids are mixed or sprayed onto plant material using solvents like acetone or methanol to dissolve the cannabinoids. They are illegally marketed as herbal incenses, flavourings, and fertilisers under brand names such as "Spice", "K2", and "Mojo".

We should clarify that these substances are not natural cannabinoids, nor cannabis, and their consumption is really dangerous. For example, HU-210 has been shown to be 100–800 times more potent than THC. Furthermore, these compounds have not been tested on humans or animals, and it seems that manufacturers tend to create new variations as soon as they are declared illegal. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) has detected a total of 169 different synthetic cannabinoids to date.

8. Can we increase the production of cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids in the plant?

Of course we can. From my point of view, it is essential to optimise all growing conditions to obtain the maximum expression of these traits. Personally, I would specifically focus on lighting and fertilisation.

Several studies have shown that LED lighting increases total cannabinoid production compared to high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS). In addition, UV-B light has been shown to increase the concentration of THC and flavonoids. Regarding fertilisation, during the flowering stage it is very important to provide the plant with the necessary macronutrients (especially phosphorus and potassium) and micronutrients, without causing toxicity.

To obtain a good terpene profile, never overdo it with fertilisers during the flowering stage, as they will affect the flavour. Finally, in order to observe some flavonoids, such as anthocyanins, it is not necessary to increase their production directly, but to provide a cooler environment for the plant to degrade the chlorophylls and get that purple colour.

Can we increase the production of cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids in the plant?

9. Do cannabinoids change according to the way they are consumed?

Yes, they change. Cannabis can be consumed mainly by inhalation or ingestion. In the case of smoking, from the moment it is exposed to the lighter flame, cannabinoids are decarboxylated from their acid form (THCA and CBDA) to their neutral form (THC and CBD). Once the smoke has reached the lungs, those cannabinoids are introduced into the bloodstream at their peak concentration within 2–10 minutes.

However, when we eat raw cannabis, there is no such decarboxylation process, so we consume the cannabinoids in their acidic forms (THCA and CBDA) without the desired effect. For this reason, it is necessary to first decarboxylate cannabinoids by heating them. Once ingested, THC is metabolised in the liver to 11-hydroxy-delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive metabolite similar to THC, and CBD is converted to 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol. The effects of consuming cannabis orally appear between 30 and 90 minutes, reaching their full potential after 2 or 3 hours.

10. What is the optimal decarboxylation process for cannabinoids?

As mentioned above, decarboxylation takes place with the combustion of cannabinoids, converting them from their acid forms (THCA and CBDA) to their neutral forms (THC and CBD). This is a very simple chemical reaction where a carbon dioxide molecule (CO₂) is lost due to high temperatures or UV light. To perform decarboxylation, one should keep in mind that very high temperatures, the presence of oxygen, or light also contribute to cannabinoid degradation. For this reason, cannabis should always be stored in a cool and dark place.

Optimal decarboxylation of THCA is obtained by applying a temperature of 110°C for 30 minutes, 130°C for 9 minutes, or 145°C for 6 minutes. However, with higher temperatures or longer exposure time, THC will degrade to cannabinol (CBN), a less-psychoactive cannabinoid.

In the case of CBDA, the optimal temperature for its decarboxylation varies between 110°C and 130°C for 30 to 45 minutes. In case of degradation, this produces cannabielsoin (CBE), a cannabinoid present in the plant in concentrations below 0.01%.

Finally, it should be noted that each time cannabis is smoked, cannabinoids are completely decarboxylated, but part of them is degraded by combustion. Therefore, to avoid this degradation, it is more advisable to use vaporizers.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: