Cannabis 101

Get to Know the Basics

What is Hemp?

In the U.S., hemp is a form of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, containing not more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Cannabis sativa L. plants contain many different chemical compounds, known as cannabinoids.

What is cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant that produces cannabinoids (chemical compounds) and terpenes (natural aromatic oils that provide aroma and flavor), which can impact or affect the mind and body.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid that gives the plant its intoxicating properties and is different from non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids.

What are rare cannabinoids?

The cannabis plant naturally produces a class of chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Cannabinoids that occur in small amounts within the cannabis plant are what we call rare cannabinoids. More commonly known and available cannabinoids are THC and CBD, which occur in higher quantities within the plant.

What does cannabis do?

Everyone’s response to cannabis differs and can vary. Available research points to dose, delivery, product formulation and your unique body and tolerance impacting experience.

What is the status of cannabis?

Cannabis is growing in popularity among medicinal patients and adult-users, and researchers and regulators are increasing their engagement on this topic. Canada legalized medicinal cannabis in 2001 and adult-use in 2018. Most U.S. states have begun to legalize cannabis usage for medicinal and/ or adult-use. Many countries, including Israel, Germany, and Australia, have legalized the use of cannabis for certain medicinal purposes. Activists and elected officials around the world are working to advance cannabis policy.

What do the rare cannabinoids do?

While rare cannabinoids are still being studied, research has shown that a number of these compounds may provide a variety of experiences when consumed. Rare cannabinoids could provide distinct and differentiated experiences for consumers depending on the compound.

Quality

Cannabis

We’ve spent years refining our cannabis production processes under strict regulations in the Canadian market. We meet stringent standards for traceability, quality and transparency, so that customers can be assured of a high-quality product.

 

At Cronos, we engage in both understanding the fundamental science of cannabinoids, individually and in combination, and how they can be leveraged to best deliver on the consumer’s needs. Additionally, we are partnering with leading scientific institutions engaged in fundamental cannabis science to augment and accelerate our internal efforts. Our work spans many aspects of cannabis research from strain development to growing conditions to extraction technology to fermentation and product development, all supported by advances in analytical sciences.

  • We’ve been at this a long time, operating in the strictly regulated Canadian cannabis market since 2013. In fact, we were one of the first companies in Canada to receive a medicinal cannabis license from Health Canada.
 
  • We have a strong culture of compliance and health and safety across our operations.
 
  • We have developed strong and sustainable supply chain partnerships and work with suppliers and vendors who share our values. We select and review our partners not only for the quality of the products and services they provide, but also for their commitment to high standards of business ethics and compliance.
 
  • We meet high standards for traceability, quality and transparency. We clearly label our products as containing THC and CBD and disclose the amount of THC and CBD in each product.
 
  • We meet strict quality standards set in each jurisdiction where we distribute our cannabis products.
 

Responsible

Marketing

We believe the cannabis adult-use market is not for those below the legal age of consumption in their jurisdiction. Reducing underage use will require more than just adopting and strictly enforcing minimum age of purchase laws. It will require industry and industry partners including retailers to adopt responsible retail practices as a core commitment – and the training and infrastructure necessary to fulfill it.

 

Industry must be fully committed to responsible marketing practices for the full array of cannabis products offered to consumers – distinguishing between adult-use products and products prescribed by medical practitioners.

To protect adult consumers, policymakers, regulators and industry must invest in approaches that support responsible adult consumption. Adults should know what’s in the products they are consuming.

  • We support minimizing reach and potential appeal to audiences below the legal age of consumption through responsible packaging and adult-use marketing practices.

  • We believe those below the legal age of consumption should never be targeted in an adult-use cannabis market.
 
  • If we enter the U.S. market, we intend to engage in youth access prevention measures, and ensure adult consumers receive accurate information about product contents. This is a practice we are committed to in Canada.
 
  • In the medicinal context, we support marketing practices that are appropriately tailored and regulated to support the role these products may play in helping patients seeking their benefits, including accurate ingredient disclosures. Individuals should consult with their medical practitioner when seeking advice on medicinal cannabis.
 
  • We encourage industry cannabis literacy programs, non-profit campaigns, and government education programs that educate consumers on products and responsible consumption.

Marketing

Code

We recognize there is a clear need for standards. That’s why we proactively created our own. The principles in our Marketing Code apply to all marketing activities of Cronos’ brands globally and we communicate these principles to all business partners in any work they do on our behalf.

Download Marketing Code

Resources​

Responsible use of cannabis entails knowing when consumption is not appropriate. For example, cannabis is not appropriate for those who are below the legal age of consumption, pregnant or nursing, or driving. We defer to medical practitioners when it comes to who should be prescribed medicinal cannabis. The following resources provide important information on these topics.

Underage cannabis use

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cannabis and Teens

Government of Canada – Effects of cannabis on young people’s health

Pregnancy and cannabis use

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cannabis and Pregnancy

Government of Canada – Effects of cannabis on pregnancy and breast feeding

Cannabis and driving

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cannabis and Driving

Government of Canada – Cannabis impairment

Responsible Use

Overconsumption is also a serious concern. If you believe you or a loved one may be struggling with a substance use disorder, consider whether these signs are exhibited. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. In addition, SAMHSA’s website includes a treatment locator tool.

To learn more about Canada-wide, provincial and territorial health and support services, visit the Government of Canada’s substance use resources website.

© 2024 The Cronos Group. All rights reserved.
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© 2024 The Cronos Group. All rights reserved.
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