Marijuana is quite a complex plant. If you haven’t taken the time to read a few things about it, then it might surprise you how much there is to know about it. In fact, that wouldn’t seem like such a bad idea considering that marijuana is slowly making its way across the four corners of the globe. Expanding your knowledge about cannabis and marijuana-related topics can really help you in the future. Since it looks like it is well becoming an accepted commodity in many communities around the world, you may very well have access to it in the near future.
For many years now, the cannabis plant has undergone numerous studies in order to fully understand its impact on a user’s health. As a result, there have been some countries which have fully authorized the use and consumption of such substance. Places like Canada, the Netherlands, and some US states have openly expressed their full support of cannabis legalization. This is because studies suggest that the cannabis plant contains various properties that help treat some types of illnesses and diseases. Aside from its recreational uses, cannabis plants have proven to be quite versatile when it comes to the health aspect of things. Today, we are going to break down a few facts about cannabis as well as discuss the different effects it has on users. Upon reading this article, we hope that you develop a sense of appreciation for the cannabis plant. Let’s get started.
THE CANNABIS PLANT’S ORIGINS
Many reports suggest that the cultivation and use of the cannabis plant can be traced back to a thousand years ago. When early civilization first came upon this substance, they immediately found many medical uses for it. Some early settlers established cannabis (also called hemp) as one of the most effective treatments to use for sleeping disorders, nausea, and flu symptoms. Additionally, ancient rituals also made use of the cannabis plant as a means to induce trances which they believed to be other-worldly effects. The hemp plant is believed to originate mainly from Mainland Asia and many parts of the subcontinent India. Aside from its health benefits, some of its earliest uses were being used for fabrication and cloths.
Once it reached parts of Northern Africa and the Middle East, studies about the plant’s psychoactive effects began. With this, people started taking a certain degree of caution when using this plant. During the 1800s, British establishments decided to limit (and eventually ban) the use of cannabis as it hindered the performance and productivity of workers in the industry.
EFFECTS OF CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID CONTENTS
Cannabis effects can vary widely depending on the type of strain you are smoking. The main reason why people smoke and consume cannabis in the first place is to feel the psychoactive effects that it induces. As such, different types of weed can be used for different purposes and reasons. Sativa-dominant strains tend to induce “euphoric highs” that are uplifting to a person’s mood. They are able to provide the necessary energy boosts that people can use for a day’s work. On the other hand, Indica-dominant strains specialize in getting the user “stoned”. This means that people who smoke Indicas can expect a heavy body feeling of calmness and relaxation. This is ideal for curing sleeping disorders and fatigue levels.
These effects can be attributed to compounds found in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. The two main types of cannabinoids are the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for causing the psychoactive feelings you get when consuming marijuana. CBD, on the other hand, gears more towards health and medical benefits by impacting the brain receptors and causing certain effects on the body.
DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE CANNABIS
- Smoking – This is the most common (and enjoyable) way of consuming cannabis. Smoking is usually done through the use of joints, blunts, bongs, dab rigs, pipes, and other instruments. When the dried up marijuana leaves are introduced to combustion, smoke is then produced and subsequently inhaled by the user. The THC and CBD content of marijuana then makes its way into the brain and causes “high” feelings.
- Edibles – Edibles are also a form of consumption that is slowly becoming more and more popular. Any food product is mixed with cannabis leaves, cannabis oil, or cannabis butter in order to render the effects of marijuana. When eaten, the edibles may take 30 minutes up to an hour to induce its effects. This is because it still makes its way through the digestive system before spreading into the user’s bloodstream. Regulated doses must be observed when using edibles as they may cause an overdose.
- Topical Oils – Cannabis extracts and THC/CBD concentrates are the new hot things in town. Many people decided to reap the cannabis plants of its benefits without having to experience the highs and psychoactive effects. This is made possible with the use of oils. Gently rubbing them onto a person’s body can work wonders such as clearer skin and pain relief.
- THC and CBD Pills – From a medical standpoint, it would be better to give patients pills rather than making them inhale smoke from marijuana. As such, THC and CBD-infused pills are now a thing in the medical sector.
There is so much more to learn about cannabis. However, we must also exercise the right disciplined mindset when consuming this drug in order to avoid any negative effects on our bodies. Upon expanding your knowledge about it, we hope it opens your mind to a more cannabis-filled future.
