Cannabis has been a common topic of discussion for a great number of people over the past few years. There are now five states in the U.S. that have legalized the use of cannabis for recreation, and several others which have legalized it’s use for medicinal purposes.
The age of demonizing the plant is diminishing, and most people just want to know more. The more you know about cannabis, the more well equipped you are to make the personal decision whether or not to partake.
Here is a quick overview of a few facts about cannabis that you probably don’t already know.
The terminology of Cannabis
Mary jane, pot, weed, ganja, reefer, and many other terms have all been assigned to one plant; cannabis. Outdoor versus hydro refers to the growing methods of the plant.
The most common term, marijuana, actually comes from a pretty dark origin in history. Around a century ago, the term marijuana became popular in the United States as a result of a government sponsored campaign to not only demonize the plant, but associate the demonization with migrant workers from Mexico.
Understanding the different strains
There are hundreds of different strain names to throw around when talking about cannabis variations, but the chemical effects of the plant can be broken down into three main categories: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis.
Though crossbreeding of the plant has made it nearly impossible to produce a bud that is 100 pure indica or sativa, the terminology is used more often to describe the effects of the high than to explain genetic history.
If someone says a strain is an indica, you will probably get a more “couch locked” high from the buds. If a strain is said to be sativa, you will experience a more euphoric, energetic high from the plant.
The difference between CBD and THC
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the chemical in marijuana that is responsible for the “high” feeling people describe. CBD is the chemical in the plant which is responsible for the relaxation and healing properties of marijuana.
This is not your mama’s weed
Take a look at an image of the weed people were smoking back in the 1970s. Now compare it to an image of today’s average bud. Today’s marijuana is nearly 100 times more potent than it was forty years ago.
Growers have more than perfected growing methods, and today’s marijuana generally has a much higher concentration of THC than it does of CBD.
The CBD in the plant is great for counteracting the psychoactive components of the THC. When you have little to no CBD in a bud, there is a higher risk of panic or anxiety occurring.
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