CANNABIS 101
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis refers to the dried parts—flowering tops, leaves, stems, and seeds—of the Cannabis plant. It belongs to the Cannabaceae family and includes species such as SATIVA, INDICA AND HYBRID.
Key Components & Terminology
Cannabinoids: Cannabis contains over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the most well-studied.
THC is psychoactive, responsible for the "high" effects—altering mood, perception, and cognition.
CBD is non-psychoactive and is increasingly researched for potential therapeutic benefits such as pain relief and reducing inflammation.
Hemp vs. Marijuana:
Hemp typically refers to cannabis plants with very low THC (≤ 0.3%), used for industrial purposes like textiles, food, and oils.
Marijuana refers to plants high in THC, commonly used for recreational or medical purposes.
History & Uses
Historical Roots: Cannabis is one of the oldest cultivated plants, with evidence dating back to Neolithic China and Japan for uses in textiles, food, and possibly as a psychoactive substance.
Industrial (Hemp Uses):
Hemp fibers are produced into twine, textiles, rope, bioplastics, and more.
Hemp seeds are packed with protein, magnesium, fiber, and used in foods like smoothies or dairy-free milk.
Medicinal Uses:
Cannabis is used to manage chronic pain, nausea/vomiting (especially from chemotherapy), muscle spasticity, and appetite loss in conditions like HIV/AIDS.
FDA-approved cannabinoid-based medications include Epidiolex (for epilepsy), Dronabinol and Nabilone (for cancer-related nausea and appetite stimulation).
Research into cannabis for conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, migraines, Parkinson’s, and more is ongoing but still emerging.
Consumption Methods & Effects
Methods: Cannabis can be smoked, vaporized, eaten (edibles), ingested in drinks, used topically, or taken via tinctures and capsules.