Marijuana, a natural plant known by many names, sports a complex chemistry, history, and legal status. Recently, the status of marijuana has gone through a lot of change in the United States, with about 37 states having legalized medical cannabis and 18 states having legalized recreational marijuana.
And as stigmatization about marijuana continues changing, many people are becoming more curious about this natural plant. According to experts at Nature’s Medicines, there is a lot to learn, especially for those newly interested in the world of cannabis.
What Cannabis Is
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is natural, a flowering plant originating from the Cannabaceae family. The plant is native to South and Central Asia and has been used and grown by humans for different purposes. Typically, it has palmate and serrated leaves and produces greenish, small flowers.
Marijuana is cultivated from clones or seeds using hydroponics or nutrient-rich soil. It also needs controlled temperatures, water, and ample light. Its growth cycle can be managed by adjusting light; around 10 weeks, you can harvest buds, dry them, and cure them.
The Basics
As far as using cannabis responsibly is concerned, it is best to be familiar with different strains as well as their effects. Sativa and Indica are the two major forms of cannabis, both with their own unique effects.
Sativa strains are commonly known for being more energizing, whereas Indica strains are more relaxing, thanks to their sedative properties. A hybrid strain is another form of cannabis. It combines Sativa and Indica and provides a balance of both strains.
Before you consume cannabis, it is also vital to be wary of the side effects, including impaired coordination, paranoia, increased heart rate, and dry mouth. In addition, cannabis may interact with some medications, making it important to confirm with your primary physician or doctor before you use it.
Also, remember always to use cannabis legally and responsibly. Beware of the local laws and use cannabis more responsibly and safely.
How Marijuana Affects Your Body
How marijuana affects the body is based on personal experience. It may as well depend on the tolerance, dose, and ingestion.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is one of the primary active ingredients, which interacts with your body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system).
ECS is a biological network of neurotransmitters and receptors in your brain, responsible for various physiological processes, like memory, metabolism, reproduction, anxiety, eating, and growth & development. Marijuana consumers may experience all or some of the following:
There are over 500 unique chemicals in marijuana, including more than 140 cannabinoids. The most common and prominent cannabinoids are CBD and THC. CBD is touted for having medicinal properties without the ‘high’ component property found in THC, while THC provides marijuana with medicinal and psychotropic effects.
THC may be used as an anti-inflammatory/analgesic to increase appetite and prevent vomiting and nausea. The intoxicating ‘high’ of THC may cause calm and euphoria, easing anxiety and uplifting depression.
On the other hand, CBD doesn’t impact patients’ capability to work normally. Some of the proposed uses of CBD include antipsychotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and its ability to ease depression, pain, and anxiety.
Methods of Using Cannabis
There are different methods of consuming cannabis. Some of the most common and prominent methods of using marijuana may include the following:
Choosing the Best Cannabis Strain
As a cannabis beginner, it can be very overwhelming to buy your first marijuana strain. Not only will you need to be concerned about the cost, but also determine whether the product is the right one for you.
Every type of marijuana has unique effects. So you need to find strains, which can meet all your needs. In order to make the right decision, the following are tips to help you:
1. Consider the Terpene Profile
Terpenes are chemical compounds that occur naturally and are found in plants as well as in some plants. They are liable for colors, flavors, and aromas associated with different kinds of plants. In terms of marijuana, terpenes are compounds that make some strains taste or smell different from other plants and may as well dictate which effects the stain often represents.
Most users are choosy about the terpene profiles in their cannabis strains. This is because of the fact that these chemical compounds are what make every individual strain different and unique. While trying out various strains, keep an eye on the terpenes you like the most to choose a strain that suits your preferences.
2. Define Your Desired Hit
Do you want to buy cannabis because you have had a long and tiring week? Or do you want something to add little pep? Whatever your reason, determining what you want from your cannabis purchase is important since not every strain hits the same. Knowing what you want will help you buy the right strain for your needs.
For instance, if you want something that can help you to mellow out, you will be better off with Indica. Smokers who prefer Indica report that their preferred strain elicits sleepiness and often comes with more potent relaxing properties than other strains.
On the other hand, Sativa smokers say that this strain makes them more energized. And as a bonus, you will find yourself more active mentally.
The Takeaway!
Always talk to your doctor before you use cannabis products. This is because any marijuana in any form may impair your mental capabilities and is not intended for people under 21.
