A Quick Guide To Cannabis

Everyone has heard of cannabis. Whether it is from your school's anti-drug program, the girl you haven't spoken to since high school trying to sell you CBD products from her multi-level marketing gig, or your cousin who is finally seeing relief from their chronic health condition now that they have their medical cannabis card, cannabis has likely touched your life in some way or another. Regardless of their stance on the matter, a lot of people don't know what cannabis is or how it actually works. Whether you're pro- or anti-weed, it is important to be knowledgeable about this subject that is gaining more and more relevance in today's world.

What Is Cannabis?

"Cannabis" can actually refer to three different plants (Cannabis indica, cannabis sativa, and cannabis ruderalis). It is made up of more than 120 cannabinoids (separate components) that each serve a different purpose. Two of them are of particular importance: THC and CBD. 

THC

THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis. This is the portion that is often associated with the "high" experience that people will get after smoking a joint or using other THC-containing products. While the DEA still classifies THC as a schedule one drug, several states in the USA have legalized the use of this drug for recreational and/or medical use. In addition to smoking, THC can also be consumed by topicals or products such as edible gummies.

CBD

CBD can be extracted from either hemp or cannabis, although it is only legal in the USA if it is extracted from hemp. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including vape pens, creams, or edibles. It does not produce the same psychogenic effects as THC, although it still provides several medical benefits including pain relief and muscle relaxation. 

Why "Cannabis"?

Cannabis goes by many names. You may have heard it referred to as weed, pot, or, most commonly, marijuana. Slang terms such as "weed" or "pot" have fallen away because they rely on the implication that the drug is negative. "Marijuana" is falling out of the vocabulary as well, because of the term's racist implications. 

Medical Benefits

As mentioned previously, cannabis is often used for its medicinal properties. Cannabis can help to relax the body, which may help to relax muscles and relieve certain symptoms such as muscle tightness. Neurological conditions such as Tourette's syndrome or seizures have also been shown to benefit from cannabis use. Increased appetite is one effect that may be used in patients who have trouble gaining weight. It also provides pain relief for those with certain chronic pain conditions. Certain strains may help with anxiety and depression. 

Risks

Although cannabis is often touted for being the "better, more natural" alternative, it is important to remember that even natural products can have negative side effects. Some risks that the consumption of cannabis poses include paranoia, anxiety, lethargy, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, nausea, or coordination issues. It is important to talk to your doctor about your cannabis use because it can interfere with medications that you may currently be taking or even exacerbate existing medical issues. 

There is still a lot that scientists don't know about cannabis, partially due to legality and funding issues when it comes to performing studies. However, there are many positive and negative aspects of the drug, and more is being discovered every day about the way that it functions and impacts humans.