Where Did Cannabis Come From?

Cannabis is a naturally occurring plant originating from Asia. Preserved, wild specimens have been found to date back thousands of years. Culture and trade helped spread the use of cannabis.

Cannabis is known by a wealth of terms such as pot, marijuana, ganja, and weed to name a few.  Cannabis is used today for a multitude of purposes. Research is finding correlations between cannabis use and health benefits. Studies are being conducted to advance the functions of cannabis and hemp.

Is It Cannabis or Hemp?

Just as there are many different species of corn, there are numerous varieties of cannabis. Some are grown to be used for industrial purposes, like clothing or biofuel, hemp construction blocks, and insulation. Some are bred for compounds that are present in the plant to be used for fostering health in humans and animals.

Hemp and cannabis are cousins of each other like sweet corn and popcorn. Same family, but distinct forms. So it's all under the heading of cannabis, just cultivated differently. With a wide range of products.

Hemp is bred to contain low amounts of THC <.03% It is essentially non-psychoactive but can contain all the other essential cannabinoids and nutrients. Plus it can be made into industrial products.

Cannabis alternatively has THC included within the plant >.3%.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a cannabinoid compound that has psychoactive properties. It accounts for the high people describe. THC is powerful and comes in low doses as well as concentrates that are high as 90%.

Many other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes are in cannabis and hemp. Strains are being bred with different amounts of each of these compounds to optimize the effect the consumer will experience.

What Should I Try?

The easiest form of cannabis to use for beginners may be whole flower buds or you could ask for trim or shake which is essentially clippings or loose-leaf cannabis. These products are most often smoked or vaporized. An array of pipes, bongs, and even portable vaporizers are available to assist with these methods. Or you could simply roll up a small amount in a joint and light it up.

A very small pinch of the cannabis bud or the shake can be dropped into the bowl of a pipe. The cannabis is then lit with a lighter as you inhale gently through the mouthpiece. Hold the smoke in your lungs briefly, then exhale.

In Frame: Fresh cannabis buds

There are many ways to smoke cannabis but they come with the downside of inhaling carcinogens. The same ones are present in tobacco cigarette smoke. This may be the most common way to consume but it does have drawbacks.

Vaporizing cannabis is slightly more healthy because the cannabis is not burnt. It is heated to extract the cannabinoids and THC and then be inhaled. Fewer health risks, but still a choice for you, the consumer. These methods usually start to take effect rapidly and last about 1-3 hours depending on the potency and your body's reaction.

If smoking or vaping isn't something you'd like to try, there are plenty of other choices. You can eat or drink cannabis too. However, these are very tempting products and easy to overindulge. Remember the 'low and slow' saying and heed the warning in this category.

Some of the current offerings include candy, pastries, and of course gummies. Chefs are even creating entire meals that are infused with extracts from cannabis, with infused drinks to compliment. Almost any food can be infused with cannabis extract. 

Administration of topical creams, lotions, and time-release pain patches are available. Today's cannabis is not the stuff your grandparents consumed. Advanced and ready to provide multiple benefits to a multitude of people.

Where Can I Purchase?

Currently, within the US there are 37 states that have medical marijuana programs in some respect, and 18 are adult recreational use along with Washington D.C. and Guam. If you're in a state that has a medical program and you have a debilitating condition listed on that state's requirements, you could apply for a medical card.

If you are in a state where recreational use has been passed, no medical card is required. Simply locate a licensed dispensary to make a purchase. Dispensary staff should be willing to answer any questions you might have.

Where Can I Learn More?

Throughout this publication and in future ones we will bring you more in-depth information and education. We will be helping you expand your knowledge and making it easier to understand the fast-paced world of cannabis. Education is key to having a great cannabis experience.  Now is your chance to teach what you’ve learned here. Now go practice your OG language with your friends.

Written by Teresa Martin, Copywriter: Cannabis, Hemp, Medical

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