Cannabis is a popular drug that comes from the buds and leaves of the hemp plant. Because of its unique effect which is a mixture of stimulant, depressant, and hallucinogen, many people use it recreationally. Nowadays, we also use it for medicinal purposes as studies prove that it has significant health benefits and fewer side effects.
Interestingly, modern medicine can create a preparation of cannabis without its psychoactive component. So, it’s perfect for patients who need the healing properties without the associated “high”.
Unbeknownst to many, people have been consuming weed for its medical properties way back in ancient time. It was only in the early 20th century when cannabis was restricted that we stopped using it for this purpose. Luckily, many governments now recognize its value and are working to decriminalize it.
This emerging marijuana movement is helped by the fact that majority of people who use the herb are not looking for trouble. Instead, they just want to experience the euphoric effect it gives them. Not surprisingly, a poll in 2013 reported that 1 in 8 American adults smoke pot. As such, it is the most widely used illicit drug in the world.
To better understand the lure of weed, this article will explore all the essential information about it. This includes everything from its chemical make-up, side effects, strains, medical uses, and many more. By the end of this article, expect to have a basic knowledge of cannabis which will help in our use and enjoyment of it.
Basic Facts About Cannabis
One of the most interesting things about weed is that it can grow basically anywhere. Just give it light, water, and nutrients, and after a few months, we can harvest some nice buds. Hence, many pot enthusiasts are willing to grow the plant despite some level of risk. But whether we are growing or using it, here are some of the vital facts that are worth learning.
- What is it made of?
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Cannabis contains more than 460 compounds including at least 84 types of cannabinoids. These compounds interact with brain receptors which alters mood and other senses. The most commonly studied of these are THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), and CBN (cannabinol).
- THC
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Chemically, the main active ingredient of cannabis is the famous THC. As any weed enthusiast knows, it’s what gives the feeling of high or euphoria when taking any form of the drug. When it enters the body, it looks for CB1 receptors in the brain and attaches to them. This is what seems to produce the “high” effect.
Aside from that, it also appears to cause mood and cognitive alterations. Depending on the product that we use, the potency of THC tends to vary. As a result, we can experience different intensities and rate of the effects.
- CBD
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Another dominant component of cannabis is CBD which, unlike THC, is completely non-psychoactive. While it still causes some biochemical reactions in the body, it’s more about relaxation and not cerebral adventures.
In addition, this organic chemical contains many beneficial properties. Hence, patients with serious diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS often include it in their therapy.
Because of this, it is now being studied a lot more compared to other cannabinoids. Also, many growers are looking for ways to breed marijuana that has low THC and high CBD.
- Is it toxic?
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Contrary to the traditional belief that cannabis is toxic, various studies show that it isn’t in reasonable doses. As such, it is not known to cause brain damage, and in fact, has few physical side effects. When used carefully, it presents no serious consequences to the cognitive and physical functions.
However, many experts recommend against using it while under any severe or stressful mental conditions. This is because the substance can strongly enhance the current state of mind and emotions.
Aside from that, prolong use is also advised against as it may trigger mental illness in people with risk factors for psychosis. All in all, moderation is key to a healthy and enjoyable cannabis experience.
- Is it addictive?
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Researchers say that cannabis is less addictive than caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol, and cocaine or heroin. As such, it is mildly habit-forming, and dependence often occurs only among heavy users.
- What are its effects on the body?
Based on numerous reports and studies, cannabis affects three main categories in the body. This includes cognitive, physical, and sensory effects. However, we must take them with a grain of salt since they rarely occur at all depending on how much we take at once. Also, be careful not to take heavier doses as they are more likely to induce the more serious effects including injury or death.
- Cognitive Effects
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The most common cognitive effects of cannabis include anxiety, heightened emotions, increased creativity, and dream suppression. In addition, users may experience sleepiness, increased sense of humor, and music appreciation. There’s also a feeling of impending doom, paranoia, and psychosis in prolonged use.
- Physical Effects
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Marijuana often produces a sedative effect on the body which is what many people are after.
Of course, there’s also euphoria, muscle relaxation, and spontaneous physical sensations. Other common effects are nausea, decreased blood pressure, dryness of mouth, dehydration, and motor control loss. Also, important to mention are appetite enhancement or suppression, pain relief, and seizure suppression.
- Sensory Effects
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Sensory effects of cannabis include auditory enhancement which is why most people use it while listening to music. In heavy doses, it causes hearing distortions which can place the user in possible danger.
When it comes to visual effects, the most common are color enhancement and brightness alteration. Because of these, watching a movie can be a very surreal experience. However, blurriness can also occur which, again, can be dangerous when driving a car. Likewise, in heavy doses, there may be hallucinations and misinterpretations of visual information.
Although rarely occurring, the user can experience synesthesia. Oftentimes, it is hard to reproduce, and it seems to only happen in heavy doses and a history of the multi-sensory condition.
- What happens when it is combined with other drugs?
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As it often happens, recreational and medicinal drugs have a way of producing unique effects when combined with others. Hence, it’s important to know what happens when we use weed along with some of the popular substances.
- Alcohol
It’s not a good idea to combine cannabis with alcohol as it often creates feelings of extreme nausea, double vision, and dizziness. Therefore, avoid using both together, or consume the weed first before drinking as doing the other way around results to unpleasant reactions.
- Depressants
Using depressants like benzodiazepines or opioids often minimizes the hallucinogenic effects of weed. In place of it, we get changes in bodily sensations, such as muscle relaxation, sedation, and anxiety suppression.
- Dissociatives
Dissociatives like Ketamine and LSD induces more intense hallucinations when used with weed. Typically, users will experience vivid visuals which often result in deeper confusion and increase the chances for delusions.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
SSRIs produce calm and pleasant experiences when used with marijuana. Examples of this drug are citalopram, sertraline, and fluoxetine.
- Stimulants
With stimulants, cannabis tends to enhance euphoric effects, especially when it comes to appreciation of music. However, we should use this combination with caution, as it can lead to states of anxiety, paranoia, confusion, delusions, and psychosis.
- Psychedelics
Both cannabis and psychedelics have been shown to have the potential to induce psychosis especially to those who are vulnerable. Hence, caution is recommended when combining these two substances.
- What are its strains?
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