Your Source For Accurate Cannabis Information
- Posted by Marijuana Marketing Xperts
- On December 1, 2022
- 0 Comments
The world’s understanding of cannabis has shifted dramatically in the last two decades. What used to be considered an illicit drug is now understood to be a plant with the potential to serve a diverse range of medical needs, offering many individuals an all-natural option for symptom relief.
Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find reliable information about cannabis. Fortunately, Marijuana Marketing Xperts can help.
In this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know about marijuana, including:
- What is marijuana/cannabis?
- What is cannabis used for?
- Are there risks to using marijuana?
- Is marijuana addictive?
Keep reading for a useful breakdown of the basics of cannabis.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Cannabaceae.
There are many different species within the genus, but when it comes to the discussion surrounding marijuana, three species are generally recognized:
- Cannabis indica
- Cannabis sativa
- Cannabis ruderalis
When “cannabis” or “marijuana” is used conversationally, it is usually in reference to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds from Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa plants. The different parts of the plant have been found to have a number of therapeutic uses, which has led to the increasingly widespread use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes alike.
Cannabis products come in many different forms, including:
- Dried flower
- Cannabis-infused edibles
- Topical cannabis products, such as creams or salves
- Cannabis capsules
- Cannabis concentrates/extracts
- Cannabis vape products
Some of the chemical compounds in cannabis are mind-altering (psychoactive). However, others are not. There are many different strains of cannabis, each one boasting unique properties (and thus, distinct effects). The balance and potency of the ingredients can vary considerably from strain to strain.state laws regulating its sale and use
What are CBD and THC?
There are more than 100 “active ingredients” in cannabis, known as cannabinoids. The most abundant and well-known cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the cannabinoid linked to the “high” associated with marijuana consumption. It produces psychoactive and euphoric effects. Conversely, CBD does not generally result in significant mind-altering effects.
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which serves a number of important functional roles. Receptors within the system, similar to neurotransmitters, respond to THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. Specific cannabinoids affect certain receptors (in varying ways), resulting in physical or mental effects.
Is Cannabis Legal?
Although cannabis is technically not yet legal at a federal level, states have been permitted to establish state laws regulating cannabis sale and use.
As of February 2022, 37 of the 50 U.S. states have legalized the medical use of marijuana. Specific regulations vary between states, but individuals are generally required to obtain a medical marijuana license to lawfully purchase and possess cannabis.
As of May 2022, 19 of the 50 U.S. states (as well as the District of Columbia and two territories) have legalized adult, non-medical use of marijuana. Each state has its own laws regarding age requirements for buying marijuana, possession limits, and so forth.
The legality of cannabis is constantly in flux as more states join the list of enacting measures to allow and regulate marijuana use.
Medical Uses for Cannabis
Findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine state that there is conclusive evidence that cannabis and cannabinoids can be effective in managing:
- Chronic pain in adult patients
- Certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis (M.S.)
- Nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy treatment
There is also a moderate amount of evidence that cannabis can be helpful for a vast array of other medical conditions, including:
- Sleep apnea
- Fibromyalgia
- Low appetite
- Anxiety
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Epilepsy
In addition to the above, state medical marijuana laws often allow cannabis for use by individuals with diagnoses such as:
Effects of Cannabis
The effects of a specific cannabis product will largely depend on the plant strain and potency, as well as the individual consumer’s tolerance level, biology, and other factors. Discussions of indica vs. sativa cannabis strains are usually tied to the reported effects of each “category” of cannabis, even though the experiences aren’t necessarily universal.
The cannabinoids in marijuana interact with specific brain cell receptors, inducing a broad range of effects, including:
- Mood changes, such as:
- Increased sense of positivity
- Decreased stress or anxiety
- Feelings of creativity
- Elevated focus/motivation
- Feeling more talkative
- A sense of euphoria
- Altered senses or sense of time
- Physical changes, such as:
- Relaxation
- Increased sleepiness
- Boost in energy
- Reduced pain/discomfort
- Increase in appetite
The actual onset of cannabis effects vary based on the method of consumption:
- Smoking/inhaling cannabis can induce effects within minutes, which often peak around the 30-minute mark and begin to fade away within 2 hours.
- Ingesting cannabis edibles usually produces effects within an hour, which reach their high point after 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- Applying topical cannabis will generally result in a steady, prolonged period of effects, primarily limited to physical aspects such as pain relief.
Cannabis Risks
Certain risks are associated with cannabis, so responsible use is a top priority.
For example:
- Cannabis use can lead to impaired judgment, which is why driving under the influence of marijuana is against the law.
- Children and teens are at increased risk of experiencing negative effects due to cannabis, particularly due to their ongoing brain development.
- There may be a link between cannabis use and an increased risk of heart health issues; however, researchers have found that soy and fava beans could be an effective solution.
Addiction
One of the most common questions is: can you get addicted to marijuana?
Like any substance, you can use cannabis responsibly or abuse it. However, research shows that only about 30% of people who consume cannabis have some degree of marijuana use disorder.
Studies have found that individuals who begin consuming cannabis before the age of 18 are up to seven times more likely to experience some degree of marijuana use disorder. So, it makes sense that states that permit adult-use recreational cannabis set age limits that require consumers to be at least 21 years old.
It is generally accepted that there is a significant difference between reasonable cannabis consumption and misuse.
Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Cannabis News & Research
Marijuana Marketing Xperts is a specialized digital marketing agency serving dispensaries and businesses within the cannabis industry. In addition to providing tailored marketing services, including web design, SEO, social media marketing, and more, we also take pride in being a trusted provider of accurate cannabis information.
The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly, and marijuana is becoming more mainstream than ever. As a growing number of people incorporate cannabis into their lifestyles – whether for medical or recreational purposes – learning more about this powerful plant will keep you in the loop.
Whether you’re considering opening a dispensary, are already a canna-business owner, or are simply interested in learning more about marijuana, make MMX your go-to source for education and resources.
Get more information about our agency when you contact MMX today!
Photo Credits: Molibdenis-Studio, Bukhta Yurii, LightField Studios, Lightspring, Alexander Lysenko, Gorodenkoff
Marijuana Marketing Xperts (MMX) is a team of cannabis marketing experts that leads cannabis businesses and local dispensaries through the world of marijuana-focused digital marketing to increase online traffic, foot traffic, and sales. MMX specializes in search engine optimization, web design, social media, programmatic advertising and device ID targetting, and more.
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