Is cannabis a unique and rare plant?

 

Cannabis is far from being rare on Earth. It is a widely distributed plant with a vast presence. Hemp, which belongs to the same species, is more familiar to ordinary people as it is commonly used for its fiber in clothing. Cannabis is actually just a specific strain of hemp. The scholar’s name for this group of plants is Cannabis Sativa.

 

 

 

What is the active ingredient in cannabis?

 

In the 1940s and 1960s, researchers discovered cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Since then, scientists have identified and studied over 100 different cannabinoids, including well-known ones like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD (cannabidiol), CBC (cannabichromene), CBG (cannabigerol), and many others. THC and CBD are particularly well-known to the public for their recreational purposes, as they are the two ingredients that have drug-like effects.

 

 

 

What's the difference between THC and CBD?

 

Let's cut the chase. THC is responsible for the "high" feeling and can provide pain relief, but it may have some negative effects on the human brain, such as altered perception and short-term memory loss.

 

CBD, on the other hand, promotes relaxation and serenity. It has the ability to alleviate depression without making you feel high or altering your perception.

 

 

 

Do all hemp/cannabis strains contain the same levels of THC and CBD?

 

No, not all cannabis strains have equivalent levels of THC and CBD. The amounts of THC and CBD can vary greatly between different strains. Some strains may have high THC levels and low CBD levels, while others may have the opposite. There are also strains that have a balanced ratio of THC to CBD. The specific ratios of THC and CBD in a strain can influence the overall effects and potential therapeutic benefits. This is an important aspect of the cannabis culture, where consumers chew on and evaluate famous strains like Green Gelato, Amnesia Haze, Shogun, Skunk XL, and many others.

 

 

 

Where and how does cannabis grow?

 

Cannabis cultivation is an industry. Some legal plantations grow cannabis on a large scale, both for medical purposes and recreational use. There are also hobbyists who grow cannabis in their homes. They control factors like ventilation, lighting, temperature, and humidity to ensure proper growth.

 

 

 

Do all parts of the cannabis plant contain cannabinoids?

 

No, only the flowers of the plant contain cannabinoids. The other parts of the plant are typically discarded or used as fertilizer for future plantations.

 

 

 

Okay, so how do cannabis flowers become drugs?

 

When the cannabis plant is fully mature, the flowers are dried, cut, and collected. The flowers then undergo a process called "curing," which involves drying and preserving them under specific conditions. This curing process helps to enhance the flavor, aroma, and smoothness of the smoke when the flowers are consumed.

 

 

 

What affects the quality of cannabis the most?

 

The biggest factor that can degrade cannabis quality is sunlight, specifically UV light, as it can decrease the CBD content. Another factor is humidity, as moisture can lead to the growth of fungi and spoil the dried flowers.

 

 

 

Now that we have perfectly cured flowers, how can we consume this drug?

 

Simply roll a small amount of the flower with papers to create pre-rolls, also known as joints in the cannabis community. This is the most popular method of consumption, accounting for about 70% of total consumption scenarios. You can now enjoy it just like you would with a regular cigarette.

 

 

 

What are the other methods of cannabis consumption?

 

All other methods of consumption involve concentrates, which are the potent ingredients extracted from cannabis flowers. Concentrates contain high levels of THC and/or CBD and come in various forms such as powder, oil, wax, or resin. They can be added to dabs, candies, gummies, cookies, massage oils, and any other food or drinks without limitations.

 

 

 

How much does cannabis cost?

 

In some states in the USA and Canada where cannabis usage is legalized, licensed sales tend to have higher prices compared to underground vendors. Taking the most common form of dried flowers as an example, the price of one gram can range from $5 to $20, depending on its quality grade. (One gram of dried flowers can make 2-3 joints or cigarettes.)

 

 

 

 

Read safety guidance and usage tips on cannabis or marijuana...