With major brands developing hemp-based clothing, THC infused makeup, and CBD soda, weed has become the latest trend in healthy lifestyles, and it makes a lot of sense why. But if you are someone who is pretty new to cannabis culture, it can seem very daunting and like you’re behind on a major topic. So let’s lay down some of the groundwork for what are the benefits of marijuana, why literally everyone and their grandma is recommending it, and what it can add to a healthy lifestyle.
What is weed?
This question might feel like you’re back in a junior high health class, but it is actually an important part of understanding everything else we’ll be going over. Cannabis is a plant that originated from China over 20 million years ago and spread across Europe roughly 6.8 million years ago. The plant has two main categories: cannabis and hemp. The main difference between these two is that cannabis contains the chemical compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (aka THC) which is what gets people high. Hemp, on the other hand, has roughly the same makeup as cannabis, but doesn’t get you high. Marijuana plants contain over 400 different chemical compounds, like THC, that have different effects on the body and can lead to some really positive results.
Is weed bad for you?
The simple answer is no. There are a ton of benefits to using marijuna, such as helping with anxiety, stimulating hunger for chemotherapy patients, lowering frequency of seizures for epileptics, boosting skin rejuvenation, assisting with insomnia and more. Like anything, if you take too much of something at one time it can make you feel pretty bad. However with weed, if you feel that you have taken too much THC, you can counteract some of the negative effects with CBD and time. It’s always best to be honest with your doctor about your usage, just like how you would with how regularly you drink alcohol, since they might be able to provide some insight and even discuss any regulated or medical programs possibly available to you.
What is the difference between THC, CBD, and CBN?
There are over 400 chemical compounds found in marijuana plants, with THC, CBD, and CBN being 3 of the most highlighted. THC, as we mentioned earlier, is the compound that creates the high feeling that people typically associate with weed. CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is the most commonly found and active ingredient in marijuana. It is commonly used to assist with stress relief, pain relief, and reducing anxiety. It is legal in all 50 states of the US and perfectly safe to travel with (just double check your local regulations). CBN is a by-product of THC and thus has a slight non-psychedelic effect. Most products you find containing CBN have less than 0.3% of active THC and the ingredient is widely considered the most effective sleep aid found in the plant, so it’s designed to help you go to bed without feeling high.
Is weed legal where I live?
So, as of the time of writing this article (Oct 2020), cannabis is not federally legal in the US. However, a lot of states have been creating their own regulations and laws regarding the use, selling, and manufacturing of cannabis and it can widely vary. For example, in New York state you have to get a prescription from a certified physician in order to be accepted into the medical program, and only a select few conditions are considered to make you eligible. As of now, only vapes are available to New Yorkers holding a medical card, no flower or edibles. Meanwhile, in Illinois, Washington, Vermont, Oregon, and Nevada, recreational use is perfectly legal and decriminalized. Furthermore, anyone can grow their own cannabis plants in Maine, Massachusetts, Alaska, and Colorado. The point is, always check into your local laws on how your state views weed prior to any usage. It’s also a good idea to stay up-to-date on those regulations since they often change.
This is just a simple overview of some of the more common questions about weed. It’s a plant with a rich history, has had a varying reputation, and has evolved as the industry has grown.
Have any other questions about weed and cannabis culture? Let us know in the comments or shoot us an email to hello@weedfeed.tv!
