The cannabis plant had been used in traditional and alternative medicine for decades already. However, over the recent past couple of years, the hype about this product and its byproducts have once again become popular because of mainstream media. This is because more and more people came forward to vouch for the effectiveness of cannabis derivatives in treating their underlying medical conditions, as well as enhancing their overall well-being.
As such, here are some facts about cannabis that might ignite your interest.
Did you know that a single genetic switch sets hemp apart from the pot?
Hemp and marijuana indeed came from the same cannabis plant species, but the two are entirely different in terms of their usage and effects. It is interesting though that only a single strand of genetic difference sets the two apart. Industrial hemp plants don’t produce a substance called tetrahydrocannabinol acid, or THCA, which is the substance that generates tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. Rather, industrial hemp plants produce cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA, which has a certain medicinal value. On the other hand, marijuana plants have a gene that makes an enzyme to produce THCA, generating THC.
Did you know that the effects of cannabis differ between men and women?
Some studies show that women are more receptive to the pain-killing attributes of cannabis. However, women are also more susceptible to becoming addicted to their usage compared to men. This can be attributed to the estrogen levels of women that are regulated by the hypothalamus. This drug can greatly influence the hypothalamus to stimulate the endocrine gland to release hormones, including estrogen, to maintain homeostasis, or the body’s overall balance.
Did you know that legalization influences how cannabis derivatives are consumed?
It may come as a surprise, but in states where recreational and medical marijuana is legal, people are more likely to ingest it through concentrates or edibles. This is compared to states that prohibit the use of cannabis byproducts, wherein the only method that people utilize to consume it is by smoking. This can be attributed to the fact that when it is legalized in a certain state, there is a great chance that dispensaries will be put up. According to Exclusive Ann Arbor, these licensed dispensaries are more likely to produce high-quality cannabis byproducts such as concentrates in the form of sugars, crystals, or oil, as well as potent edibles in the form of brownies, cookies, hard candies, gummies, drinks, capsules, and even chocolate bars.
This gives consumers more options to choose from when it comes to their preferred method of ingesting cannabis. Conversely, when it is tagged as illegal in a certain jurisdiction, those who need to use marijuana can only procure the product from the black market, rendering limited options for them to choose from in terms of how they can consume the product.
Did you know that cannabis can also affect your heart?
Most studies have focused on the effects of cannabis on the brain, but only quite a few discuss the possible effects of cannabis on the heart. Nevertheless, researchers uncovered that there is a slight possibility that marijuana consumption may cause a fatal heart attack because marijuana can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This is particularly noted in individuals with underlying heart conditions, which is why it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional before you ponder on using medicinal or recreational marijuana. The good news is that, for those without existing heart problems, the use of medicinal marijuana is rather safe. It goes without saying that otherwise, healthy people who intend to use marijuana for recreational purposes will find it safe to do so.
Did you know that there are babies who tested positive for marijuana?
This was apparent in a certain hospital in North Carolina and no, their parents did not expose them to the substance. Rather, the urine of these babies tested positive for marijuana because of some common ingredients found in baby soap. Some of the most popular baby soap brands are made up of ingredients that can cause a false positive marijuana test. Fortunately, these ingredients don’t necessarily contain the cannabis substance, nor do these cause psychoactive effects on the babies.
Did you know that cannabis plants are growing stronger over time?
Just like any other species that continue to evolve, researchers have found that the cannabis plant is growing stronger. This was because a study conducted over the last couple of years revealed that the THC derived from the cannabis plants seized in the late 90s was considerably lower compared to the THC derived from the marijuana plants seized only a couple of years ago. There may be numerous factors that can be attributed to this apart from the fact that the plant may have been resilient and continuously evolved. But it can also be that how the plants were stored from the time they were seized affected the level of THC extracted from it.
Did you know that there are other fun facts about cannabis that may trigger your fancy?
- Beer hops are in the same family of flowering plants like cannabis.
- It has been legal for personal use in Alaska for almost four decades. In addition to this, it is legal, and not even considered as a drug in North Korea.
- A hefty amount of sum can be collected from cannabis once it becomes legalized.
Cannabis has numerous benefits, but it may not be appropriate for all individuals. This is because a treatment that works for one may prove to be ineffective for another. Nevertheless, you will never know whether the byproducts of marijuana would do you good unless you try it for yourself. But before you do, make sure that you seek the advice of a medical professional. When you have the go signal, ensure that you only purchase from reputable and reliable manufacturers and distributors of cannabis to be guaranteed that what you are getting are authentic marijuana products for your benefit.
