Medical or Recreational?
Let’s go over a little history…
Cannabis has been consumed since ancient times. As far back as 12,000 years ago there is archaeological evidence of it in East Asia. From there it likely spread to the rest of the world through trade and commercialization that evolved over centuries. In ancient times it was considered one of the 5 basic seeds that our ancestors cultivated and used as currency.
Legend has it that around 2700 B.C. the mythical emperor of China, Shen Nung, was one of the first to document the medicinal properties of cannabis, however, evidence of its use in the early postglacial period in East Asia and Europe has been found.
Its early uses were numerous. Hemp (simple cannabis) was used to make clothes, ropes, sacks, textiles, paper and construction materials. The seeds of the plant were used for food and its flowers as a remedy. Recreational use likely began in shamanic rituals and later spread to the general public, changing the world as it did.
Cannabis today
Although banned for many years in much of the modern world, cannabis is gradually becoming decriminalized in many places thanks to good information about its virtues and the dismissal of outdated taboos and prejudices.
Now there are many countries that have opened their doors to cannabis making way for a revolution that, on the one hand, has generated research about its benefits as a medicine and, on the other hand, has given birth to a growing industry that includes practical and recreational uses.
Every day there are more people who rely on natural treatments that are minimally invasive and that don’t cause side effects.
Every day there are more people who enjoy its recreational use.
Unsurprisingly, this increased use has also led more and more people to practice self-cultivation.
Benefits of cannabis
Exploring its medicinal and recreational use.
Medicinal
We will start by talking about CBD (cannabidiol), one of the 113 cannabinoids found in cannabis and one of the most abundant along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Both of these cannabinoids provide benefits to the body, the difference is that CBD contains all the benefits of the plant without a psychoactive effect.
It is relatively easy to extract CBD from the cannabis plant and it can be infused into oils, alcohol, butters, honey, used to make edibles, medicinal oils, ointments, tinctures, skin care products, shampoos, soaps, lotions, toners, balms and more.
CBD is:
-Analgesic
-Anti-inflammatory
-Antidepressant
-Anticonvulsant
-Anxiolytic
-Anti-nausea and antiemetic
-Neuroprotective action
-Antioxidant action
-Orexigenic (appetite stimulation)
It helps relieve headache, stomach ache, menstrual cramps, muscle pain, rheumatism, migraines, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, insomnia, arthritis, stress, depression, anxiety, autoimmune inflammatory diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin, neuropsychiatric diseases, certain types of cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic syndromes, post-traumatic stress disorder, cardiovascular disorders as well as providing relaxation, concentration and creativity.
It can help with diseases such as Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and more.
It has no side effects or reactions with other medicines and it can even help the effects of other medicines to be stronger and last longer. It can be safely used by adults, the elderly, children and pets.
It does not cause addiction or withdrawals.
Recreational
This is where THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) comes in. This cannabinoid is psychoactive and encompasses the same benefits as CBD but also gives the user a pleasant feeling of euphoria and well-being. It is very similar to the effects of anandamide, an endocannabinoid, which is a neurotransmitter that our brain secretes naturally. THC closely resembles this neurotransmitter with a similar short-term effect.
Feelings of well-being, creativity, concentration, energy, the amplification of pleasant sensations and an elevation of the pain threshold are some of the benefits that consuming cannabis recreationally can give you.
The simplest form of consumption is by smoking or vaporizing. Vaporizing is a better option for your health but thanks to decriminalization and the growing cannabis industry, its consumption can be infinite. Edibles bring a whole world of options such as gummies, cookies, sweets and caramels, brownies, sweet drinks, alcoholic beverages, dressings, snacks and whatever else the imagination can conceive.
As you can see, the benefits are varied. In cannabis, wonders of nature come together in a fast-growing, multi-use plant that is progressively becoming more accepted and recognized for all its natural benefits.
(This blog does not encourage the use of cannabis in any of its forms, we only seek to share information that we believe is important. Its use is the choice and responsibility of each individual.)