Did you know that cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years? It’s no wonder that this plant has generated so much interest in recent years. Several studies continue to explore more potential benefits of cannabis and its compounds. Below are some strange facts about cannabis.
1. Male and Female Users Respond Differently to Cannabis
Though both sexes enjoy cannabis, men and women react differently to the plant. Men tend to feel more relaxed, while women may experience more anxiety or paranoia. This difference is likely due to hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which affect how cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain.
THC binds more easily to receptors in men, which results in a more relaxed feeling. THC may bind less easily to receptors for women, which can lead to anxiety or paranoia. The CBD in cannabis can also help to counteract some of the negative effects of THC. If you’re a woman feeling a little anxious after smoking weed, try adding a CBD-rich strain or product.
2. Cannabis has Over 200 Slang Words
Cannabis has been around for centuries, and it has generated a large number of slang terms. There are over 200 street words for cannabis. Some of the slang words include:
- weed
- pot
- dope
- reefer
- herb
- joint
- blunt
Cannabis users and dealers create the names to disguise the sale or use of the drug. The terms are also used to differentiate between different types of cannabis. For example, marijuana is a type of cannabis usually smoked, while hashish is a type of cannabis that can be eaten or smoked.
3. Illinois Offers Medical Marijuana Card
The Illinois medical marijuana card is a document that allows patients to obtain and use medical marijuana for certain health conditions. The Illinois Department of Public Health issues the card, and it expires after one year. Patients must have a qualifying health condition to be eligible for the card. Some conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
The card allows patients to purchase up to two ounces of marijuana per week from a licensed dispensary. Dispensaries are located throughout the state, and they offer a variety of cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, and concentrates. To get the card, patients must first obtain a written certification from a physician. The physician must be registered with the Illinois medical marijuana program. Patients will then need to apply to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Once the application is approved, patients will receive their medical marijuana cards.
4. Bob Marley was Buried with Cannabis
Bob Marley, the famous Jamaican reggae singer, was buried with cannabis when he died in 1981. Marley was a Rastafarian, a religion that believed in the use of cannabis for religious purposes.
Cannabis is considered a holy plant by Rastafarians and is used in religious ceremonies. Marley’s burial was a Rastafarian ceremony, and his body was wrapped in a hemp shroud. His grave is located in Jamaica, marked with a cannabis plant.
5. Cannabis Contains More Than 100 Cannabinoids
Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, which are chemicals that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. However, the commonly known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects, while CBD has been shown to have medicinal properties.
Besides, the marijuana plant has approximately 540 chemical properties, 60 of which are cannabinoids. Out of these, only THC and CBD have been well-studied by scientists. However, the potential therapeutic benefits of other cannabinoids are being investigated.
6. Cannabis can be Eaten Raw
Cannabis tastes well when mixed with other food items. It can be used as a spice to enhance the flavor of savory dishes. However, it can be consumed when raw. When eaten raw, it has a grassy taste with hints of lemon. It also has more medicinal benefits due to the presence of more cannabinoids.
Eating raw cannabis is not psychoactive because THC is not activated when the plant is raw. However, the activation of THC requires heat, which can be achieved by cooking or smoking cannabis. This means that consuming raw cannabis will not result in a high.
By Cheryl Roy