By now, you probably heard about cannabis. You feel you know everything there is about it. Here’s the problem: not all of them might be entirely true. Here are three things that you probably got wrong about cannabis:
1. Cannabis Is Marijuana
This is true, but it’s not the whole truth. Cannabis is a plant that contains cannabinoids, which are their natural compounds. These can interact with the endocannabinoid system or the parts of the body that have cannabinoid receptors.
These receptors are everywhere, although they tend to be abundant in the nervous system, such as the brain. This partly explains why you are psychologically responsive to the plant’s effects. Some people might even picture them as pure leaves, but they are flowering plants and can grow seeds. A perfect example is hemp.
There are three known species, namely, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. But there can be hundreds of strains due to hybrids. They also fall into medical and recreational cannabis, and the laws can differ (and sometimes not agree) when it comes to their uses.
2. Cannabis Is Already Legal in the United States
This is false. On the federal level, the United States still classifies it as a schedule I substance, which means it’s prone to abuse and doesn’t have any medical use. But states can have their specific laws and regulations about it. In Colorado, for example, it allows both the recreational and medicinal use and sale of marijuana or weed, although the rules are strict.
In Utah, House Bill 105 legalized the possession of CBD oil. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a cannabinoid present in hemp. It is unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is aplenty in marijuana and is the one that causes psychoactive effects. In turn, you can now buy CBD oil in Millcreek, Utah. The problem is the Utah law doesn’t specify how you can acquire one legally.
This is where Farm Bill of 2018 comes in. It now categorizes hemp as an agricultural commodity and not a schedule I substance. As long as the oil contains less than 0.03% THC, it’s possible to buy it.
3. Cannabis Is Dangerous
All types of drugs, whether synthetic or natural, can have significant effects on the body when taken carelessly. For example, you take a lot of them, or you consume them without the guidance of your doctor.
Many studies, however, show cannabis can provide some health benefits. They can help relieve anxiety and depression, as well as pain. Some use them as anti-emetic, which can aid those who are undergoing chemotherapy.
CBD, for instance, can even be a potential treatment to prevent drug relapse. In a proof-of-principle study, the substance can reduce the chances of a relapse immediately while the effects can extend even if the treatment plan is only short.
Cannabis has been around for thousands of years. It dates back to the third millennium BCE. Yet there are still so many people who don’t know about it. Hopefully, these three points will give you more ideas about what it is and whether it’s something you need.