Cannabis is a derivative of the plant scientifically known as cannabis sativa. At this time, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I (controlled substance) drug. For a long time we’ve been hearing that sativa and indica are two varieties of cannabis that both come from the same plant. This being true, they also share their own unique traits. According to the history of cannabis, there are records going back to ancient China that show that sativa was discovered before indica. These same records show that in China, cannabis was used for medicinal purposes as early as 2727B.C.! Although the differences between the two types of cannabis are feverishly debated, we do know that between the two, indica has the higher THC content.
Strains and Effects
Sativas and indicas affect people in different ways. The easiest way to explain this, is that sativas affect your body, while indicas affect your mind. To properly understand these effects, we need to touch on the subject of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the psychological effects of cannabis. It replicates the cannabinoid chemicals which are made naturally by the body. THC attaches to the receptors in the brain that are associated with thinking, memory, coordination, and pleasure. When someone uses marijuana, THC gets into the brain and attaches to the cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptors are what process your physiological reaction to the drug. In some cases, the THC in cannabis can cause anxiety, short-term memory loss, and paranoia.
Medicinal Uses
Cannabis has been used medicinally for over 3000 years! The THC can be extracted from the cannabis plant to lower any psychoactive effects. This is the case with medicinal marijuana. In 25 states you can obtain a medicinal marijuana card to purchase cannabis from a dispensary. Cannabis has been used in a medical capacity to treat asthma, autism, crohn’s disease, depression, diabetes, endocrine disorders, fibromyalgia, heart disease, inflammation, nausea, PTSD, and tourette syndrome.
What are Terpenes?
Cannabis consists of a wide array of chemicals. The majority are part of the organic hydrocarbons known as the terpenes. Terpenes play a large role in the therapeutic effect of medical marijuana. The FDA considers terpenes to be safe and they are also associated with the aroma of cannabis. Many factors affect the development of terpenes such as weather, soil type, age of plant etc. Growers believe that each strain is uniquely affected by terpenes.
When it comes to the science behind cannabis, researchers on both ends of the spectrum show risks and rewards to the intake of the drug. Cannabis, as with any herb or chemical treatment, will affect each individual differently. The decision, as always, is up to the individual patient.
