There are numerous misconceptions about cannabis’s use and availability. These myths are exacerbated by the fact that each state has slightly different laws and regulations governing how the industry is treated. Whether you are new to the cannabis industry or are already familiar with cannabis and its applications, the following are some of the most important facts about weed that you should be aware of.
1. Cannabis is not a new plant or substance.
The earliest cannabis records discovered by scientists and historians come from China and Japan. Its origins are most likely in Asia around 500 B.C. and in America, it can be traced back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for rope and textiles. Indeed, George Washington grew hemp. Some claim that Shakespeare smoked cannabis.
Cannabis is one of the oldest crops still in existence today. It can be used to make sails, clothing, and paper, among other things.
The variety of strains is one of the most intriguing aspects of cannabis. Different cannabis strains can have different characteristics and feelings when smoked. You’ve probably heard of indica vs. sativa, but there are hundreds of strains available, and with more being developed each year, we have yet to see the full impact of cannabis strains on the industry.
2. You can consume cannabis in several ways.
When most people think of weed, they only think of smoking it. However, there are a wide variety of ways that you can consume cannabis. For example, you can bake with cannabis, so baked goods like gummies, brownies, and lemonades are available.
Cannabis can also come in pill or capsule form. This method of consuming cannabis is in line with more traditional medication options. THC can also be consumed through these methods:
- Edibles
- Vapes
- Tinctures (a concentrated extract)
- Topicals (like gels and lotions)
The reason that you are using cannabis will often dictate the best method to consume it. For example, if you are seeking pain relief in a particular area, a topical may be a better option for you compared to using a vape pen.
In general, MA state law requires that you only consume cannabis products in your private home rather than in public.
3. Weed has a wide variety of medical uses.
You can use cannabis for medical purposes. The Food and Drug Administration has approved cannabis for just two forms of epilepsy called Dravel syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, many studies and individual reports indicate that cannabis has much broader medical uses.
Medical cannabis has been used for:
- Crohn’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Appetite loss and eating disorders
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Pain
- Seizures
Studies about how cannabis can be used as medication are, unfortunately, somewhat rare. Because cannabis is not legal at the federal level, scientists have to get special permission to study its effects, which makes getting FDA approval for medical treatments even more difficult.
Weed is being used more often for medical purposes throughout the country. It is expected to increase in popularity in large part because of its effectiveness in addressing a wide variety of medical conditions. Cannabis is natural and safe, which makes it a very popular medication option.