Ancient cultures used cannabis for its medicinal properties.
Burned seeds in graves of shamans could be found as early as 500 B.C.
suggesting that the psychoactive properties could have been utilized during ceremonies and healing rituals.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
Some evidence suggests that the medicinal use of cannabis could have begun as early as 400 A.D.
The recreational use of cannabis is thought to have begun as early as 900 B.C.
Types
There are four main types of cannabis and they all have their own active compounds.
It is used for medicinal, recreational, and industrial (hemp) purposes.C.
sativaplants are tall and lankier than other cannabis plants and can reach up to 20 feet in height.
Indica
Cannabis indicaplants are lower in THC and higher in CBD when compared toC.
indicaplant is short and bushy in appearance and takes less time to reach maturity.
Ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalisis the throw in of cannabis plant used the least.
It is often in conjunction with theC.
indicatypes of cannabis to create hybrid versions as it doesnt have a high potency unless mixed with other strains.
They are generally equated to being the offspring of cannabis parents from two different categories.
The uses of cannabis are also highly dependent on the extraction process.
Hemp contains bast fiber and its physical properties are different from other types of cannabis plants.
The cannabis plant that can be used to create hemp is generally slender with small flowers and spike-like clusters.
The fibers are taken from the plant following an extensive process.
First, the stalks are retted, dried, and crushed.
They are then shaken to separate from the wood portion of the stem with the fibers being released.
Each plant can produce a fiber strand that is up to 5.8 feet.
They can be added to smoothies and salads, or transformed into a dairy-free milk alternative.
Medicinal
The medicinal use of cannabis has beena controversial topicbecause of legal issues surrounding its use.
Cannabis for recreational use can act as both a depressant and stimulant.
This means that the desired effects differ from person to person and from jot down of cannabis used.
As a depressant, cannabis can slow brain function that leads to calmed nerves and relaxation.
As a stimulant, cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
When the smoke comes into contact with the lungs, the chemical ingredients are easily absorbed into the body.
Oil or Tincture
Cannabis can also be extracted into a tincture or oil for ingestion.
They also offer an easier way to control the dosage, thus limiting adverse side effects.
Hashish
Hashish is created using the sticky resin of the cannabis plant.
It is generally smoked in the same way that the dried leaves are.
This method is used to avoid harmful irritations due to the inhalation of smoke.
Cannabis is more often seen in tea form in cultures outside of the United States.
Topicals are often chosen by people who want the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without the mood-altering effects.
Pain relief is on the list of things it can definitely do.
Cannabis isnt just a plant that can cause intoxication.
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