Publication date: July 31, 2024
Categories: Education
Although Cannabis was first legalized in the United States in 2012 following its decriminalization in Colorado and Washington, the substance has long since existed before it became socially acceptable in those states. Cannabis has a rich and long history that dates as far back as 2800 BC. That’s right; the substance that has become widely acceptable in many societies and social systems around the world as a recreational drug also has its history entrenched in much older societies across various continents.
Cannabis, also commonly referred to as weed, pot, and marijuana, is a plant popular today for its ability to induce a relaxing and calming effect when induced. However, this isn’t all there is to know about the cannabis plant. In this article, we take a deep dive to explore every facet of cannabis, including its history, uses, and its effects on the human body.
Cannabis is a non-chemical drug that comes from the cannabis plant, a flowering plant that belongs to the family Cannabaceae. Although often fondly called marijuana, cannabis plants refer to a group of three plants, namely cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. In contrast, marijuana refers to parts of or products from the cannabis plant itself.
Today, cannabis is popularly known as a mind-alerting and mind-altering substance that can induce a “high” when consumed. This ability to cause a high is due to the presence of psychoactive compounds in the plants that can impact a wide range of human biological processes, including circulation and breathing.
The cannabis plant contains approximately 540 chemical substances, all known as cannabinoids. The most notable of these substances is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use. THC induces feelings of euphoria and relaxation. In addition to THC, cannabis contains cannabidiol (CBD), which has equally gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects associated with substances like alcohol.
While cannabis is mostly today used as a recreational drug for its therapeutic benefits, it hasn’t always been so. Centuries ago, cannabis was utilized and famous for its medicinal properties across various civilizations.
While it is without a doubt challenging to say for sure when cannabis was first discovered, the use of cannabis first originated in Central or Western China. In those millennia, Cannabis was used for its healing properties by Asians. The history of cannabis usage dates back to at least 2800 BC, with its first documented use found in ancient Chinese texts. Emperor Shen Nung, regarded as the father of Chinese medicine, included cannabis in his pharmacopeia, recognizing its medicinal properties for treating various ailments such as pain, inflammation, and digestive issues.
As cannabis spread across the globe, it was embraced by many cultures for both its psychoactive and medicinal properties. In India, cannabis was associated with the god Shiva, who was referred to as “The Lord of Bhang.”. In the country, cannabis was thought to be the god’s favorite food. As such, ancient Hindus thought the medicinal and healing properties of cannabis could be explained by pleasing the gods, including Shiva.
Ancient Hindu texts highlight the use of cannabis in religious rituals and for its therapeutic benefits, such as alleviating pain, improving appetite, and even fever. In those times, Ancient Hindu indigenes thought the onset of fever in the body to be the ‘hot breath of the god’’ and were angered by the sufferer’s behavior. They attributed the use of cannabis in certain religious rites as a way to appease the gods to take away or reduce the fever. The Hindu texts were not the only ones to mention the goodness of cannabis and its healing powers as therapeutic indications of the substance were also found in the texts of Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. These texts were not only testimonies of the healing powers of the wonder plant but also reported how cannabis made a powerful antidote for treating a vast array of health problems such as arthritis, depression, amenorrhea, inflammation, appetite loss, pain, and asthma.
In ancient Egypt, cannabis was documented in the Ebers Papyrus around 1500 BC, where it was used for treating inflammation and other medical conditions. The Greeks and Romans also recognized the plant’s medicinal uses, with figures like Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides documenting its benefits for various ailments.
By the medieval period, cannabis began to spread across the Islamic world. Hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis resin, gained popularity in Persia and later in the Arab world. It was introduced to Egypt during the Ayyubid dynasty and became associated with Sufi mystics.
In Africa, cannabis was likely brought by Indian travelers and subsequently adopted by local populations. By the 14th century, it was already in use among various indigenous groups, including the Khoisan and Bantu peoples.
In Europe, cannabis was cultivated for its fibers, especially during the 16th century when King Henry VIII encouraged hemp farming for use in the navy. However, by the 19th century, cannabis began facing restrictions, often linked to racial and class tensions.
The 19th century marked a significant turning point in the perception of cannabis. Cannabis gained popularity in Western medicine, notably after Irish doctor Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy introduced it to British medicine following his studies in India. Cannabis was widely used for conditions like muscle spasms and menstrual cramps and as a sedative. Queen Victoria is famously said to have used cannabis for menstrual pain relief, and as such, its application gained traction in Europe and the United States.
However, the early 20th century saw a shift towards prohibition, with cannabis being criminalized in many parts of the world. This culminated in the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act in the U.S., which effectively banned cannabis cultivation and use.In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in cannabis, particularly for its medicinal properties. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the late 20th century furthered scientific understanding of how cannabinoids interact with the human body, leading to a reevaluation of cannabis’ therapeutic potential.
As of the 21st century, many countries have begun to decriminalize or legalize cannabis, reflecting changing attitudes towards its use. The ongoing research into its benefits and risks continues to shape the discourse surrounding cannabis, highlighting its complex history and multifaceted role in human society.
The dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant that can be smoked or vaporized. Flower is available in various strains with different THC and CBD levels.
Extracts made by removing plant material result in a product with a much higher proportion of cannabinoids and terpenes. Common forms include oil, wax, shatter, and kief.
Food and drink products infused with cannabis extracts, such as baked goods, gummies, chocolates, and beverages. Edibles provide a longer-lasting effect.
Alcohol-based extracts taken orally by placing drops under the tongue. Tinctures provide a quick onset of effects.
Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. Topicals do not produce psychoactive effects.
Cannabis oils and extracts designed for use in vaporizer devices. Vaping provides a rapid onset of effects similar to smoking flowers
Oral cannabis products in pill or capsule form, often containing a fixed dose of cannabinoids
Cannabis is utilized for a variety of purposes, including recreational uses and medicinal uses.
Cannabis is no stranger to the world of medicine. In fact, Cannabis has been studied for its potential to alleviate symptoms of various medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. CBD, in particular, has garnered interest for its therapeutic properties without the high associated with THC. This all began with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which interacts with cannabis phytoconstituents and affects the human immune system, including major systems like the central nervous system (CNS).
The Endocannabinoid system (ECS) comprises a vast network of chemical signals and cellular receptors packed densely and spread throughout the body. This biological system is a complex cell-signaling network that helps to regulate all bodily functions, including sleep, eating, anxiety, learning and memory, reproduction, metabolism, growth and development, and mood. Essentially, the endocannabinoid system primarily influences neuronal synaptic communication and affects biological function via an array of actions throughout the nervous system to achieve biological balance.
Following the approval of cannabis in 1985, many pharmaceutical companies began developing Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) preparations—dronabinol and nabilone— for therapeutic use. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system in 1988 led to the understanding of how cannabis influences and interacts with the human body, thus providing a scientific explanation of the effect of the compound on the human immune system. This paved the way for decades of research that discovered how the phytoconstituents of cannabis, which are most notably THC and CBD, help to manage conditions such as chronic pain, persistent inflammation, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders. Through these research efforts, it was also discovered that cannabis yields effects on viral diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2, and monkeypox.
Cannabinoids are effective in alleviating chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain, and pain associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that cannabis-based medications can provide significant relief where traditional pain management strategies fall short.
Cannabis is recognized for its antiemetic properties, particularly in chemotherapy patients. Dronabinol and nabilone, synthetic cannabinoids, have been approved for managing nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatments.
Cannabinoids stimulate appetite, making them useful for patients suffering from conditions that cause appetite loss, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer.
Research suggests potential benefits of cannabinoids in treating neurological conditions, including epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. For instance, the cannabis extract nabiximols has been approved in some regions for treating spasticity related to multiple sclerosis.
Cannabinoids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in treating chronic inflammatory diseases. Studies indicate that THC can modulate immune responses, potentially aiding in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
There is emerging evidence supporting the use of cannabinoids in managing psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and anxiety disorders. However, more research is needed to establish efficacy and safety.
Despite the promising therapeutic effects, the regulatory landscape for cannabis-based medications varies significantly across countries.In Germany, for example, several cannabis extracts have been approved for medical use, while in the United States, the FDA has approved specific cannabinoids for certain indications. However, many cannabis products remain unregulated, leading to variability in quality and potency
The wonders of the cannabis plant are not lost to many people outside the medical sphere; in fact, the popularity of the cannabis plant is widely due to its chosen choice as a ‘drug’ for recreational use.
Cannabis is widely known for its ability to cause a mellow or euphoric high, and this piece of information is not lost on the general populace. Since 1971, the NSDUH (called the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse until 2002) has created polls and surveys directed at Americans 12 years of age and older to monitor the leisurely use of cannabis and cannabis products. By the late 1970s, these self-reporting surveys discovered that cannabis was a prevalent substance being used across a wide demographic by people of all ages. In that period, more than one-third of high school seniors (37 percent in 1976) and one in eight Americans over 12 years old (12.8 percent in 1979) reported past-month use of cannabis products.
The numbers have continued to increase over the years, and today, cannabis is one of the most popular illicit drugs in the United States. The plant is consumed through different products, such as flowers, concentrates, tinctures, and even edibles.
The numbers have continued to increase over the years, and today, cannabis is one of the most popular illicit drugs in the United States. The plant is consumed through different products, such as flowers, concentrates, tinctures, and even edibles.
Cannabis can be rolled into joints, packed into pipes, or used in bongs. This method provides rapid onset of effects but can also lead to lung-related health issues.
Vaporizers heat cannabis to release its active compounds without combustion, which may reduce exposure to harmful byproducts associated with smoking.
Cannabis-infused foods and beverages offer a delayed onset of effects, which can last longer than other consumption methods. However, users may inadvertently consume too much due to the delayed effects, leading to unpleasant experiences.
Products like oils, waxes, and dabs contain higher concentrations of THC, resulting in more intense effects. Experienced users often prefer these, but they pose risks for novices or those new to the use of cannabis and its products.
The effects of cannabis on the human body can vary widely depending on the strain, method of consumption, and individual physiology. Key effects include:
THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to the characteristic “high,” which can enhance mood, alter sensory perception, and increase appetite.
CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties, making it a potential treatment option for various health issues.
These effects are the reason many people choose to indulge in the use of cannabis and its products. While the impact can indeed be advantageous, especially when cannabis is consumed in the proper dosages in the form of medicinal cannabis products, they can quickly put the body at risk when consumed leisurely, in the wrong dosage, and over a long period.
Like any drug, Cannabis can be abused. When abused, the substance comes with consequences that can be long-term and difficult to break out of.
When consumed, cannabis is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it is carried to the brain and other organs. In these sites, the substance interacts with several receptors that induce the ‘high’ and cause changes, including altering the senses, sense of time, and mood. In this period, cannabis can cause short-term effects such as impaired memory, hallucinations, delusions, difficulty thinking, impaired body movement, and psychosis.
Cannabis also poses several long-term health risks, one of which is addiction. It is common knowledge that many people do not think it is possible to develop a cannabis addiction. However, frequent and heavy consumption of the substance can lead to physical dependency and addiction.
Cannabis addiction, often referred to as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), is characterized by a compulsive pattern of cannabis use despite negative consequences. Research indicates that approximately 10% of cannabis users may develop a dependence on the substance, with higher rates among those who start using at a young age. It’s also estimated that 1 in 11 (9%) of people who use cannabis will develop an addiction to the substance.
There is also a risk of tolerance. Tolerance refers to the need for larger doses of cannabis products to maintain the same effects. Addiction and tolerance of cannabis can develop at any age; however, youths may be especially vulnerable to these risks.
Cannabis addiction often comes with several signs, such as withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can manifest as:
Besides addiction, cannabis consumption has equally been linked to other problems, such as a higher risk of lung cancer (for those who consume cannabis by smoking), increased risk of heart attack, and problems with child development when consumed during pregnancy. Cannabis use may also worsen mood disorders such as depression and anxiety while also possibly triggering or exacerbating psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Research has also shown that people who started smoking marijuana heavily in their teens lost an average of 8 IQ points between ages 13 and 38, and these lost mental abilities didn’t return fully in those who quit smoking marijuana as adults. However, while these risks are glaring in many research papers and articles published online, the consumption of cannabis has caused no record of death.
Although cannabis was legalized in California in 1996 for medical purposes, there was still significant friction in the legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes in the United States. It took more than a decade before the substance was legalized in Washington and Colorado in 2012.
While it’s been more than a decade since the use of cannabis for leisure was first accepted in those states in the USA, the legal landscape of the substance is still murky within and outside the country. The legality of cannabis for both medical and recreational use varies in terms of possession, distribution, and cultivation globally.
The use of cannabis for recreational purposes is still prohibited in most countries, but many countries have equally adopted policies that decriminalize the substance. Countries that have legalized recreational use of cannabis are Canada, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, and Uruguay, plus 24 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia in the United States and the Australian Capital Territory in Australia. Commercial sale of recreational cannabis is legalized nationwide in Canada, Thailand, and Uruguay, and in all subnational U.S. jurisdictions that have legalized possession except Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Medical cannabis is legal in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Individuals with a medical cannabis recommendation from their physicians will obtain a medical cannabis card from their local public health department to ensure they can easily access the necessary products. However, in places like the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern countries, possessing even small amounts of the substance is punishable with imprisonment for several years.
The approval of Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, on November 8, 2016, marked a significant milestone in cannabis legislation in California. The proposition passed with 57% voter approval and became effective on November 9, 2016, allowing for the legalization of recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older.
Proposition 64 allows adults to possess up to 28.5 grams (one ounce) of marijuana and up to 8 grams of concentrated cannabis. Additionally, individuals can cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home for personal use. While Proposition 64 legalized personal use, it maintains restrictions on public consumption and driving under the influence of cannabis.
Additionally, Proposition 64 reduced the penalties for many marijuana-related offenses. Prior felony convictions for certain cannabis-related crimes can now be recalled and resentenced or designated as misdemeanors.
The approval of Proposition 64 has had significant implications for cannabis sellers in California.
Proposition 64 established a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis. Sellers must obtain licenses from the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) and comply with strict product safety, labeling, and marketing regulations. This includes ensuring that products are tested for quality and potency, which helps to build consumer trust. It has also allowed cannabis sellers to engage in e-commerce, allowing them to sell products online and offer delivery services. This has become increasingly important, especially in light of changing consumer behaviors and preferences for convenience.
Cigars that have had the tobacco removed and replaced with marijuana. They can also be rolled using tobacco leaf wrappers.
A pipe-shaped device generally used for smoking cannabis, tobacco, and other substances.
Petalles flower of the cannabis plant. They are also known as ‘nug’.
The most potent and concentrated extraction of cannabis that has a THC concentration of up to 90%. It is typically administered or ingested topically by dabbing on the skin.
Oil derived from the cannabis plant.
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts derived from the cannabis plant. They contain elevated levels of cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), as well as aromatic compounds known as terpenes. Various extraction methods produce them by isolating and concentrating the desired compounds from the plant material.
A non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis.
A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that acts on cannabinoid receptors in cells and alters neurotransmitter release in the brain.
A legal establishment where legal cannabis is sold.
Edibles or edible cannabis products are products containing cannabinoids in forms that are consumed by eating or drinking.
Hashish, or hash, is a psychoactive compound derived from the Cannabis plant. It typically contains a higher percentage of THC and is considered more potent.
Hemp is a plant in the botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars explicitly grown for industrial and consumable use. It contains less than 0.3% THC and is regulated as an agricultural product.
Cannabis indica is a species of cannabis plant that induces a relaxing effect.
A rolled cannabis cigarette.
Another term for cannabis.
A slang or street term for cannabis.
Cannabis sativa is a species of cannabis that has a primarily energizing effect with a more uplifting and stimulating buzz.
A colloquial term for the cannabis plant.
