Cannabis Basics
Number of chemicals in a single cannabis plant
420
Growing technique that increases the potency of the cannabis plant. This technique separates female and male cannabis plants leaving female plants without seeds.
Sinsemilla
Juvenile brains
Term used for increased hunger with cannabis use
The munchies
Year cannabis was made illegal in the United States
1937
Cannabinoid-like chemicals sold over the internet as "incense" or "herbal smoking blends" under a variety of trade names. They produce cannabis like effects and can be 4-800 times stronger than THC.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Anger, aches, depression, inability to concentrate, sweating, craving, slight tremors, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite and stomach pain.
Symptoms of withdrawal
Cannabis intoxication
Percentage of cannabis that is home grown in the United States
10-50%
Type of cannabis that grows under conditions in subtropical, tropical and temperate regions throughout the world. This type of cannabis has long, slender leaf projections. A typical plant produces 1-5 lbs. of buds and smokable leaves containing high concentrations of the psychedelic resin THC. This type of cannabis has more of an effect on body tremors.
Cannabis sativa
Cannabis use slows learning and disrupts concentration affecting this part of the brain
The hippocampus
Physical relaxation or sedation, some pain control, bloodshot eyes, coughing from lung irritation, increased appetite, small to moderate loss in muscular coordination
Immediate physical effects of cannabis use
Nausea, simulating weight gain for illnesses such as cancer or aids, seizure disorders, chronic and acute pain, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, some types of glaucoma, depression and anxiety are
Medical uses for cannabis
This type of cannabis is a shorter, bushier plant with fatter leaves. This is the source of most of the world's hashish. It is more effective as a treatment for pain and mental stress.
Cannabis indica
The name of the brain's natural THC
Anandamide
Slight confusion, mental separation from the environment, drowsiness, an aloof feeling, difficulty concentrating.
Mental effects of cannabis use
Creates fibers to make rope, grows edible seeds, contains oil that is used as a fuel and a lubricant, provides medicinal benefits
4 uses of cannabis other than altering consciousness
Method of vaporizing hash oil. This method extracts the THC by spraying butane, Everclear alcohol, or another solvent through buds or leaves of cannabis. The THC content is generally above 40%. It is a powerful substance that can make smokers "useless" while high.
Dabbing
Part of the brain that regulates appetite, pain, anxiety, fear, the suppression of painful memories, and the sense of novelty.
The amygdala.
*This is important in understanding the effects of cannabis because it demonstrates the impact of THC on the amygdala. When a person uses cannabis, THC artificially simulates the amygdala making mundane objects and activities interesting.
Cannabis smoking on a regular basis can cause coughing and symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis. The smoke contains a mixture of toxic gases and particulate matter that can irritate the breathing passages. This is a long term effect of cannabis use.
Respiratory complications
Cannabis smoke contains irritants, carcinogens, pathogens, fungi, insecticides, and other chemicals that have not been studied.
Cannabis has 420 compounds.
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug with dependency potential. It can be problematic for those recovering from abuse or addiction.
Reasons why the medical community is reluctant to prescribe or approve cannabis for medical use.