Marijuana

(Cannabis sativa L.)

For millennia humans have consumed Cannabis sativa for spiritual, recreational, and medical uses. As we spread across the globe, cannabis came with us. The only continent which does not support natural growth is Antarctica. I would not however, be surprised to find it growing in a greenhouse somewhere at the bottom of the world.

On August 02, 1937, due to Harry Anslinger's self-serving, racist, Marihuana Tax Act (H.R. 6385), the US federal government outlawed cannabis. Our government then coerced most of Europe and Asia into following suit. The resulting world-wide eradication program caused cannabis to become virtually extinct from the natural world. While illicit cultivation kept the plant alive, selective breeding forever altered the ratio of THCA to CBDA. It is my understanding Jamaica retains the only heritage cannabis strain in existence.

While most U.S. states have decriminalized cannabis for medical and or recreational use, the federal government still lists the plant as a schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs are those the government has deemed to possess no medical benefits. Despite multiple scientific studies proving the medicinal and therapeutic benefits of cannabis, ignorance causes many people to continue to believe it has no place in our society.

Cannabis contains myriad beneficial phytochemicals (cannabinoids). Science is now demonstrating how four of these cannabinoids, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabidiol (CBN) positively affect the human body in specific manners. Cannabis does not contain THC. Cannabis contains THCA, and THCA is not psychoactive. It does not provide the consumer with the euphoric feeling which most denizens of the plant seek. THC is produced via a chemical process called decarboxylation (de-car-box-ill-a-shun). In layman’s terms, by heating or burning cannabis the chemical reaction of decarboxylation removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide. By removing this carboxyl group the THCA is converted into Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the psychoactive cannabinoid most people look for when they consume cannabis.

Unfortunately for people who are looking for cannabis' myriad medicinal benefits, THC does not afford these actions. People who use cannabis and swear they feel a reduction in pain, only think they are reducing their pain. You see, THC does not bond with the pain receptors of the brain. THC is an Antinociceptive. This means that it reduces the body's reaction to painful stimuli. The pain still exists, but you no longer care about it. For those looking for true pain relief, a reduction in inflammation, or myriad other medicinal benefits, you must use fresh, undried, raw C. sativa flowers to make your medicinal preparations. Even the act of drying the cannabis flowers can create THC. If you have an unlimited supply of fresh cannabis, you could juice the buds, but unless you live in a grow house, that is not a realistic delivery vehicle. Creating a tincture from fresh buds is the only way I know of to ensure you will receive the medical benefits with little or none of the euphoric "high", and this medicinal tincture remains viable for 2-3 years. I wrote 'little or none of the euphoric high' because the naturally occurring CBN does cause a mild euphoria like that of THC.

Other Names:
Marijuanna, Marihuanna, Weed, Herb, Chronic, Hemp, Ganja

Range:
Eradicated naturalized invasive

Family:
Cannabaceae - Hemp Family

Growth Type:
A non-native Herbaceous annual plant, which became naturalized over most of North America. NOTE: Due to governmental interference, C. sativa has been eradicated from most of its previous habitat. Today most plants are cultivated from hybrid seeds.

Height:
Under optimal conditions, C. sativa can grow up to 8' tall or higher.

Leaves:
The toothed palmate leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and branches.

Stem/Trunk:
Woody stem

Root:
Spreading fibrous root mass

Flower Season:
Late summer to early autumn

Flower Appearance:
C. sativa plants are dioecious, meaning each plant is either male or female. The male plant produces pollen, and dies rather quickly after releasing its pollen. The female plant creates many dense flowers buds consisting of numerous tiny green flowers.

Seed/Fruit:
The female plant will produce hundreds of small seeds similar in appearance to sesame seeds.

Miscellaneous characteristics:
C. sativa is one of the most hybridized of all plants. It is almost impossible to find a heritage plant.

Habitat:
C. sativa prefers full sun, and rich, well drained, disturbed soils.

Parts Used:
Flowers, and to some extent, leaves: used medicinally and recreationally. Stems: Used commercially as natural fiber for ropes. Also used as livestock fodder.

Culinary Uses:
A healthful tea can be brewed from fresh or dried flowers. These flowers, or buds as they are called, can be juiced. They can also be ground up and added to smoothies, infused into oils or honey, and can be baked into pastries and confections.

The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.

Energetics
Taste: Bitter
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying

Medicinal Uses:
Cannabis has a long history of medical use. It has also been used in various religious rites. For thousands of years the psychoactive, euphoric, properties of the plant have been used for religious and recreational purposes. C. sativa truly shines as a medicinal. As we evolved along side or, and using, this plant, our brain developed many cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoids in the plant in turn bond with these receptors, causing many beneficial medical and psychological effects.

Research shows that cannabis is useful in the treatment of pain, This research also shows that cannabis is helpful in opioid detoxification and weaning (Baron 2018). In people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), CBD has been shown to possess anxiolytic actions in humans and animals (Bergamaschi et al 2011. This point needs clarification. In moderate amounts cannabis can in fact reduce stress and anxiety. However, if used to excess, THC can actually increase existing anxiety (Sharpe et al 2020). It can also cause anxiety where it did not previously exist. CBDA and CBD have been shown to be effective at killing cancer cells, and inhibit cell proliferation (Pallati et al 2018). This plant is extremely helpful for people going through cancer treatment. Not only does it alleviate pain, but it also helps to increase appetite that is lost due to the rigors of treatment. This could also benefit those suffering from anorexia. Studies have shown pure CBD to effectively limit seizures in people suffering with epilepsy (Arzimanoglou et al 2020). I believe this could also be studied in people suffering with Parkinson's disease. Cannabis sativa-indica, a cultivated sub-species of C. sativa, has been shown to be especially relaxing. This makes it an excellent sleep aid. Prior to going to sleep I take 3ml of tincture made from fresh, non-decarboxylized C. sativa buds. This helps me achieve a deep, recuperative, night's rest. I awaken the next morning alert, refreshed, energized, and eager to start my day.

Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Hypnotic, Narcotic, Nervine, Orexigenic, Relaxant