I am from an area of Canada (British Columbia) that is a full on weed culture but it always made me paranoid. Sitting on the outskirts of the marijuana culture, I have witnessed a number of things.
I saw my high strung boyfriend become a much calmer, more manageable guy after smoking a joint. I also sadly witnessed too many high school friends that lost all motivation for life from using marijuana daily.
All over the world, it’s a major pastime for many. I happen to have a neighbour who enjoys a joint or two every day. He is pleasant and seemingly motivated for life but at the same time incredibly relaxed. I don’t know if it’s his character that allows him to function normally where others don’t or what. At any rate, I asked him for some insight to help me write this article. He was quick to invite me to smoke a joint with him and as a determined writer, I accepted.
I actually feel nervous because it’s been so long since I smoked a joint. I do recall the last time that I did, I thought I was a soldier in war. That’s the kind of effect the strong BC weed has on me.
Well, I smoked a little bit of “Jamaican” and it was mellow. I did feel a little self-conscious while I talked and I did zone out for a little while. However, I did have an easy time creatively putting these words onto a page so I guess it was a positive experience. Also, I never tasted such a delicious desert as I did just now. Was it really that good or did I get the munchies (a symptom of smoking marijuana).
Common Types of Marijuana
There are three distinct types of marijuana leaves and they sit among three different categories; Sativa, Indica and Hybrid. The plants of Cannibis indica and Cannabis sativa have been around since the 18th century with Cannabis Hybrid as a new introduction. Hybrid indicates the mixing of seeds from different geographic locations around the world.
A much revered pastime in the cannabis culture is to perfect the growing and harvesting. The flavors and diversity is comparative to how many cookies exist around the world, it’s endless.
There are many a connoisseurs’ too, choosing what they buy based on the strain alone. It should be mentioned that most of the marijuana offered is a mix of Sativa and Indica.
1. Indica
The origin is believed to come from the Hindu “Kush” region close to Afghanistan. Anyone who knows anything about marijuana knows that Kush is really strong weed and one of the common types of marijuana. In this area of Afghanistan, the strain developed thick coats of resin as a mean of protecting themselves due to the harsh climate.
Characteristics of Indica include flowering time, yields, geography of where seeds came from and various flavors. Some of the epic names given to top flavors include; Purple Haze, Granddaddy Purple and Northern Lights.
The Indica strain is a more relaxing effect with the tendency of making you want to hang out on the couch. I sometimes wonder if the gaming companies are in cahoots with the marijuana industry as they seem to go hand in hand.
2. Sativa
The Sativas strain alternatively has energizing effects which is why they’re often used for morning or afternoon use. This strain of marijuana is used primarily for depression and exhaustion. Its morphology is a growth of up to 20 feet high, it is narrow with loose branches.
The effects of Sativa are said to be uplifting and allow you to bring your creative side out. Medicinally, it can treat ADD and mood disorders. Some of the more popular flavors under the Sativa strain include Sour Diesel, Jack Herer and Lemon Haze.
3. Hybrid
There are many variables for the two ancient strains which is where Hybrid comes in. The seeds of many geographical areas are cross germinated to balance marijuana with both strains. This offers the marijuana user a balance between the two so you get the best of both worlds.
Following is an illustration that will give you an idea about pairing of Indica and Sativa plants, it also breaks down how their constituents of cannabis might look like when compared to each other.
Cannabis compound
Cannabinoids are found in various aspects with molecular structures like THC and CBD. They carry their own properties which are medicinal in various ways. The cannabinoids are affected by how it’s grown and the compound type may create different physical sensations because of this.
There has been a lot of mutating the original “genetic lineage” and marijuana growers painstakingly seek to find an origin plant of Indica and Sativa varieties.
Countries that Smoke the Most Marijuana
The UN somehow seems to know the annual drug use of each country. I am doubting that the report is 100% accurate as it comes from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This would somehow indicate that they’re aware of all the secret spots where young people come together to smoke. If they’re that good, it scares me a little on what else they know about us. Regardless, here’s the top countries that use marijuana.
- In Jamaica, 10% of the population enjoy marijuana and lucky for them, it has recently been decriminalized.
- Despite the fact it’s illegal, 10% of Australians consume marijuana in one way or another
- In Spain, over 10% of the population smoke marijuana. It’s illegal to sell or produce to the public but totally legal for personal use.
- 12 % of Canadians enjoy marijuana which is great because it’s legal for medical use and although it’s illegal for recreational use, it’s widely accepted.
- Nigeria is at a whopping 14% of the population using marijuana although it is completely illegal.
- Italy matches Nigeria’s marijuana consumption at 14%. It’s decriminalized for personal use but illegal to produce and sell.
- In Iceland, a total of 18.3% of the population smoke marijuana and it’s illegal
Health Benefits
I remember watching a man talk about how marijuana was detrimental to his ability to function. He got MS at a young age and because it’s a degenerative disease, it’s debilitating when you’re young.
He was shaking uncontrollably and you couldn’t understand a word he was saying. He had someone hold up a vaporizer to his mouth because he was shaking too hard to hold it himself. Within seconds, the shaking stopped and his voice was perfect.
While for the longest time, the medical and pharmaceutical companies along with government bodies told us how bad marijuana was. Many of those original naysayers have been proven wrong based on research. Here are some of the ways marijuana can heal;
- Used for glaucoma because marijuana decreases the inner pressure of the eye. This was proven back in the 70’s. Effects of marijuana slows the progression of the disease which prevents blindness.
- Marijuana can assist greatly in regards to epilepsy. Epileptic rats were given marijuana extract and the results showed that the drug prevents seizures for up to 10 hours. The THC controls seizures as they latch onto brain cells that are the culprit of controlling excitability.
- Marijuana is an excellent way to assist those with nerve disorders. Likely the youngest marijuana user is a 5 year old Charlotte Figi. She suffers from a severe nervous disorder, Dravet’s Syndrome and her seizures decreased from 300 per week to just 1 after being given medical marijuana.
- The CBD found in marijuana prevents cancer from spreading as it turns off a gene known as Id-1. The Id-1 gene is where cancer cell can create more “copies and allow it to quickly spread through your body.
- Decreases anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia
- THC slows progression of Alzheimer’s Disease by blocking the “amyloid plaques” which are what is responsible for killing brain cells
Health Hazards
First I want to say that anyone who smokes marijuana will tell you that there are absolutely no health hazards with all natural marijuana. The neighbour I reviewed for this article is from an area that is liberal about marijuana in Denmark.
He has a keen sense of what marijuana is all about. He had this to say about hazards, “Many people abuse it, it sets you into another mood and if you can control that mood and if you are in balance yourself, it’s good for you. For other people that are over thinkers or depressed, it can perpetuate these feelings. Keep in mind how tolerant you are and how much you smoke.”
There are people constantly upping the ante with marijuana and the current trend is THC-rich resins. These consist of;
- Hash oil
- Wax which is a soft solid
- Shatter-a really intense experience that looks like a hard chunk of glass.
When you take any of these extracts, there is so much THC in it that you can end up in the hospital. It’s not just the intensity but the fact that in preparation of making them, there is an involvement of lighter fluid. This can cause massive fires or explosions and reports have stated that people have been burned badly.
Physical effects
- It’s dependant on how often you’re smoking and of course how you smoke it but there is a possibility of breathing problems. A daily cough and phlegm can arise.
- Increase in heart rate for up to three hours post smoke. This can lead to the possibility of a heart attack.
- Obviously, you should not consume marijuana while you’re pregnant. There is a connection between the developments of your baby’s brain if you smoke weed while pregnant. There is no proof that suggests it alters the baby’s ability to think properly but your doctor is probably going to tell you to quit.
Mental effects
I had an uncle who went off the deep end a bit and it was said to be attributed to him smoking marijuana daily. It is said that mental illness may arise from use of marijuana such as temporary hallucinations and paranoia. If someone has schizophrenia, the symptoms can worsen when someone smokes marijuana.
While some will tell you that depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts occur, the opposite says it’s a cure. As to whether it’s addictive is still in question. The mental effects have a lot to do with your lifestyle, upbringing and mental state to begin with.
Following are some of the common Mental effects of Sativa on Mind.
- It can impair memory and effect learning.
- Ability to think and react is challenged.
- It can lead you to get anxiety and paranoia.
- Mood swings.
- Hallucinations is very possible.
Where Marijuana Originated
In the beginning, it was used medicinally and spiritually. It has been around for 12,000 years and was said to be found originally have grown in dump spots of prehistoric hunters. With that said, marijuana was legal for most of its life. Sativa was the first species and Indica was identified by the French. A Russian botanist identified a third strain called Ruderalis in 1924 but it’s not commonly utilized today.
Is it believed that areas of Mongolia and Siberia had some of the first cannabis plants and is classified as one of our oldest cultivated crops. Burnt cannabis seeds were found in Siberia dating back to 3,000 BC. Noble people in tombs in the Xinjiang area of China had large quantities of mummified marijuana with them. These tombs date back to 2500 BC and it pushed forward into South Asia. South Asia was invaded by the Aryans who took it back to India.
Cannabis made its arrival into the Middle East and it was carried into Southeast Russia, Ukraine and into Europe. Germanic tribes brought marijuana into Europe where it then made it’s way into Britain in the 5th century. Interestingly enough, cannabis seeds have been found in Viking Ship remains.
When marijuana finally hit the United States, it was the beginning of the 20th century. It came through Mexico as immigrants’ fled to the US during the Mexican Revolution in the beginning of the 1900’s.
Prejudice came quickly and were surrounded by their racist tendencies which was perpetuated by newspapers. They placed blame on Mexicans who not only smoked marijuana but also were responsible for many crimes. In the eyes of the people, they formulated the idea that marijuana created crime mongers.
Comment Text*I recommend WEED legal
California weed is best!
no come to basingstoke for that stawberry kush
DEAD !!!!
nice
Have you tried smoking a Nigerian weed
thx 4 your input.
Sativa halts or stems my dyslexia immediately.
Where I’m unable to type a 4 letter word in under a minute, now I’m proficient!
It’s only fair to point out that alcohol does the very same thing.
But, with alcohol it leaves me down, out and burned out, but with Sativa I remain energised.
I can stem the effects of alcohol by drinking plenty of fluids and taking vitamin supplements. But why, if all you need is a little Sativa without all the other requirements, why alcohol?
Because I’m a CDL (trk driver) I must depend on alcohol.
But when I retire in a few short years, it’ll be drop the A and lite-up the Sativa!
Thx 4 your input!
Hey Reuben – you won’t care about your dyslexia when you’re locked up in PRISON because you just murdered some people by driving DRUNK! I hope you get your CDL revoked before you get into an accident involving INNOCENT people!
Stfu
Reuben, I believe this statement is easy to misinterpret. For clarity, “Because I’m a CDL (trk driver) I must depend on alcohol.” meant you need alcohol to get through your job day or night. Is it that when you are ready to unwind,
you don’t have an option other than alcohol? I imagine you’d like to relax, but it you had marijuana in your system, you’d lose your job. Did I get that as you’d intended?
legal it in kenya instead of alcohol
Very informative article! Thank you!
Comment Text*Fear Allah in all you may do
Great conncept ; do or dont out of fear – no wonder Hitler made it!
you are my prophet!!
“Fear” is always said when quoting religious texts, but I just hear “respect” and then it makes sense. I.e., keep the best there is in mind at all times and respect the importance of submitting and sacrificing to being your best self.
Thnks for all the informtion.But im sad to hear that it does have some side effects to our body.
But i preffer weed is better than alcohol coz alcohol gives an intense effect to our body which makes us down but weed is a gift from mother nature which makes us high and happy ,so its better we believe in nature than man.so roll one and smoke one!!
is marijuana legal?
In some states
yes marijuana is a legal
As of March 20th, 2018 It depends on which state (in the United States). Check here for more information.
http://www.governing.com/gov-data/state-marijuana-laws-map-medical-recreational.html
Thanks for your kind info.
Always smoked marijuana, however I still think marijuana is better than alcohol, and I believe those health hazards will rarely manifest if you like one to three joints a day.
Now legal in NY
Wish I knew where to get what I need for my health reasons.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food. Genesis 1:29
And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Ezekiel 34:29
I am doing some Research about Cannabis Thanks for the info
Same. My friend thinks it shouldn’t be legal. He also thinks just because the U.S is a global superpower doesn’t mean we should do the responsible thing and help less fortunate countries.
As long as you are in control…and as long as you have sh*ts under control whenever you are under!!!!
You are good to light up another good weed (kush)….and just have fun…Catch the trips and get the feeling in a conducive manner of approach…..
That’s my guy 😎🚬
Hi thanks for the info . I must say that dubi is really nice and I enjoy it . I suffer from bi – polar disorder unspecified and so it really calms me down when my brain is rushing . Just wish I could find the strain or dose that suits me .
Well composed and informed article, I’ve learned some things
What a load of bullish
Hey man, I really like your comment, but may u tell me what cbn stands for and what the effects are? Coz I couldn´t find it on the Internet.
I am 14, I’ve been smoking sativa for over a year now. It has helped me with my depression, anxiety(panic attacks), bipolar, ext. I also loose sleep because of acid reflux which causes chest pain so when I smoke I sleep marvelously. The most common reason why it hasn’t been legal in all states of America and other places is because of tobacco companies that are afraid of going out of business and other companies as well. I fully believe marijuana should be used as a form of medication. but don’t drop other medication to only using it and also DON’T SMOKE IT JUST TO LOOK COOL! smoking weed is not a brag it is like saying
“Bro! I just took an Ibuprofen, I’m stoked my dude.”
I need some help, anyone from NY and where can I get what I need for my health issues. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Just google marijuana shops near you
The addresses and names should come up
They can tell you what you need when you visit them. Good luck and relax.
nice i think that weed is nice to smoke i love weed
Where are the sources that you got your information from?
I find it hard to believe that the United States is not the highest percentage of population that use marijuana for recreational purposes. I must be in a bubble because about 30 percent of the people I know use it and it is illegal where I live. I have tried the edible versions and all it does is make me paranoid so I am not a user myself. I have a brother that is dealing with both epilepsy and glaucoma so I will bring this to his attention. Thank you for the educational article about this.
good info thanks
nice but it’s advantage is better than it’s dis
so use it better
I am 14, I’ve been smoking sativa for over a year currently. it’s helped Pine Tree State with my depression, anxiety(panic attacks), bipolar, ext. I additionally loose sleep owing to acid reflux that causes hurting thus after I smoke I sleep wondrously. the foremost common reason why it hasn’t been legal all told states of America and alternative places is owing to tobacco firms that square measure scared of going out of business and alternative firms additionally. I absolutely believe marijuana ought to be used as a type of medication. however don’t drop alternative medication to solely victimisation it and additionally DON’T SMOKE IT simply to appear COOL! smoking weed isn’t a brag it’s like oral communication
i felt like the info was real useful,to really understand what it is,and how you as a consumer of marijuana feel,i really can make a choice,should i use it are not.well for most people it make,s you feel good,sort of like a drink but not the actions that a drink does.we all have habits now it’s a choice,//You,s. great info..thanks..
Thank you for the information. Although I don’t think detrimental is the word you meant when describing the man with MS seeing an ease to his symptoms.
I think she meant beneficial.
What about Africa? Nothing????
Your article is very informative. It will be nice if you could quote your sources for credibility.
Weed is amazing and can cure cancer and many illness
wish i had a dealer that would deliver…need that in my life right now based in johannesburg
I’ve only smoked weed like twice and felt good both times,it honestly just relaxes me
I wasnt sure whether i should completely stop or not since i was scared of the effects but after the research its definitely something I’ll do again,but obviously occasionally
Thank you, I am better educated now.
Thanks for a good article. There are so many misconceptions out there that it is always appreciated to read some sensibility. Take care.
Been experimenting with this truly domestic herb for 53 years and believe it is only prohibited because of the medical industry who fears it will reduce profits because people will not need them as much.
Ive had severe insomia since i was 10 years old. I am now 22, and have been using marijuana to sleep for years. I think since i was about 16. It helps mellow me out and relax my body. The high is not too intense (i have a really mellow strain that my wife’s aunt grows) and it helps me have the best sleep ive ever had every night. Just today, at about 1:30pm i tried my buddy’s vape pen with the thc in it. Something new. It was called shark attack. Why? Who knows. All i know. Is that time was moving so fucking slow. A minute felt like 5. And driving while in that state? Was no better. 55mph felt like 15mph. It was a scary feeling operating a vehicle. But, once i got home (i only live 2 miles from him thank god) i enjoyed the high. Those vape pen things are so much stronger than regular bud. I see why people hahe them. I’ll be getting one here soon just for weekend highs.
In (morocco) we have a type of cannabis wish we call it (hashish) he is very strong and contain a lot of THC
I had a stroke 5 years ago this month. Will some kind of marijuana help me as I cannot move my right hand or arm?