What Is Weed?

Weed is another name for marijuana, which is dried and shredded parts of the Cannabis sativa plant consisting of its leaves, buds, seeds and stems. There are over four hundred chemicals found in weed, but the one that causes you to feel “high” is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This cannabinoid is primarily found in the buds (or flowers) of the cannabis plant and it determines its potency; in other words, the higher the THC levels are in weed, the stronger its effects will be. THC acts on specific brain cell receptors that alters neurotransmitter release in the spine and ultimately results in pain relief. Although weed originated in Asia with evidence showing that cannabis use dates back as far as 3,000 B.C., the plant has certainly been modified over time to have higher levels of THC. In the last few decades alone, average THC levels in weed have grown from 1% to 20%.

Another chemical found in marijuana, CBD (cannabidiol), creates medically beneficial effects. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects and studies have shown that CBD has significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

There are three main strains of marijuana: indica, sativa and hybrid. The indica strain has effects that affect the entire body, acting as a sedative. Indica is ideal for people who suffer from chronic pain, insomnia or anxiety. The sativa strain has elevating cerebral effects that tend to be uplifting, which is ideal for people that struggle with depression, fatigue or Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.). The hybrid strain is modified to be a balance between the indica and sativa strains. Having an understanding of THC and CBD is important when choosing a cannabis strain, as well. Hemp is sativa strain and although CBD can be found in both hemp and marijuana, the difference between the two is the level of THC: hemp only has small amounts of THC, compared to marijuana which has much more significant levels.

Weed can be smoked or ingested through countless types of edibles. Smoking weed allows THC to be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and reach the brain within a matter of minutes, while ingesting weed leads to more delayed but prolonged effects. Typical effects of smoking or ingesting weed include feeling lightheaded, relaxed, tired, less aggressive, and hungry, to name a few. Physiological effects include increased heart rate, but lowered blood pressure.

Because of its mind-altering effects, weed is classified as a drug. However, it is the one and only drug that you cannot overdose. Cannabinoid receptors aren’t located in the brain where breathing is controlled, which means a lethal overdose can’t happen. Opioids, on the other hand, do affect those areas of the brain.

To be blunt (pun intended), cannabis has been used for a very long time for its sedentary and medicinal effects. With consistent studies and alterations being conducted, weed will continue to be modified over time to attract new users and keep current ones happy.