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Cannabis Facts

Cannabis Facts
Cannabis is a flowering plant that originated on the Indian subcontinent and in Asia, most well-known for its use as a recreational and medicinal drug, and for its use as hemp to make a variety of products. Cannabis was referred to by the Greek historian Herodotus, dating back to 440 B.C.E. when he mentioned the Scythians taking cannabis steam baths. It was imported to Chile by the Spaniards in 1545. In North America it was grown for use in making rope, paper, and clothing (as hemp). The cannabis strain known for use as a recreational drug is called marijuana. Cannabis is being used in many parts of the world for its medicinal properties as well, such as reducing vomiting and nausea for chemotherapy patients, improving appetite, and treating chronic pain.
Interesting Cannabis Facts:
The Taiwanese were decorating pottery with hemp fibers as far back as 10,000 years ago.
It is believed that hemp rope was used to transport the giant ancient stone statues found on Easter Island.
Industrial hemp plants do not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the ingredient in marijuana responsible for the psychoactive effects. Hemp plants are missing the gene responsible for producing this ingredient.
Medicinal marijuana has been found to be a benefit for treating the symptoms of a variety of illnesses and even treatment side effects.
Some people use medicinal marijuana to treat their suffering pets, but if given in too large a dose it can be fatal.
Marijuana has been found to be a potential factor in heart attacks in some people who are already at risk.
It is estimated that 43% of the people in the United States have tried smoking marijuana at least once in their lives.
Some studies have found that marijuana use is less harmful than cigarettes and alcohol use.
The first state in the U.S. to ban marijuana use was California, approximately 100 years ago.
Cannabis, or marijuana, has been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years in various countries including China, and in a variety of cultures and religions.
In India, in the 10th century, cannabis was referred to by some as 'food of the gods'.
The psychoactive effects of cannabis (marijuana) can include euphoria, relaxation, introspection, and philosophical thinking. Other effects can include increased hunger, and increased heart rate.
The flowers, or buds, of cannabis plants with THC are used for medicinal and recreation purposes. Hash and hash oil, which have psychoactive effects, are derived from compounds of the cannabis plant.
It is estimated that in the U.S. approximately 9% of the people who use marijuana regularly are dependent on it. The rates of dependence appear to be higher in those with depression issues.
Prior to 1906 in the United States, cannabis was a common ingredient in medicine such as tinctures. It was often not included on labels.
Marijuana use in the U.S. became more common in the 1920s and 30s as a recreational drug.
Plants can be selectively bred to increase the THC content of the flowers, or buds.


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