Cannabis is a mystic plant that has been used for a wide variety of purposes for thousands of years. The plant is native to Central and South Asia, and it is believed to have been first cultivated by humans for its tough fibers, which were used to make rope, clothing, and other items.

The use of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes also has a long history. In ancient China, for example, cannabis was used for a variety of purposes, including to treat pain, inflammation, and other ailments. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used cannabis for medicinal purposes, and the herb was widely used in the Middle East and India for both medicinal and recreational purposes.

Fast forwarding to the modern era, cannabis became widely known in the Western world during the 19th century, when it was introduced by Victorian-era doctors who were interested in its potential medicinal properties, for uses such as cough syrup prescribed by pharmacists. In the early 20th century, however, cannabis prohibition began with the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, largely fueled by industrially driven political agendas and xenophobia, despite the opinions of medical professionals who believed that further investigation of cannabis may show substantial medical uses.

Today, the legal status of cannabis varies widely around the world. In some countries, it is legal for medicinal and recreational use, while in others it is strictly prohibited. The ongoing debate over the legal status of cannabis is driven by a variety of factors, in a large part still driven by historical stigma and racial bias.

While cannabis may be the perfect wellness tool for many, it is not for everyone. Every person has a unique endocannabinoid system that reacts differently to cannabis’ many naturally-occurring compounds. The only way to know how different types of cannabis could affect you is to try multiple different types of cannabis products in a responsible manner. This means reading the product label, talking to your budtender, doing your own research, and always following advice from your doctor or healthcare provider. Remember to start low and go slow; take small amounts and wait to experience the full effects before trying more (particularly with edibles, the effects of which may be delayed by up to two hours or more).

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell signaling system that exists naturally within the human body, regardless of whether one consumes cannabis or not. The ECS regulates many critical bodily functions, including learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune response, appetite, and so much more. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant will bind to the various receptors found within the ECS. This process can increase or decrease certain activity associated with each receptor.

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are hundreds of different cannabinoids and more being discovered each year as the limitations imposed by prohibition lessen. Most cannabinoids will not get you “high”. The main way in which the cannabinoids are typically differentiated is based on their degree of psychoactivity. Cannabinoids work by interacting with specific cannabinoid receptors present on the surface of cells in your endocannabinoid system.

Terpenes are aromatic oils that distinguish cannabis varieties with distinctive scents and flavors like citrus, berry, mint, and pine. Terpenes may play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains – challenging conventional beliefs held about indica and sativa. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others potentially promote focus and energy.

THC (scientifically known as Delta-9 THC) is one of the more well-known cannabinoids within the cannabis plant and is responsible for causing consumers to feel “high”. Delta-9 THC may not be for everyone, as it can produce some side effects such as paranoia, red-eyes, and slowed reaction times. However, it can also produce positive effects such as giddiness, increased focus, pain relief, and relaxation. Research suggests that Delta-9 THC may be associated with a wide range of potential medical benefits.

CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid and can be derived from Cannabis sativa L., Cannabis Indica and Cannabis ruderalis plants. Unlike its THC counterpart, it is federally legal and is reported to produce little to no psychoactive effects. However, many consumers report feeling an elevation in mood, reduced symptoms of anxiety, and efficacy with chronic pain management. Research suggests a wide range of potential medical benefits from CBD. However, with the surge of untested CBD products on the market nowadays, you should make sure you are purchasing your CBD from a reliable source, such as a dispensary or other authorized retailers.

CBN is another cannabinoid that is best known for its ability to support mind and body relaxation and promote sleep. Derived from aged cannabis, CBN shares some commonly reported effects of THC such as muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory properties, and appetite stimulation. However, CBN is not known to produce strong psychoactive effects.

CBG originates from young cannabis plants. In its acidic form, it is sometimes known as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because all other cannabinoids are derived from it. Popularly consumed for its potential medicinal benefits, many consumers report CBG effective for pain management and inflammation, with no psychoactive effects. Some studies suggest that CBG may be possess antibacterial properties, neuroprotective qualities, and anti-cancer applications.

While THCV’s molecular structure is similar to Delta-9 THC, the effects are quite different. THCV has been reported by consumers to suppress appetite and produce energizing effects. In large doses, THCV can be psychoactive, but is typically not observed to be when taken in small doses.