Cannabis (“Marijuana,” “Mary-Jane” )

Jul 7

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana, in all its forms, comes from the cannabis plant.
Cannabis contains one major psychoactive compound, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as Cannabidiol (CBD) and at least 60 minor related chemicals.
The dried buds of the female plant contain the highest concentration of psychoactive compounds in a naturally occurring product. These buds are usually what is sold and consumed as marijuana.
Various ‘concentrates’ of cannabis are manufactured, including hash (compressed dry resin glands), oil (a resinous mixture of cannabinoids obtained from the plant by solvent extraction) and kief (the uncompressed dry resin glands).
There is clear evidence of cannabis use dating back over 5,000 years, and circumstantial evidence dating back over 10,000 years.

How is Marijuana used?

Cannabis is usually smoked or vaped, although it can also be eaten.
Joints are the most common method of smoking but a wide range of pipes, bongs, hookahs, and other devices are also used.
Before being ingested, the THC in cannabis must be activated in a process called, ‘decarboxylation.’ This is often done by cooking the cannabis with lipids such as butter or oil.

What are the Effects?

In small quantities, many users find cannabis both relaxing and stimulating.
Users report that their senses are enhanced.
Cannabis may increase appetite depending on the strain. Some strains do not increase appetite, however.
In larger quantities, with stronger strains or when orally consumed, the effects of cannabis may feel similar to a psychedelic. Users may experience mild hallucinations, anxiety, or paranoia.
Cannabis tends to cause an increase in heart rate, reddening of the eyes, & dryness in the mouth.
Cannabis is used medicinally to treat the symptoms of a number of diseases such as cancer, glaucoma, and AIDS.
Cannabis is a powerful antioxidant and anti-carcinogen.
Hash oil is known to assist in the treatment of brain tumors, arthritis, & gastrointestinal reflux.

What is the Dosage?

As with all ‘natural’ drugs, dosage can vary significantly from one plant to another (or even from one part of the plant to another). In states where Marijuana is legal, standardized oil cartridges (with a known amount of THC and CBD per milliliter) are now available, allowing for known dosage for the first time.
For smoked buds, doses range from 1/30th of a gram to 1/16th of a gram, depending on potency and tolerance. For concentrates such a hash or oil, a dose can be much smaller. A normal dose of high quality oil is less than 1/10th of a gram.
With oral consumption, doses range from 5mg-100mg, depending on a person’s body weight, tolerance, and metabolism.

Be Careful

Smoking anything, including cannabis, can damage the lungs, throat, and mouth. “Dabbing” increases the risk because the oil is often heated to an extremely high temperature.
When eaten, it can take over an hour to feel the effects from cannabis. Users often consume more during this time, which can lead to a much more intense experience. Always wait at least two hours before eating more.
Cannabis slows down reaction time and can impair driving.
Some people feel uncomfortable, nauseous, or paranoid after using cannabis.
Cannabis is a Schedule I drug, and getting caught with it can lead to serious consequences, including significant jail time*. *As of January 1, 2021, Cannabis possession in Montana of up to 1 ounce of flower and up to 8 grams of concentrate is legal for adults 21 and over.
Even in states where Marijuana is now legal, federal law can still be used to prosecute those who use, buy, sell, or grow Marijuana.
Be self aware! If you choose to use cannabis, knowing why is the best way to maximize the benefits and reduce the risks.

Is Cannabis Addictive?

While some people use cannabis regularly, cannabis does not create a physical dependence, and users do not experience withdrawal symptoms.
Cannabis is not a “gateway drug” as has been contended. This notion has been empirically researched and debunked. Cannabis does not cause individuals to use other drugs. Cannabis may in face be an “exit drug,” resulting in lower use of other, more dangerous drugs, particularly opiate painkillers.

Michael Layeux

LSD (“Lucy,” “L”)