While cannabis, sometimes called marijuana, and hemp come from the same species of plant, the distinction is in their cannabinoid profile. Cannabis and hemp also have different commercial and industrial uses.
CANNABIS
Cannabis refers to all products derived from the “cannabis sativa plant”. It’s also synonymous with weed, pot, or any other product that contains more than 0.3% THC, which causes the euphoric experience or in simple terms, gets you high.
HEMP
Cannabis and hemp are taxonomically the same plant, but in order to be classified as hemp, the plant must contain less than .3% THC. They have been federally legal since the Farm Bill passed in 2018 and are classified as non-intoxicating, giving full health benefits of the plant without getting high.
MARIJUANA
Marijuana is a slang word used for the cannabis plant. The term was popularized when anti-cannabis activists in the US began referring to it by its Spanish name, tying its use to immigrants and drive political momentum behind the war on drugs. Many people avoid this term now for its bigoted connotations.
WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are compounds found in most plants that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (a part of the nervous system that responses to our physiological wellbeing) and create a diverse range of positive effects. In non-science terms, it helps calm the mind and centers the body.
The major cannabinoids in cannabis plants are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both compounds are proven to help bring our bodies’ health systems into balance. With CBD, you get the full health benefits without getting intoxicated, while THC contains properties that causes the ‘high’ that people associate with cannabis use.
THE BENEFIT OF CANNABINOIDS
Some scientists believe that many human ailments and diseases stem from an imbalance or weakness in our physiological health.
Cannabinoids have been known to treat these conditions and aid our physiological wellbeing. When they enter our body, they are able to easily connect with our ECS to provide the various effects we are familiar experiencing.
This includes pain, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Tourette’s and Alzheimer’s as well as epilepsy, glaucoma, osteoporosis and cancer.
WAYS TO CONSUME CBD
Processed through the
metabolism before entering bloodstream.
Types: Edible, Capsule, Beverage
Pros: Discreet, Pre-dosed
Cons: Slow onset and varied effects
Onset time: 45 to 60 minutes
Effects duration: 2 to 6 hours
Processed through glands under the tongue before entering bloodstream.
Types: Tincture, Spray, Strip
Pros: Discreet, Fast-Acting
Cons: Alcohol-based products can sting, MCT-based products are most recommended
Onset time: 10 to 20 minutes
Effects duration: 2 to 4 hours
Absorbed by the skin and is non-psychoactive because it does not enter the bloodstream.
Types: Lotion, Balm, Roll-on, Patch
Pros: Localized Relief
Cons: Varied effects
Onset time: 20 to 40 minutes
Effects duration: varies
DOSING WITH CBD
For the first 3 to 5 days, take daily at the recommended milligrams. If you find that the dose is too strong, consider decreasing the dose the next time you consume. After the initial 3 to 5 days, increase the amount by the recommended milligrams and continue the increases until you reach the intended effect.
General Wellness: 2-5 mg, 2 to 3 times a day
Mild Relief: 7-10 mg, 2 times a day
Medium Relief: 12-15 mg, 2 times a day
Severe Relief: 20+ mg, 2 times a day
General Wellness: 6-8 mg, 2 to 3 times a day
Mild Relief: 10-20 mg, 2 times a day
Medium Relief: 30-50 mg, 2 times a day
Severe Relief: 60+ mg, 2 times a day
General Wellness: 10+ mg, 2 to 3 times a day
Mild Relief: 10-20 mg, 2 times a day
Medium Relief: 60-80 mg, 2 times a day
Severe Relief: 90+ mg, 2 times a day
KEEP IN MIND: When dosing CBD products, we are looking for the ‘sweet spot'. We don’t want too much or too little; we want just right. Interestingly enough, the sweet spot differs for each ailment. Don’t immediately increase your dosage because you don’t feel the relief. Give it about a week of consistent intake for your body to work with the cannabinoids.
For more information and translation in other languages including Bahasa Indonesia, Malay and Urdu,
visit AAPI Cannabis Collective.