Medical Marijuana 101

Cannabis, native to Central Asia, is a wild plant with green leaves that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The cannabis plants develop male, female and hermaphrodite plants. The male plant is less potent and grows with pollen sacs, whereas the female plant bears flowers and is potent. 

Most of the cannabis products are derived from female Cannabis plants because the beneficial chemical compounds are abundantly present in flowers. Cannabis, when referred to as hemp, is used for recreational purposes like medicines, edibles, and topical treatments. This is also known as industrial hemp as it contains a controlled amount of THC.    

There are more than 400 chemical components found in Cannabis plants, out of which 100 are being studied for their reaction with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. 

The most popular components are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): Psychoactive component
• CBD (cannabidiol): Non-Psychoactive component

Strains and differences

Cannabis plants are divided into three commonly known strains.

Sativa

• Found in Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia with hot and dry climate
• Sativa strains have lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC

Indica

• Native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey with the harsh and dry climate of Hindukush mountains.
• Indica strains have higher levels of CBD, but the THC content isn’t necessarily less.

Hybrid

• Combination of both Indica and Sativa strains organically grown on farms or greenhouses.
• Hybrid cannabis plants are grown to achieve an increased percentage of THC, but each type has a unique ratio of the two cannabinoids.

The individual compounds present in Cannabis are unique in their own properties, effects, and side-effects. During the research on these compounds, the scientist wondered about the interaction of these compounds inside the body and coined the terminology “The entourage effect”.

For example, THC is known as a psychoactive compound. If used in excess, it may cause side-effects like anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairment. Another component that is non-psychoactive in nature called CBD can react with receptors in the human body and reduce the intoxicating effects of THC. The way these cannabinoids reacted in harmony with existing receptors in a body is termed as “The entourage effect.”        

Medical Cannabis and State Laws

Although Medical Marijuana/Cannabis and its derived products are legalized in few states of the US and other countries like the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Canada, and Australia, its legality status is still under debate.