Cannabis Explained
Cannabis is a plant native to Central or South Asia. Communities have been consuming cannabis for thousands of years for ritualistic and other purposes.
Different cannabinoids are found in and can be produced from cannabis. Each cannabinoid produces unique effects.
Delta-9 (D9)
The primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis is Delta-9 (D9) THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
THC has been shown to have a number of effects that can benefit one’s health and wellness; THC can have anti-inflammatory, pain relief, or sleep- and appetite-inducing benefits in consumers.
THC Isomers
While D9 is the primary cannabinoid in cannabis, THC has many isomers.
An isomer is one of two or more compounds that have the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms within the molecules and that may have different physical/chemical properties.
Popular isomers include Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and HHC.
| HHC | Delta 8 THC | Delta 10 THC |
| Similar effects to D9 THC but less potent and produces a longer-lasting high. HHC is created by chemically altering D9 THC. | Less potent than D9 THC but produces similar effects. While it is found in trace amounts in cannabis, it is artificially produced using hemp-derived CBD. | Produces similar effects to D8 and D9 THC, but less potent than both. It is artificially produced using hemp-derived CBD. |
Potential benefits of d9 THC
- Pain Relief: Analgesic properties may help alleviate pain.
- Relaxation & Stress Reduction: Hemp-derived D9 THC and D9 THC are known for their ability to induce relaxation and reduce stress. They may promote a sense of calm and ease tension.
- Appetite Stimulation: Hemp-derived D9 THC and D9 THC have been shown to increase appetite, which can be beneficial for individuals with conditions that cause a loss of appetite or weight loss.
- Antiemetic Effects: Hemp-derived D9 THC may have antiemetic properties, meaning it can help reduce nausea and vomiting. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing nausea related to other medical conditions.
- Sleep Aid: Some individuals report that forms of D9 THC help with sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing insomnia. It may have sedative effects that contribute to better sleep quality.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Hemp-derived D9 THC and D9 THC has demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory properties in pre-clinical studies. This suggests it may have therapeutic potential for conditions associated with inflammation.
“Cannabis Users self-reported significantly better quality of life, greater health satisfaction, improved sleep, lower average pain severity, lower anxiety and lower depression. They also report using fewer prescription medications. Control subjects who initiated cannabis use after baseline showed significant health improvements at follow-up.”
Schlienz, Nicolas J., et al. “A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Comparison of Medicinal Cannabis Users and Controls on Self-Reported Health.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, vol. 6, no. 6, 1 Dec. 2021, pp. 548–558, https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2019.0096.
History of cannabis
- The earliest use of cannabis dates all the way back to 2700 BC, when it was listed in Emperor Shen Nung’s pharmacopeia.
- Cannabis was used by multiple ancient civilizations and revered for its therapeutic qualities.
- Many scholars believe that the cannabis is even mentioned in the religious texts as an ingredient in “anointing oil.” These scholars suggest that this reference was initially lost to time due to a translation error.
- Cannabis is also mentioned in the Atharva Veda as one of the “five sacred plants of Hinduism,” referred to as “source of happiness”, “joy-giver” and “bringer of freedom.”
- Prior to and in the early 20th century, cannabis use was widespread in Western medicine. It was readily found in over-the-counter pharmaceuticals in 1900, such as “Piso’s Cure” and the “One Day Cough Cure” for treatment in a variety of ailments.
- The 1936 film “Reefer Madness” demonized cannabis and inaccurately portrayed as a highly addictive drug that causes mental disorders and violence. The film served as a major setback in making the therapeutic benefits accessible to all.
- Cannabis was criminalized in the United States with the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.
- May 1st, 1971: the federal government doubled down and codified cannabis as a Schedule I Narcotic, which it remains to this day. A Schedule 1 substance is classified as a drug with a “high potential of abuse and no accepted medical use”.
Key Canna-Legislation
- 1937: Congress passes the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937.
- 1944: LaGuardia Commission challenges claims that cannabis causes social depravity.
- 1970: Congress passes Controlled Substances Act.
- 1971: Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I narcotic.
- 1972: Nixon rejects Shafer Commission recommendation marijuana not be scheduled in Controlled Substances Act.
- 1984: Sentencing Reform Act creates mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana crimes.
- 1996: California passes Prop 215, becoming the first legal medical marijuana state.
- 2001: Portugal decriminalizes all drugs, including cannabis.
- 2012: Colorado and Washington become first states to legalize recreational marijuana.
- 2013: Cole Memo creates hands-off policy for legal medical marijuana states.
- 2014: Rohrabacher-Farr Amendment blocks Dept. of Justice from prosecuting state legal cannabis businesses.
- 2016: California legalizes recreational marijuana.
- 2021: Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) legalized recreational adult-use of cannabis in New York State.
