By Jawan Abong
Cannabis Connoisseur
*The views of Jawan do not represent those of Dr. Moore or of TWC. Dr. Moore neither approves of nor condones the use of marijuana for personal use.
For centuries, the marijuana plant has been crossbred and altered to become the popular seven leafed plant we all know as ‘pot’. Described as a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis sativa plant, marijuana is primarily used as a recreational substance millions of people around the country. Coming in 3rd place, marijuana, usually referred to as weed, is one of the top recreational drugs in the world, coming in right behind tobacco and alcohol.
Dr. Allen Moore, Botanist and Professor at TWC, describes the hemp plant as an important plant in human culture. “Hemp has been used for ropes, clothes, and religious ceremonies for thousands of years,” explained Moore. “Hemp may have even been one of the first plants ever cultivated by a society.”
There are three different kinds of hemp plants, but the one that is typically smoked is derived from the hemp plant, Cannibus sativa subspecies indica. This version of hemp contains the most THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, for those who understand such big words. THC is the chemical that produces the feeling of near unconsciousness. When the chemical enters the blood stream, it increases heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and impairment of concentration, which includes a loss of short-term memory. A regular marijuana smoker may exhibit these symptoms far longer than an occasional user, and it may even cause the daily user to operate with a lower intellectual level.
When using marijuana, the thing to remember is trichormes are best, while seeds and stems are the worst. Female leaves are better than male leaves, but either leaf produces the same high. If smoking is your thing, you probably know most of the possible ways to smoke it. Most smokers prefer using bowls, bongs, or joints. All three have their advantages and disadvantages. Green Dragon may also be produced, which is a lot like alcohol, except in the form of marijuana, where the leaves have been dehydrated and are made into a liquid form.
While deaths from the use of marijuana are rare, smokers may make bad decisions, such as driving, which can lead to death or serious injury. Smoking marijuana is much worse on the lungs than tobacco is, mainly because there are twenty times more toxins in marijuana smoke than there is in tobacco smoke. Despite the higher levels of toxins, there have been no true links to marijuana use and lung cancer, though marijuana smokers do experience more respiratory problems than tobacco smokers.
Often, users wonder why the day 4/20 is so important in the marijuana user’s life. No, 420 is not a police code. 4/20 simply began with a couple of high school students in California who would meet behind the school at exactly 4:20 pm. Detention was dismissed at 4:20, so the students would meet out behind the school to smoke. This tradition has traveled across the country and has become so popular, April 20th has become the national day to celebrate the use of cannabis all while consuming it with a smile upon their face!
Whatever your choice may be, always remember to be safe and careful. Even though there are activist groups, such as NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), marijuana is illegal and should be used and purchased with caution. If you wish to support local activist groups, check out the NORML website for more info. You never know, your voice may help change the future of marijuana use for personal pleasure. Keep your mind open and free and have a great 4/20
