Cannabis Education
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a flowering plant that has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, recreational, and industrial purposes. It belongs to the Cannabaceae family and contains naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects.
Cannabinoids:
The Active Ingredients
The two most well-known cannabinoids are:
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – The main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It interacts with brain receptors to produce a “high” or euphoric feeling. It can also help with pain relief, nausea, and appetite stimulation.
CBD (Cannabidiol) – A non-psychoactive compound known for its calming and therapeutic effects. It’s often used to help with anxiety, inflammation, chronic pain, and epilepsy without causing a high.
There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, each with unique effects. Other important ones include CBG, CBN, and THCV.
Types of Cannabis Plants
There are three main species of cannabis:
Cannabis Sativa – Energizing, uplifting, often higher in THC. Used for creativity and daytime use.
Cannabis Indica – Relaxing, sedative, typically used at night for sleep and pain relief.
Cannabis Ruderalis – Less common, with lower THC content, mainly used for hemp production.
Many cannabis products are made from hybrid strains, which combine properties of Sativa and Indica for balanced effects.
How People Use Cannabis
Smoking or Vaping – Inhaled for fast effects.
Edibles – Cannabis-infused food and drinks, with effects lasting longer but taking time to kick in.
Tinctures & Oils – Placed under the tongue for quick absorption.
Topicals – Creams, lotions, and balms used for pain relief and skin conditions.
Capsules & Pills – Used for medical treatments in precise doses.
Medical &
Recreational Use
Medical Cannabis Prescribed for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea from chemotherapy.
Recreational Cannabis is used for relaxation, creativity, or social enjoyment, similar to alcohol but with different effects.
