1. THE PLANT HAS 120 + ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Cannabis contains at least 120 cannabinoids. The human body naturally produces cannabinoids through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that acts in a similar way to neurotransmitters, sending messages throughout the nervous system. These neurotransmitters affect brain areas (memory, thought, concentration, movement, sensory/time perception, pleasure). The receptors that respond to these cannabinoids also react to the plant’s cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), which alter brain function. THC stimulates cannabinoid receptors that increase the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that relates to pleasure, while CBD binds to receptors known to mediate pain perception, inflammation and body temperature. There are so many more cannabinoids, like CBG, CBN, THCA, CBDA and THCV.

2. EAT RAW CANNABIS (REALLY)

You can eat raw cannabis (if you can et your hands on some) and it won’t get you high because it has not been decarboxylated. That means that the non-psychoactive acidic cannabinoids found naturally in the plant (THCA for example) have not been turned into the psychoactive or intoxicating cannabinoids (THC, for example) through a heating process. Eating raw cannabis has health and wellness benefits as it contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabigerolic acid (CBGA)  that have therapeutic effects.

3. MEN v. WOMEN

Cannabis effects men and women dfiferently —short term and long term. Studies found that women build up a tolerance to cannabis faster than men and fluctuations in the individual responses women have to cannabis based on changes in hormone levels and menstrual cycles. Washington State University psychologist Rebecca Craft found that women were more sensitive to cannabis’ painkilling qualities, but also more likely to develop a tolerance, which could contribute to negative side effects and dependence on marijuana. Make sure you read the labels and think about dosage. You may want to start low and slow and titrate up to the recommended dose because chances are a man came up with it.

4. ONE FOR THE POOCH

Focus on CBD because dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, so the effects of cannabis, and specifically THC, can be more toxic. There is some scientific data on using CBD to treat dogs, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence from dog owners suggesting it can treat pain, especially because of its anti-inflammatory properties, and anxiety. Check with your vet, as cannabis can interact with other medications for side effects.

5. WHAT’s OLD IS NEW

The world’s oldest stash was found in China, buried with a shaman and 789 grams of high-potency pot that is about 2,700 years ago.