It thrills me to see and be part of the tremendous growth of cannabis and hemp in the past decade. Currently, more and more states are legalizing cannabis medically as well as recreationally, and hemp is now federally legal for the first time since 1937. Although responsible conversation about “the plant” is certainly becoming more common in the United States, there is still an unfortunate lack of knowledge in regards to proper cannabinoid usage.
The purpose of this blog is to explain more about cannabinoids, the human endocannabinoid system, how to properly use cannabinoids, and how the above-mentioned lack of knowledge negatively impacts the progression of cannabis consumption on a national level.
Cannabinoids and The Endocannabinoid System
Amazingly, the human body has an entire system specifically dedicated to the reception of cannabinoids. Among the 500 or so natural components present in the cannabis plant, more than 100 are classified as phytocannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most popular. However, increased research focused on other phytocannabinoids like THCA, THCV, CBG, and CBN is helping shed light on the vast possibilities of these incredible compounds whose benefits include everything from relieving inflammation and anxiety, to helping with seizures, and even aiding veterans with PTSD.
Our endocannabinoid system is responsible for regulating key aspects and everyday chemical reactions that take place in the human body. The three key components of the endocannabinoid system are:
- Cannabinoid receptors – found on the surface of the cells
- Endocannabinoids – small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors
- Metabolic enzymes – break down endocannabinoids after they are used
(Reference > https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system)
As you can see, this type of information supports the notion that cannabinoids can often be much safer than prescription drugs. Of course I’m not saying that they can solve every medical problem, but they surely can be a much better alternative in many cases.
How to Properly Use Cannabinoids
When the average American thinks of consuming cannabis, they think of someone taking huge bong rips or smoking massive foot-long joints. This may be the case for some people, but in reality, a majority of cannabis consumers actually participate in microdosing to help find their ideal balance of cannabinoids. Everyone’s chemical makeup is different. Therefore, cannabinoids impact people in different ways and are used for various reasons.
When microdosing cannabis, you can always take more. If you ingest too much THC, which is a psychoactive cannabinoid, you can experience a feeling of paranoia. In most cases, this experience is what steers people away from cannabis and makes them have a negative perspective about the plant. Furthermore, and more so in the past than now, people were unwittingly consuming non-tested flower that more than likely contained pesticides. Also, back then there was no such thing as strain testing, so most people were clueless as to if they were smoking sativa, indica, or hybrid, each of which causes a different euphoric feeling.
Although this misinformation still happens today, it is way more common for people to consume tested cannabis and know exactly what they’re ingesting. Personally, I enjoy 20mg of CBD in the morning and before bed. For example: I’ll drink a 20mg can of Eclipse Sparkling CBD Water or enjoy some products from my favorite new online CBD marketplace, CBDTakeOut. Also, I’ll usually consume a bowl or two of flower at some point during my day or evening to spark creativity and/or relieve stress. I always like to have CBD around because it helps alleviate the paranoia that sometimes comes from ingesting THC.
Starting small is always best. I’d suggest 10mg of CBD to start and when you’re ready for a more psychoactive feeling, 2.5 or 5mg of THC is a safe jumping off point. For those that like a heavier experience, I would suggest taking more if you don’t feel any effects after 20 – 30 minutes.
How to Spread Cannabinoid Consumption Knowledge
In order to help spread knowledge about cannabinoid consumption, it’s best to find a balance of cannabinoids that works for you. If you want to feel zero psychoactive effects, just consume small amounts of CBD. Once you find what works, share what you’ve learned with your friends, family, and even on social media. The more “normalized” we make cannabinoid consumption, the more comfortable people will feel to try CBD or THC before turning to opiates or other highly addictive prescription drugs.
Please share your cannabinoid experiences and insights below! Let us know if you have any questions theplug@pufcreativ.com
