10 Surprising Facts About Cannabis

10 Surprising Facts About Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medicinal or recreational purposes. The plant has a long history, dating back centuries for its use in traditional ceremonies and medicinal practices. Today, it remains a subject of interest and controversy across various fields including medicine, law, and culture. Here are ten surprising facts about cannabis that may shed new light on this ancient plant.

1. Cannabis Has Been Used for Thousands of Years

The history of cannabis use goes back as far as 12,000 years, making it one of humanity's oldest cultivated crops. Ancient civilizations used it for its psychoactive properties during spiritual rituals and as a medicinal herb.

2. The Plant Contains Over 100 Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains over 100 different chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. The most well-known among these are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the primary psychoactive component, and CBD (Cannabidiol), known for its potential therapeutic effects without the psychoactive properties.

3. Not All Cannabis Plants Are Psychoactive

Hemp, a type of Cannabis Sativa, contains very low levels of THC. Due to its low psychoactivity, hemp is primarily used for industrial purposes including the production of textiles, biodegradable plastics, and health foods.

4. Cannabis Can Be Female, Male, or Hermaphrodite

Cannabis plants can be categorized into three sexes: male, female, and hermaphrodite (plants that have both male and female reproductive organs). The female plant is the one that produces the flowers or buds that are used for recreational and medicinal purposes.

5. George Washington Grew Hemp

Among the many historical figures who cultivated cannabis, George Washington is noted to have grown hemp at his Mount Vernon estate. He primarily grew it for its industrial uses, such as rope and fabric making.

6. The First e-Commerce Transaction Was for Cannabis

In the early days of the internet, the first recorded e-commerce transaction was a cannabis sale between students from Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1970s.

7. Cannabis Seeds Can Be a Source of Nutrition

Cannabis seeds are packed with nutrients, including essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They can be eaten raw, ground into a meal, sprouted, or made into hemp milk.

8. It Has Been Used in War

During World War II, the U.S. government encouraged farmers to grow hemp for war efforts, as its fibers were used for making parachutes, ropes, and other military supplies under a program called Hemp for Victory.

9. Several Countries Have Legalized It

As of my last update, countries including Canada, Uruguay, and several U.S. states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, while many others have decriminalized its possession or legalized it for medical purposes.

10. Cannabis Used to Be a Billionaire Maker

With the legalization wave in North America, several entrepreneurs have made fortunes through the cannabis industry. Although the market has seen fluctuations, at one point, it helped create a number of billionaires.

From its long-standing history to its modern-day implications in law, health, and commerce, cannabis continues to surprise and intrigue people around the globe. As research and legalization efforts progress, it's likely that even more surprising facts about cannabis will come to light.