CANNABIS IN HISTORY
Researchers say that Cannabis could have existed for about 19.6 to 28 million years. The earliest evidence of the plant's existence is in the form of fossilized pollen.
Nowadays Cannabis has grown into a $20.5 billion global industry. Market experts expect this to multiply more than fourfold by 2026. If this forecast comes true, its value will exceed $90 billion. In addition, scientists continue to unearth studies on Cannabis that establish its beneficial effects.
Despite the literature available, there is still a lot of confusion surrounding cannabis. Let's make a few things clear.
CANNABIS SATIVA AND MARIJUANA
Hemp and marijuana are both species of Cannabis sativa L. This makes them botanically similar, but with genetic varietal distinctions. It is because of these differences that people cultivate them and use them for different purposes.
Marijuana is usually used for recreational purposes: the oldest evidence of its use dates back to 2,500 years ago.
In contrast, the uses of hemp are much broader, as it can be used for textiles and clothing, food and drink. It is also useful for making paper, rope and building materials. Dietary supplements and personal care products are the latest additions to the list.
IT HAS BEEN LISTED FOR ALMOST HALF A CENTURY AS A DRUG
The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs classified Cannabis as a drug in Table I and Table IV: Table I lists substances whose abuse is to be considered dangerous, while Table IV lists drugs that are particularly harmful and of extremely little medical or therapeutic value'. Thus the Cannabis sativa L. plant, in its entirety, i.e. including the growing and non-growing plant components, including derivative compounds, with only a few exceptions, such as their stems, fibers and sterilized seeds, was considered to be on a par with substances that carry a high risk of abuse, such as lysergic acid (LSD), heroin or ecstasy.
Only in December 2020, the United Nations Organization recognized its medical and therapeutic properties and was therefore removed from table IV of the Single Convention. A decision arrived on the advice of the World Health Organization which signaled the UN to approve the medical value of Cannabis. A vote postponed for 60 years, with three years of scientific review, due to the different attitudes of various states in favor of change and those of prohibitionist conduct.
A CONCENTRATE OF PHYTOCANNABINOIDS AND TERPENES
The Cannabis sativa L. plant contains over 120 phytocannabinoids. Of these, THC and cannabidiol ( CBD ) have been the subject of the majority of scientific studies. Other lesser known cannabinoids are cannabichromene ( CBC ), cannabinol ( CBN ), and cannabigerol ( CBG ).
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced exclusively by cannabis plants. These compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) found in mammals, including humans. They are mainly responsible for the physiological effects caused by cannabis and cannabis products.
THC, most popular for its psychotropic effects, tetrahydrocannabinol to which experts also attribute therapeutic effects, such as helping to relieve pain. Others claim it can help with mood and sleep disturbances, some types of arthritis, and seizures.
CBD appears to be helpful for similar conditions, except it doesn't get people high. It also appears to counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. There are at least 13 CBD terpenes that also appear to have therapeutic effects. CBD products are legal , because they come from cannabis varieties with a THC content of less than 0.3%.
AN INCREDIBLE SOURCE OF NUTRIENT-RICH OIL
Hemp seed oil is healthy because it is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids . Linoleic acid is the main one, accounting for about 50% to 70% of its fatty acid content. Hemp seed oil is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
The body can synthesize many polyunsaturated fatty acids, but not those found in hemp seed oil. This makes hemp oil a good dietary source of fatty acids, which are needed for many biological processes. To begin with, polyunsaturated fatty acids are required for the maintenance of cell membrane structures. Additionally, fatty acids play an important role in the development and health of the central nervous system.
Note, however, that hemp seed oil has a lower smoke point than most cooking oils. This means that it burns faster and with less heat than, say, vegetable oil. For this reason, you should avoid using it for food preparation methods that require high heat.
In short, Cannabis is really a great resource, the grasta (plant in the Bari dialect) par excellence!