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Let's talk about weed, its history, regulation, and consumption.


 

Let's begin with an easy one, what is weed?


Marijuana (cannabis), also known as "pot", "weed" or "joint", among others, is the name given to strains of Cannabis Sativa SL that contain a psychoactive chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

a psychoactive chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).


Generally, marijuana growers and users alike know that THC is a vital element of the plant. The consumption of marijuana is a widespread social practice that is increasing exponentially year by year, as it is increasingly accepted by society, whether it is consumed or not, thus reaching the normalization of its use as it happened many years ago with alcohol, being marijuana a healthier way of recreation.

a healthier and less addictive way of recreation.

and less addictive hobby.



And then, what THC does appropriately mean?


THC is the abbreviation for tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. The common international nomenclature for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is dronabinol. This component is found in the leaves and buds of the plant.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) belongs to a class of organic compounds called phytocannabinoids.


THC & The different types of Cannabinoids.


THC is the major cannabinoid in marijuana plants. In these plants we can find more than 60 different cannabinoids. Cannabis contains more than 500 different chemical compounds, among them at least 113 are cannabinoids other than THC, such as CBN or cannabinol and CBD.

Depending on their origin, three general types of cannabinoids are recognized: phytocannabinoids synthesized naturally by the cannabis plant; endogenous cannabinoids or endocannabinoids, produced naturally by animals and humans; and synthetic cannabinoids, similar compounds generated in the laboratory.


Now that we know what is weed, let's cover another good one:

What are the main effects of consuming weed?


When marijuana is smoked, its active ingredient, THC, travels through the brain and the rest of the body, producing its psychoactive effects. THC is responsible for the feeling of "euphoria" or high. Frequency of use, the level of THC in marijuana, metabolism, and hydration can affect the duration of its effects, recreational cannabis users enjoy the euphoric and relaxing effects produced by THC.

Many experiences a pleasant euphoria and a feeling of relaxation. Other common effects, which can vary widely depending on the person and their habits, include increased sensory perception (e.g. brighter colors), laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. Common side effects include decreased short-term memory, dry mouth, altered perception, and motor skills, and reddening of the eyes.


We know what is it, and its effect, therefore let's talk about How potent is weed use?


The potency of marijuana has been increasing exponentially in recent years thanks to the manipulation and crossbreeding of species, as well as the refinement of cultivation techniques and products (whether natural or industrial). Nowadays it can reach percentages of 30% of THC in the plant. The marijuana extracts, used in solid hashish and in edibles, contain between 50% and 90% of THC, being the edibles those of greater duration in the system since it is absorbed by the system and not inhaled as when it is smoked, for this reason besides lasting longer the effect is much more powerful.

 

A bit of history: Consumption and first regulations of Marijuana in the USA and other countries.


Over time, the use of cannabis spread to other parts of the world, such as the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Growing its popularity in the industry, as a new and revolutionary product. Being the United States, the first "Producer".



In the United States, cannabis was widely used for medicinal purposes in the 19th and early 20th centuries and was even sold in pharmacies.


However, in the 1930s, the U.S. government passed the Marihuana Tax Act, which outlawed marijuana. This law was followed by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which classified marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it was considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.


1970 and Weed regulations: The End of an Era?


After the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act in the 1930s and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which outlawed marijuana in the United States, cannabis use became associated with the counterculture movement and its use became widespread. In the decades that followed, marijuana often became associated with counterculture and drug culture, and became a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity.


In the 1980s and 1990s, the "war on drugs" in the United States led to a crackdown on drug use and possession, including marijuana. This resulted in a high level of arrests and incarceration for drug offenses, especially in minority communities.


In the 2000s, attitudes toward marijuana began to change, and several U.S. states began legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. This trend has continued in recent years, and as of 2021, 36 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, and 15 states have legalized marijuana for recreational use.


However, the legal status of marijuana at the federal level has not changed, and it remains a Schedule I controlled substance. This has created conflicts between federal and state authorities. This itself has led to conflicts over federal and state laws, and there is an ongoing debate over the legalization of marijuana at the federal level throughout the United States.


 

About Marijuana and its use: From the 2000s to the present day.


In addition to the United States, many other countries have also liberalized their marijuana laws in recent years, including Canada, which legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2018. Legal and cultural attitudes toward marijuana continue to evolve and change around the world.


In 2015, four U.S. states (Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington) and the District of Columbia legalized marijuana for recreational use, and 23 states legalized it for medical use.


In 2016, several more U.S. states legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, including California, Massachusetts, and Nevada. Canada also announced plans to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2017.


In 2017, Canada became the second country in the world (after Uruguay) to legalize marijuana for recreational use, and several more U.S. states legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, including Vermont and Maine.


In 2018, several more U.S. states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, including Michigan, Utah, and Missouri. Canada's legalization of marijuana for recreational use went into effect in October of that year.


In 2019, several more U.S. states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, including Illinois and New York. In addition, Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that marijuana prohibition was unconstitutional, paving the way for the country to legalize marijuana in the future.


In 2020, several more U.S. states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, including Montana, South Dakota, and Arizona. In addition, the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) approved the use of medical marijuana for the first time.


In 2021, several more U.S. states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, including Virginia and New Mexico. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended removing marijuana from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which would allow greater access to marijuana for medicinal and research purposes.


Overall, legal and cultural attitudes toward marijuana have changed significantly around the world in recent years, and many countries have liberalized their marijuana laws for medicinal and recreational use. However, the debate over marijuana legalization continues and its future remains uncertain.


 

Thank you very much for reading our blog, we hope you enjoy Los Mejores Humos!



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