Here is a quick introductory info sheet on cannabis. You will find some frequently asked questions with answers and some basics that should be known by all cannabis users.
1) What is cannabis?
Hemp, cannabis, and marijuana are terms used when discussing cannabis. Hemp is a cannabis plant raised for its fiber. It has been used to create health foods, textiles, paper, beauty products, and many more. Cannabis and Marijuana are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Cannabis is used to describe cannabis products in general, while marijuana specifically refers to cannabis products that are made from the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.
2) How many types of cannabis are there?
For our purposes, there are three cannabis categories: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis sativa are plants that enjoy warmer climates, have thinner leaves, and give an energizing and uplifting effect. Cannabis indica plants are native to harsher mountainous climates, grow shorter and bushier, and produce more relaxing and calming effects. Cannabis ruderalis is a resilient plant that grows in the harshest climates, is short and stalky, and has extremely very low levels of THC, making it ineffective for recreational marijuana use. While both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica can be readily found in your local weed dispensary, cannabis ruderalis is largely used for crossbreeding to create sturdier cannabis strains.
3) Is cannabis legal in Canada?
Yes, recreational cannabis was decriminalized by the Canadian Federal government on 17 October 2018 and is currently available for sale in cannabis dispensaries in most cities in Canada. Cannabis is also available for Canada-wide shipping from most weed delivery services.
4) Why use cannabis?
Cannabis products offer various mental and physical effects, including euphoria, altered state of mind, altered sense of time, relaxation, and an increased appetite. The chemical compounds found in cannabis interact naturally with our bodies to soothe and settle disturbances and imbalances in the brain and body.
5) Are cannabis products effective as medicine?
The medicinal properties of cannabis plants have been known for a long time. Due to a large number of naturally occurring chemical compounds (cannabinoids) found in cannabis, there are many medical applications for cannabis. THC-based medicines have been used to treat nausea in cancer patients and have also been used to stimulate appetites in AIDS patients. Depending on the medical needs, cannabis products may be effective as medicine.
6) Where can I buy cannabis products?
Most cities in Canada have cannabis dispensaries as they generate tax dollars. There are also local weed delivery services that can make a delivery straight to you, think pizza delivery, but for weed. Another option is mail-order marijuana, where your weed delivery will be sent to your house via Canada post, or some other shipping method.
7) What if I don’t want to smoke cannabis?
There are many cannabis products that will provide the same cannabis high even without smoking it. Edibles, concentrates, vapes, and CBD beverages are just a few options for consuming cannabis without smoking. You can also visit your local weed shop to browse the various products and ask questions to a knowledgeable budtender.
Now you have the basics covered, so go out and explore the wonderful world of cannabis!