What Type Of Drug Is Marijuana
Throughout history, marijuana has served a wide range of purposes.
From helping humans relax and relieve stress and anxieties to offering various health benefits, marijuana has done it all.
However, there’s still some confusion surrounding what type of drug it is and what it offers.
In this blog, we’ll try to clear up such confusion, discussing what type of drug marijuana is.
In simple words, if you are looking forward to learning more about marijuana, this is the blog for you! So, let’s get started.
Understanding Marijuana:
Marijuana is derived from the Cannabis plant and is well known for its range of properties.
Marijuana contains cannabinoids (such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) that interact with receptors in the brain to produce psychoactive effects.
The Categorization of Marijuana
Contrary to the common belief, the classification of marijuana can vary depending on different frameworks.
Generally, it can be divided into three groups: marijuana, medicinal marijuana, and industrial hemp.
1. Recreational Marijuana:
Recreational marijuana refers to cannabis primarily used for its psychoactive effects.
It is consumed for pleasure or relaxation purposes.
Recreational marijuana primarily consists of higher levels of THC compared to medicinal strains.
Its effects can range from euphoria and relaxation to perception and increased appetite.
2. Medicinal Marijuana:
Medicinal marijuana is the cannabis used under supervision for medicinal purposes.
Different types of marijuana contain varying levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), depending on the method of extraction and the condition they aim to address.
Depending on your geographical location, medical practitioners may prescribe cannabis to help manage pain, alleviate nausea during chemotherapy, or as a treatment for neurological disorders.
3. Hemp
Another variety of marijuana is hemp.
It is primarily cultivated for purposes such as fiber production and nutritional products.
Typically, industrial hemp contains THC levels below 0.3%, which makes it unsuitable for recreational or medicinal uses.
Additionally, marijuana strains can be obtained in the following types:
1. Indica:
Indica strains are renowned for their relaxing effects.
They generally have higher CBD levels compared to THC, making them popular choices for pain relief, muscle relaxation, and promoting sleep.
2. Sativa:
Sativa strains offer uplifting effects and typically have higher THC levels with subtle CBD content.
They are often preferred for enhancing focus, creativity, and productivity.
3. Hybrid:
Hybrid strains combine the characteristics of both Sativa and Indica varieties to create a blend that merges the calming properties of Indica with the invigorating qualities of Sativa.
Various Consumption Methods:
1. Inhalation:
Inhaling marijuana is one of the most common ways of consumption.
To inhale marijuana, one can prepare a joint and smoke it. Otherwise, you can also use a pipe or bong for inhaling dried marijuana flowers.
Inhaling the smoke or vapor induces psychoactive effects and allows for precise control over dosage.
However, it’s important to note that this method may pose risks to lung health, as it involves the inhalation of smoke.
2. Edibles:
Another option for consumption is in the form of edibles.
Edibles offer an easy and safer way to consume marijuana without inhaling smoke.
The effects of edibles last longer but may also take longer to kick in compared to inhalation methods.
While consuming edibles, it’s crucial to note that the onset time and intensity of edibles can vary greatly. For this reason, it’s advisable to start with smaller doses and wait for the effects to fully develop before considering another round of consumption.
3. Topicals:
Topical cannabis products such as lotions, creams, balms, and transdermal patches can be applied directly to the skin.
These products do not produce psychoactive effects but may provide targeted relief from pain and inflammation.
4. Tinctures:
Tinctures are extracts of marijuana that are typically taken sublingually (placed under the tongue).
Tinctures allow for controlled dosing and provide a relatively fast onset compared to edibles.
5. Concentrates:
Marijuana concentrates are forms of cannabis that have been extracted from the plant using one of the various extraction methods (solvent-based extraction or mechanical separation techniques like rosin pressing).
Popular concentrate forms include wax, shatter, oil, or budder.
These concentrates can be consumed by inhaling (vaporizing) dabbing using a rig or be infused into edibles.
Wrapping up
To sum up, the marijuana plant has gained popularity for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
Understanding the classification of marijuana can help you better understand its uses and effects. It’s also important to note that while some states or countries have legalized marijuana, in other areas, it’s illegal to possess and consume.
To avoid legal trouble, it’s advisable to consult experts or seek professional guidance before using cannabis for medicinal or recreational reasons.
With proper knowledge about the categories and varieties of marijuana, individuals can make informed choices that align with their marijuana requirements and personal preferences while also considering the legal implications.
