Cannabis Definition: What Cannabis Really Is?

Cannabis is a plant we hear about often. We know it mainly from its use as a drug. Recreational cannabis is one of the most commonly used drug types in many parts of the world, especially in the United States. However, cannabis is also a very effective and useful industrial product. It is used in construction, clothing, composite material, and biofuel industries. So, all in all, how do we define cannabis?

If we want to make the definition of cannabis, we can say that cannabis, which is a one-year plant genus, is among the oldest herbal resources in human history. It is generally used as a raw material in many different fields. The fibers found in the stems of the cannabis plant are widely used in the field of weaving together with yarn and fabric. At the same time, the pulp part has an important place for paper making. In this context, it is possible to state that it is one of the important raw materials evaluated in many different industrial areas.

The Definition and Features of Cannabis

Cannabis is a plant that has been defined as a miracle. The male of the cannabis plant, which is planted in April-May, is harvested around the end of July, and the female 20-25 days after the male, tied in bundles and left to dry upright on the soil. The flowers of the male cannabis are in the form of clusters, while the flowers of the female cannabis are on a single leaflet, in a mass spike. Male cannabis is thinner and shorter in stature than females.

The threads in the wood part of the plant, called fibers, are yellow to dark yellow or yellow-green. The stalks of the harvested cannabis are first pooled and the threads are separated from the bark. The resulting fine hemp fibers are used in the spinning industry, while the coarser fibers are directed to the rope industry.

Today, we see that China is the largest producer and exporter of hemp in the paper and fabric industry. Canada is the leader in cannabis seed products. In addition to being at the forefront of the use of industrial cannabis in Europe, industries such as automobiles and construction make use of this plant. Again, Germany, England, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and Russia are among other countries producing hemp.

America, on the other hand, lags behind Canada and China in cannabis production due to its changing policies and approaches in different periods regarding the production and use of this plant, but it has started to come to the fore with its large R&D and production investments in recent years. Nearly half of the 69 cannabis varieties registered in Europe to date have been developed in the last 10 years, and most of them are industrial-type cannabis strains containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis active ingredient at a low rate.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), one of the two basic chemicals in the cannabis plant, is a psychoactive substance. CBD (Cannabidiol) is a chemical without psychoactive properties. Both of these substances are chemicals that can be evaluated medically in the right dose and under the control of a physician. Cannabis (cannabis Indica) used as a drug contains THC in the range of 5% to 20%, while this rate is less than 0.3% in industrial hemp (cannabis Sativa) as stated above.

Therefore, it is obvious that the controlled industrial cannabis strain will not pose any threat to public health. However, what needs to be considered here is the indirect damage that may be caused by the spread of production areas, and by the use of this situation by malicious people, by producing the type for drug use. As a matter of fact, at this point, selling local, certified, and a certain number of seeds to people who have been given production permission, and then inspecting random samples taken from the plantation in each production period can be helpful/deterrent in preventing such situations.

The news coming from countries such as the USA, which increase its production capacity day by day in response to the demand in the market, is also a sign that the opposite of the advantages brought by hemp can occur if a careful and controlled national policy is not followed. So much so that due to the increasing demand, high yield potential, and ease of production, especially regarding the cannabis plant, which has been widely cultivated in the state of California; There are many news in the last year that it causes the destruction of forests, forces water resources based on excessive consumption and endanger the wildlife in the region.

So there is no such thing as a cannabis miracle. When it comes to neither health, the environment, nor the industry, producing any plant indefinitely or erasing it altogether is not the only answer to our existing problems. With the right national policies; we must produce, use and manage everything in a balanced way.

What excites me the most about cannabis is that it is a raw material that makes it possible for us to produce alternatives to plastic packages that pollute our seas and forests, which can quickly disappear in nature. In the field of health, in the treatment of unbearably painful diseases such as cancer, drugs produced from cannabis, which have reached the stage of clinical application, replace morphine and its derivative drugs (opioids) that consume the human body as soon as possible and are addictive.

Facts About Cannabis

Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa are the first plants that come to mind when it comes to cannabis in the world. Indica is mostly used with its relaxing properties, while Sativa is used with its more energizing properties. The most planted one is “Cannabis Indica”. It is cannabis used for recreational purposes. Cannabis sativa, on the other hand, is more commonly called industrial cannabis.
It is known that it has been used in medicine and fabric-making in China since 6000 BC. Then it spread to India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Cannabis Indica is also known as ‘female cannabis’ and Sativa ‘male cannabis’.
Let’s get to the details, this information was taken from the June 2018 report of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a subsidiary of the American Institute of Health.

The main active drug ingredient in Cannabis (marijuana) is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. (THC).
Marijuana is the most commonly consumed drug in the world. It is generally consumed in the form of hand-rolled cigarettes. In addition, special pipes are also often used.
Some people use it with a vaporizer, in this method, the active substance THC is kept. The person only takes in the water vapor.
Marijuana is also consumed in various ways in the Netherlands. It is consumed in the form of coffee, brownie, sugar, or even tea. Some extracts can also be eaten.
The short-term effects of cannabis are when ingested in the form of cigarettes, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. It quickly passes to all organs, including the brain. Its effects occur within 30-60 minutes. After all, the effect lasts for 3-4 hours.
There are receptors that are effective in brain development. THC acts on these receptors. These receptors are concentrated in the brain. The most intense effect is seen in brain functions.

Short Term Effects

There is a change in the senses,
Colors are brighter,
Perception of time is lost,
The mental state changes,
Movement slows down,
Thinking and solving abilities also slow down,
Memory weakens.

Long Term Effects

The most notable effect is on brain development. For this reason, it is worried that it is used more intensively under the age of 18, especially in the USA. The long-term effects of problems in establishing connections in the brain are unknown.

In a study conducted in New Zealand, it was found that young people who smoked cannabis dropped 8 points on the average IQ test between the ages of 13-18. Even after quitting, this decline does not return. Such a loss is not observed in adults.

Physical Effects

Respiratory problems have similar effects to smoking. The risk of coughing and lung infections increases. There is no information about cancer.
From the 3rd hour after smoking cannabis, the heart rate increases. It increases the risk of a heart attack in the elderly.
Low birth weight in infants is thought to be linked to brain development and behavioral problems in children if pregnant women smoke cannabis. There is a link between attention deficit and memory problems in children.
Even a small amount of THC passes into breast milk.
When cannabis is used for a long time, nausea, vomiting, and loss of liquid electrolytes develop.

Mental Effects

Persistent hallucination,
Paranoia,
Especially in young people, depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies may occur.
Disorganization of thoughts is seen.
In youth cannabis users; boredom with life, academic failure, and dropout are common.

Is Cannabis Addictive?

Although it is generally thought that it is not addictive, in some studies; 9-30% of addiction was detected.
It is known that people generally use cannabis as an escape from the situation they are in.
Contrary to what is known, there is not enough information about the transition from cannabis to other drugs.

Medicinal Use

It has no approved use by the American Food and Drug Administration. In some states, it is used as a pain reliever. Its use in cancer patients is the main area of use in the USA.
There are over 100 substances in the Cannabidiol class in cannabis.
Israel is the country that started the first medical studies in 1964.

Medicinal CBD

It is used as an anti-inflammatory,
Painkiller,
And in cases of epilepsy,
Psychosis and some mental disorders,
Nausea,
Migraine,
Depression,
Anxiety.

Medicinal THC

It is used as a painkiller,
And in cases of glaucoma,
Insomnia,
Anorexia,
Nausea,
Muscle spasticity: Recommended for stiffening of the muscles in MS.

Other Facts

In the USA, THC-containing dronabinol and nabilone are used as drugs for chemotherapy-induced nausea and low appetite. This drug is used in HIV/AIDS weight loss.
A new drug called Epidiolex containing CBD is used as an approved drug for childhood epilepsy.
Studies continue in many areas from psychiatric disorders to brain diseases.
Its effect on cancer is unknown. There is not enough evidence.
While tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is normally between 5-20%, this rate is below 3 per thousand in industrial hemp.
Hemp has been used extensively since the Middle Ages to make stronger sails.
Cannabis can produce three crops in a fertile year. It requires little water. Does not require pesticides.
Cellulose source is used in papermaking.
Oxygen production is high.
It is an alternative to plastic products.
The industrial use of hemp in the United States was first introduced by the publisher W.R.Hearst as a source of cellulose.

Henry Ford made a car out of hemp in 1937. This car was running on “ethanol”, which is also produced from hemp.
Because Rockefeller and Dupont were afraid of competition in the chemical industry, their “drug” features were brought to the fore and they were given the status of a banned substance.
The seed is rich in protein. It is used as animal feed.
The productivity of bees increases when planted around beehives.
It is used as bird food.
It is a real radiation cleaner. After the Chernobyl disaster, the Russians planted cannabis in large areas.
Cannabis reaches 5 meters in 5 months.
It is used in the manufacture of ropes, bags, and shoes in textiles.
Another interesting note; When the first denim jeans used by workers in America were torn quickly, they found the solution in hemp. These jeans produced from hemp became known in the world in a short time thanks to the famous brands we know today.
It is claimed that 50 000 products are produced from hemp in 9 main sectors.
It was widely used as yarn in textile products.
Hemp is also used as a strong insulator material.
Chipboard is made from hemp.
Brick can also be made from hemp. It is healthier.
It is compatible with the environment and protects nature.
It becomes a forest faster than other trees.
It produces much more oxygen.
It is an alternative source in the petrochemical industry.

The Benefits of Cannabis, Its Oil, and Seeds

Cannabis is a plant that is grown as an agricultural plant in hot countries and can grow up to 3.5 meters in height. It is one of the oldest known herbal raw material sources in human history. Its homeland is Central Asia. Coarse braids such as rope and sacks can be made from the fibers of the stem. However, since hemp is known as a narcotic substance among people, its cultivation is prohibited in most countries. But as the benefits became known, countries began to legalize hemp farming one by one.

Due to the substance (THC) it contains, cannabis is known as a narcotic substance among people and is also defined as the “sin plant”. Although many countries have banned the cultivation of cannabis, in some countries it is only used for experimental purposes, while in some countries it is allowed for recreational use. However, contrary to popular belief, natural hemp contains very little THC, so it can never be turned into a drug.

Hemp fibers obtained from the field are used in the textile industry, and the seeds are used in the cosmetics industry. Paper and fabric can also be produced from hemp stalks. Linen produced from hemp is highly preferred by fashion designers because it is light and does not sweat. While hemp feeds the soil, it also cleans the air. At the same time, hemp can be grown in unfavorable soils and even in swamps. Since the root of cannabis sprouts deep, it also increases the fertility of the soil in general.

In fact, it is enough to look at the historical findings to fully understand the benefits and uses of cannabis. Because almost 80 percent of the material found, such as clothes, twine, paper, is hemp. Cannabis, which can even be used in the automotive industry, was also used by Henry Ford, and a car called “Biomasscar” was produced, which works entirely with hemp. The Russian parliament has approved a bill proposing the legalization of medical cannabis production, after the Health Minister’s call for “we must be self-sufficient”

AB InBev, one of the world’s largest brewers, plans to invest $100 million to produce a cannabis-containing soft drink. Luxembourg plans to become the first European country to completely liberalize recreational marijuana/marijuana use under government control. New York governor Andrew Cuomo also plans to legalize cannabis/marijuana use in the country within the first hundred days of 2019.

The Uruguayan government had announced that the state would sell cannabis/marijuana at a price that people could reach, their aim was to take over the sale of cannabis from criminal gangs. This made Uruguay the first country to legally sell cannabis directly. Countries now want to legalize the use and sale of drugs and are trying to soften the laws for this. People agree that the war on drugs is a waste of time and money. Not only cannabis itself but also its oil and seeds are just as useful as itself and are used in many fields. If you’re wondering what hemp oil and seed are and their benefits, just keep reading.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis (hemp) oil is obtained as a result of grinding cannabis seeds without exposing them to high heat. Since the nutritional values of cannabis oil are very high, it has many health benefits.

Protects against cancer

Since it contains plenty of omega 3 and GLA fatty acids, it strengthens the immune system, prevents brain cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Especially in lung cancer, it visibly slows the growth of the cancerous mass.

Protects heart health

In addition to lowering bad cholesterol, it raises good cholesterol, eliminates diseases that negatively affect heart health, and lowers blood pressure.

Rich in minerals

There are countless minerals in hemp oil such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus.

Balances hormones

Cannabis oil, which is especially good for women in the menopause period, also provides the balance of hormones.

Protects vascular health thanks to fatty acids

Hemp oil, which has a rich content of both omega 3 and omega 6, protects cardiovascular health.

Helps you lose weight

Hemp oil suppresses your appetite by keeping you full for longer.

It is good for hair health

With its moisturizing feature, it adds moisture to dry hair and gives shine.

Soothes the digestive system

Since it contains plenty of soluble fiber, it relaxes the digestive system, prevents constipation by feeding the probiotic bacteria in the intestines, and strengthens the immune system.

Slows down aging

Thanks to the linoleic acid in it, it prevents the signs of premature aging.

Good for problematic skin

It moisturizes the spotty skin, nourishes the hair and nails, is good for eczema, and completely relieves skin dryness with regular use.

Cannabis Seeds

Just like its oil, the benefits of cannabis seeds are too numerous to count. Although it is generally used as bird food, it has gradually started to enter our kitchens as its health benefits are learned.

Rich in vitamins and minerals

It contains a large amount of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, and folic acid (B9). Cannabis seeds, which are rich not only in vitamins but also in minerals, contain minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Rich in protein and amino acids

Hemp seeds, which are an ideal food source, especially for vegan and vegetarian people, meet the daily protein and amino acid needs of the human body if consumed up to 3 tablespoons a day.

Supports brain health

Since it is rich in omega fatty acids, it supports the development and health of the brain.

Good for menstrual cramps

Since it contains gamma-linoleic acid, it both supports hormone balance and is good for menstrual cramps due to hormonal problems.

Good for insomnia

It can be used as a solution to sleep problems because it contains plenty of magnesium. It reduces insomnia problems caused by melatonin deficiency, by helping the secretion of the melatonin hormone.