More Than a Plant! 5 Interesting Facts About Marijuana

For many years, possessing marijuana could land you jail time. Now, 19 states legalized medical marijuana, and 16 plus Washington D.C. allow recreational marijuana use.

Because the law conditioned us to view this plant as criminal, many people still shy away from testing it out under legal conditions. But, the more you learn, the less taboo it seems.

Read on to learn 5 interesting facts about marijuana!

1. It Grows Around the World

Cannabis grows naturally all around the globe. You can find it in the wild on every continent except Antarctica.

This plant originates from Central Asia, Africa, and South America. Today, the most high-quality wild marijuana plants grow in Afghanistan.

2. Three Species Flourish

The plants we consider marijuana actually grow from three separate species. Each one produces different overall effects.

Cannabis Sativa grows tall, with slim, light green leaves. It contains high amounts of the compound limonene, making the high energizing. The high amounts of THC create a strong head high that often produces euphoria and creativity.

Cannabis Indica appears shorter, bushier, and darker green. This species contains a little less THC than Sativa, but more CBD. It provides more of a relaxed body high.

The third and lesser-known species amongst cannabis connoisseurs is cannabis Ruderalis. This plant grows much shorter than the other two and produces only trace amounts of THC. For this reason, producers do not grow it for medical or recreational purposes.

3. Over 700 Marijuana Strains Exist

One of the facts about marijuana that may blow your mind is that over 700 strains exist! Over the years, growers created hybrid strains that contain different proportions of active compounds in order to produce specific effects.

Some strains, like Pineapple Haze, Bubblegum, and Strawberry Cough, simply delight the taste buds and olfactory senses. Strains like Sour Diesel and Northern Lights offer powerful pain relief properties.

Others boost creativity, help with sleep, or improve mood. You can select the strain that provides exactly what you want out of it.

4. Your Body Produces Similar Compounds

You and the marijuana plant actually share many commonalities. The human body contains two types of cannabinoid receptors.

CB1 receptors reside in the brain and CNS. THC connects here, producing cognitive effects. You will find CB2 receptors on white blood cells and immune organs, creating healing effects.

Why does our body possess these receptors?

We produce compounds very similar to those found in the cannabis plant. The two known endocannabinoids include anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG). These chemicals play important roles in our bodies’ functions and development.

5. It Offers Potential Health Benefits

Marijuana contains hundreds of important cannabinoids like:

• CBD
• CBG
• CBCA
• THC
• THCVA

As explained above, these cannabinoids attach to different receptors around the body. Their entourage effect may produce a number of health benefits including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, nausea relief, etc. Educate yourself on how it can play a role in your health.

Interesting Facts About Marijuana Speak Loud

These interesting facts about marijuana speak volumes about the potential carried in this plant. What we once associated with hippies and criminals appeals to people from all walks of life. Like any other plant, it grows around the world and offers up beneficial compounds.

Looking for more wellness tips? Find them on our health page!