Marijuana is a flowering plant in the Cannabis family. It is also known as cannabis, ganja, pot, weed, and so on. The leaves of marijuana are usually dried and rolled into a joint, blunt, or pipe. There are a lot of people using marijuana, according to the report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, since marijuana can be used for medical or recreational purposes.
In 2012 Colorado became the first state to legalize its recreational use of cannabis for those over 21 years old. District of Columbia followed suit six months later, becoming the second legal space for adults who are over the age of 21 to purchase and smoke marijuana.
Marijuana is legal in many places- Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and so on. And every state has different laws regarding marijuana use. Using marijuana is illegal under federal law. Marijuana can be addictive but less so than other drugs like cigarettes or alcohol, and studies have shown that it does not cause lung cancer.
Medical Purposes of Marijuana
Marijuana use for medical reasons has been legal since November of 2012 when voters in Washington and Colorado passed referendums to legalize the drug. D.C. residents can grow up to six plants in their home, possess up to four ounces of weed, and smoke it on private property.
Medical marijuana uses marijuana chemicals and plant parts to treat health conditions and problems. A marijuana plant contains different chemicals called cannabinoids. These marijuana chemicals can be used in various combinations, and each one has different effects on the body. Medical marijuana is used for the following:
- To relieve stress, help control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or AIDS treatment.
- It is used to relieve nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
- It increases appetite in people with HIV/AIDS anorexia nervosa.
- Marijuana lessens the pain of M.S. or other types of chronic nerve-related pain and spasticity from multiple sclerosis.
- It is used to reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.
Recreational Purposes of Marijuana
Under federal law, using marijuana is illegal, but some states have legalized its recreational use. District of Columbia and Colorado became the first two states to legalize their recreational use. Since then, 30 other states have followed suit and legalized marijuana’s medicinal or recreational use.
The recreational use of marijuana is also known as using weed for fun purposes. It’s illegal to sell the plant, but it’s not illegal to grow it if you live in a state where its recreational use is legal. Recreational marijuana can be smoked in joints, bongs, or pipes or consumed as edibles. It’s common for people to mix weed with tobacco when smoking it, but it’s not recommended because of the increased danger of cancer and heart disease associated with cigarettes.
People who smoke recreationally are often seen as night owls and partygoers. Here are few reasons why people smoke it for fun:
- People use marijuana because it causes euphoria and relaxation. It makes people feel happy or relaxed. People can get high from using marijuana.
- With minimal use, it can heighten one’s senses.
- It makes people feel more creative. Marijuana can increase creativity for some people, and it may also improve their problem-solving abilities.
Indica vs. Sativa
Sativa – is a weed that has been cultivated to grow tall with long slender leaves and small dense flowers. The high from Sativas will give you an energetic boost or slight head buzz. It’s great for socializing and creative tasks.
Indica – Indicas are usually shorter and bushier. They have wider leaves than Sativas, and their flowers will be bigger with more dense buds. The buzz from an Indica is often described as a body high that can help people sleep when they need to relieve pain or stress. It’s also great for relaxing in the evening before bed. Indicas are better suited as medical marijuana because they have more sedative qualities.
Five Popular Marijuana Strains in D.C.
A marijuana strain means a particular type of marijuana with a recognizable name, distinct chemical composition, and genetic history. Since marijuana is big business in Washington D.C., the District of Columbia legalized recreational use for adults over 21 years old.
The Popular Marijuana Strains in the D.C. area are some of the strongest strains that have been developed for medical use. Here are five marijuana strains that you can find at dispensaries around town:
1) White Widow
This potent strain is perfect for patients looking to relieve pain, stress, and insomnia. It also has a high THC content of about 18%. It stimulates creativity and provides a cerebral high, which allows users to remain aware of their surroundings and functional – making it an excellent choice for a chatty social event. This strain has more psychological than physical effects because of its deep cerebral effects.
Negative effect: excess consumption causes paranoia
2) Purple Krush
This Sativa has a fruity grape smell with that oddly floral aftertaste and is famous for its effects of energy and creativity. It has a high THC content of about 16% and is an excellent choice when looking to have fun with friends or relatives or if you’re in the mood for an intimate encounter. It’s perfect to use before starting work as it helps you focus while also boosting your mood. Since it gives the user a sense of happiness and pure euphoria, it makes it a perfect treatment for chronic fatigue, depression, stress, insomnia, and chronic pain.
Negative effect: This strain is not ideal for new smokers and should be used in moderation. Some users claim they experience hallucinations.
3) Blue Dream (a strain from California)
This is a Sativa dominant hybrid, and its name comes from the blueberry flavor with a THC content of 18%, making it a favorite of both novice and veteran cannabis users. This type of strain produces a balanced high with full-body relaxation and cerebral stimulation. In addition, it relieves symptoms of depression, nausea, and chronic pain.
Negative effect: excess consumption can cause dry eyes and mouth, paranoia, and anxiety
4) O.G. Shark (a hybrid from Washington state)
O.G. Shark is a well-balanced hybrid cannabis strain. Its TCH level is around 20%. It has a scent taste like diesel and sweet blueberries with undertones of wood and fresh earth. Because of its sedative effect, it is best to be used at night. It also helps alleviate symptoms of chronic pain, sleep disorder, and nausea.
Negative effect: excess consumption can cause paranoia, dizziness, and dry mouth and eyes
5) Strawberry Fields (an Indica dominant with strawberry aroma and flavor)
Strawberry Fields is a popular Indica dominant cannabis strain. It has THC levels of around 17% and can be used to treat chronic pain, nausea, sleep disorder, or stress-related problems, and appetite loss. It can also be used to treat mood disorders and depression.
Negative effect: It is a very potent strain because it contains a large number of cannabinoids which can possibly cause red eyes and cottonmouth. Other users report feeling anxious, dizziness, headache, and on some rare occasions – the user may throw up.