General Ganja Info

Shrubs First

Well-Known Member
There are many misconceptions about the effects of cannabis on the body and mind.
This misleading information is left over from a time of racism, fear and Reefer Madness.
Also, because cannabis has been declared a Schedule one drug by the federal government,
meaning it has no medicinal use, proper research has been prevented from being done in
the US. Therefore a lot of our information comes from studies done over seas. Even with
this being the case, there have still been some studies performed in the U.S., made possible
by through special permission from the government. The fact is, that there are many ingredients
in the cannabis plant that are beneficial to human beings. Cannabis is a very unique plant
producing what are called trichomes. Trichomes are outgrowths from epidermis cells on leaves,
buds, and stems. Epidermal cells are single-layered and make up the outermost layer of the cells
on the primary plant body. Trichomes are mushroom shaped, with a slender stalk and a round
balloon like head. The most potent part of this structure is at the base of the head, which also
happens to be the most brittle and can break off easily. This is why delicate handling of the
medicine is crucial. As the trichomes form they are pumped full of cannabinoids, terpenoids,
terpenes, and other compounds. These compounds interact with each other in a synergistic
fashion to give the user the end result. Pretty much all of the medicine is found in the trichomes,
while some beneficial water soluble compounds can be found within other plant tissues. There are
more than 460 known compounds in cannabis. Of these compounds, sixty six cannabinoids have
been discovered already and there could still be more to be found. The most popular misconception
is that more THC equals a better high. This is not true, in fact some users prefer a higher concentration
of other terpenoids or cannabinoids such as, cannabidiol (CBD), which produces a more sedative effect
and reduces anxiety caused by THC, or Tetrahydrocannabivarian (THCV), which is a three-carbon molecule
that replaces THC’s five-carbon chain. THCV is associated with pungent smelling cannabis varieties found in
warmer climates such as; Southeast and Central Asia, as well as Africa. Certain terpenoids such as; limonene,
terpinene, carvacrol, and pluegone increase brain acetylcholine activity, a neurotransmitter in both the
peripheral nervous system and central nervous system as well as the only one used in the motor division
of the somatic nervous system. Terpenoids can even mitigate memory loss caused by THC. Some terpenoids
act as serotonin uptake inhibitors like the prescription drug Prozac, and some augment the neurotransmitter
GABA, like the prescription drug Valium. They also produce anti-inflammatory effects in the respertory system.
The terpenoid limonene blocks carcinogenesis induced by tar, caused by the combustion of the herb. It is also
undergoing many tests for several types of cancer. It is the this interaction of all of the compounds found in
cannabis that gives a certain variety or species its particular effect. Different combinations will work better for
different aliments.
The reason cannabis is such an effective medicine is because it contains compounds that stimulate the
release of endocannabinoids such as; anadamide and 2-arachidonycerol. Endocannabinoids are
produced by our bodies for many different reasons and have cannabinoid (CB) receptors specifically
designed for them to attach to. Unlike prescription drugs, which trick the body into accepting them
by mimicking our own naturally occurring chemicals, THC and other cannabinoids work homogeneously
with the body and cannot mimic the physiological effects of locally released endocannabinoids. Some of
the compounds in cannabis bind to CB receptors in the brain and body. CB1 receptors are only found in
the brain, while CB2 receptors are mainly found in the immune system. Different varieties of cannabis
will stimulate these receptors differently because of the various mixtures of compounds produced in
plants grown in different enviornments. When THC or anadamide are released, they activate CB receptors,
which in turn activate G-proteins. These are proteins that migrate around cells and mitigate a variety of
ion channel and enzyme functions. There are two sub-groups of this protein, which are (i)-inhibitory and
(s)-stimulatory, that will be activated based the variety of cannabis consumed. For example, Indica or
Afghan strains, higher in CBD, will stimulate the G(i) protein inducing an inhibitory and narcotic effect.
G(s) will produce and energetic clear up feeling, which is stimulated by THCV, found on plants from Thailand,
Vietnam or other more tropical areas near the equator. The endocannabinoid system in our bodies is
composed of lipids and their receptors, which are involved in many physiological processes including
appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. The endocannabinoid system also facilitates nerogenesis,
or the birth of new neurons, in certain cells in the hippocampus region of the brain. In fact some people
have whats called endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome, in which their bodies don’t produce enough CB
receptors or endocannabinoids to meet the bodies needs. It is suggested that doses of THC and CBD can
correct for these deficiencies by stimulating the endocannabinoid system. These two compounds work
together in a very interesting way. THC stimulates the release of anadamide, while CBD inhibits its
breakdown. Some studies have also shown that THC may increase the density of CB receptors.
Cannabis is a partial agonist, meaning it works with our bodies to help protect us from disease a
nd still requires our natural healing mechanisms to stay healthy. It is a very natural form of healing.
At the stanford school of medicine in California, as well as at the University of Oxford in the UK,
researchers looked into cannabinoids effects on the cerebral cortex. This is the part of the brain
that regulates movements, performs complex functions, and processes information from sense
organs like the skin and ears. It is also heavily involved with learning, thinking, and emotions.
The two major types of cells found here are the pyramidal neuronal cells and the interneuronal cells.
The pyramidal neurons manufacture and release endocannabinoids as well as excite their neighbors,
while interneuron cells are inhibitory and shut down neighboring activity. Inhibitory neurons prevent
the brain from responding to every single incoming thought and can help against becoming to excited
like, for example, in the case of epilepsy. When the pyramidal cell releases endocannabinoids they
temporarily stop the interneurons from inhibiting brain function, thus allowing higher levels of activity
in the cortex. Some interneurons can actually release their own endocannabinoids to prevent their
own inhibitory effects. This process is called retrograde signaling and can last for up to thirty five minutes.
During this period of time the brain is able to process much more information than normal. This knowledge
will be used as an aid in the development of drugs used to fight epilepsy as well as other much needed medicines.
In order to get the best effects from cannabis it is very important to find a high quality organic based
product that has been handled as little as possible to protect the delicate trichomes. It is also very important
to include a healthy diet rich in vitamin C, proper sleep, and routine physical exercise with proper cannabis use.
Like it has always been, having a healthy over all lifestyle is the best medicine available today! We encourage
people to ask questions, be aware of their lifestyle and understand how their lifestyle choices can impact their health.
 
Thanks man, theres some great information at university's, you can
acccess studies from all over the freakin place.
 
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