The Helpful Beginner's Guide to Cannabis

Weed, bud, pot, Maryjane, both slang and in scientific terms, cannabis is a plant of many names and varieties. If you're interested in marijuana, medical or recreational, it's important to know the basics of what it's used for, why it's used, and how to safely and effectively use it. With it steadily gaining legal traction, many people who wouldn't or couldn't have had access before can now try it safely. Let's explore some of that, shall we?

Medical Reasons

From the 420 loving fields of California to the CBD Utah producers and everywhere in between, there's a user in every corner of the United States. CBD is a component of marijuana, but by itself, it does not cause a “high.” Why do people use CBD? You'd be surprised to learn that it's for health reasons. Most people with chronic pain or health conditions don't want to turn to things that are harmful and addictive, like opioids. Here are just a few of the health reasons people claim to have had some major problems toned down to tolerable through the use of cannabis:

• Stress relief
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Generalized pain
• Insomnia
• Trouble focusing
• Low appetite
• Stiff joints or arthritis
• Muscle spasms

A lot of people who use this plant and its derivatives tend to cut back on more harmful habits, such as drinking excessive alcohol, using tobacco products, abusing painkillers, or using sleeping pills. Medical problems aren't the only reason for consumption either.

Just for Fun

Humans have been creating ways to alter states of mind for millennia, having one that is more naturally occurring and less habit-forming is even better. Depending on the kind you choose to imbibe, cannabis can have all kinds of positive effects on a person, even with no need for medical assistance from it. With its growing legality similar to that of alcohol, weed in moderation can be a good addition to a relaxed or fun night.

Some people can get a kind of euphoria from cannabis, allowing them to relax, attain higher states of mind, do their most creative thinking, and even elevating interpersonal experiences.

What Options Are Out There

So you've decided you want to partake of cannabis, whether for fun or for medical reasons. How do you then decide what kind?

Sativa

• Energy increase
• Mind and sense stimulation
• More focus and concentration
• Mood lift

Sativa is great for the user who wants more energy for what they need to do throughout the day, giving a boost to creativity or making you the life of the party.

Indica

• Relaxing both mind and body
• Most pain relief
• Appetite enhancer
• Less anxiety

Perfect for the person who needs a good chill session, Indica is beloved by many for its gentle and relaxing effects.

Hybrid

• The best of both above
• Euphoria and relaxation in equal measure
• Hundreds of varieties to choose from
• Can lean more toward Indica or Sativa depending on what you want

If you need to relax, but maybe don't want the excess of munchies or potential for falling asleep, a hybrid option is a wonderful choice that mixes both worlds.

CBD

• Generally little or no 'high'
• Reducing inflammation
• Pain alleviator
• Exercise recovery

Often used for purely medical reasons, CBD is good for folks who would like to avoid an altered state of mind and still reap some benefits from this well-known plant.

Any of these can be smoked, vaped, eaten, or taken as a tincture, allowing for any experience someone might be comfortable with once they've decided on the variety that fits their needs.

Do What's Best for You

Hopefully, this short article has given you some idea of what cannabis is good for, why people love it so much, and options you can choose from when or if you decide you'd like to try it for the first time. Since CBD has become so popular, many people want to know more about it before they give it a try. It's one of the least harmful medical and recreational options out there, even legislators think so. Remember to do what's best for your situation.