Cannabis Basics

Jul 29, 2020

News

Author: Scott Winters

Cannabis 101

Origins, Safety, Regulations
Cannabis consumers will receive copies of the following information at the time of their purchases at CNA Stores. We are including it in our blog to assure that our customers will have a permanent reference.
Origins
Cannabis Indica is generally thought to have originated in areas of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Morocco, and Turkey. Naturalist Jean-Baptist Lamarck was the first European botanist to classify this type in 1785. He received his first samples from India and dubbed the plant Cannabis Indica in recognition of its source. It is also known to easily acclimate to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush Mountains.Indica strains often have higher levels of CBD and less THC. It is commonly known for sedative or deep relaxation effects. Most consumers seem to prefer to use Indica shortly before bed or at a time during the day that is reserved for unwinding.
Sativa cannabis plants originated close to the equator, thriving in temperate regions with mild winters and long summers. These plants require balmy temperatures with relatively high humidity and thrive when given space to grow. The species was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The word sativa refers to plants that have to be cultivated. Unfortunately, sativa plants require a longer growth time and produce a lower yield than Indica varieties.Sativa often has lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC. Sativa-dominant strains are generally known for increasing creativity, improving focus, and producing energizing, uplifting effects. Because of its stimulating effect, it is mostly used during the daytime.
Cannabis Hybrids came about throughout centuries of traveling and commercial activity. Cannabis cultivation was established in areas where it did not grow naturally and is typically grown on farms or in greenhouses using a combination of Sativa and Indica strains. Hybrid plants are most commonly grown to increase the percentage of THC, but each type has a unique ratio of CBD to THC.Farmers and producers select hybrids for their unique impacts. Hybrid strains are known to produce a variety of effects because each is a cross between two strains, meaning that the effects are created by the two different parent strains and offer both cultivators and consumers an abundance of options of combinations and effects.
Safety
Store away safely. Cannabis products can be mistaken for regular food or candy. You can help prevent this by storing your cannabis products safely and securely. Be sure to keep all marijuana products in clearly labeled, child-resistant packaging. Make sure your children cannot see or reach the locked cabinet or box where you keep them.The way you store marijuana should change as children get older. Safe storage around young children may not stop a curious teenager who might want to try it. Take additional precautions as your kids grow older.
First time consumers, be cautious. Cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA and there is limited documentation regarding side effects.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 Americans who use cannabis will become addicted. Consuming cannabis a handful of times may not be enough to cause symptoms when you discontinue use. Withdrawing from regular cannabis use can lead to symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and mood swings. This can also be a sign related to consumption of specific strains. For help with a possible cannabis-dependent problem, go to
www.helplinema.org/ or call 800-327-5050.
Start low and slow. When using cannabis edibles, you may want to start with a small serving of the product. You may feel fine for several hours after consuming a cannabis edible, and then suddenly feel very high. Do not eat or drink more of a cannabis product until you have waited at least 2-4 hours.
Smoking Cannabis ~ Consuming Edible Products. The effects from smoking cannabis can often be felt right away. The effects from eating or drinking cannabis, however, can take thirty minutes to hours to develop and then last longer. The effects for both edibles and smoking can depend on how much THC you consumed, the amount and type of other foods consumed, and if you drank alcohol or used other drugs.
Cannabis and Pregnancy. Cannabis can affect the health of your baby. Like alcohol, cannabis is not recommended if you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or planning to get pregnant soon.
Cannabis and Youth. Even though adult-use cannabis is now legal in Massachusetts for adults 21 and older, it is still illegal for anyone under the age of 21.* Certain health and safety risks come with using the drug when you are young. Your health and future are in your hands – make sure you understand how cannabis can impact you long-term.*Exemptions for those in the Medical Use of Marijuana ProgramRespecting MA Cannabis Laws

You cannot use marijuana in any form (smoking, vaping, edibles, etc) while in public or on federal land.

You can have up to 1 ounce on you and up to 10 ounces in your home. If you have more than one ounce in your home, it must be locked up. However, it is best to keep any amount locked away to keep kids and pets safe.

Like alcohol, you cannot have an open container of any form of marijuana in the passenger area of your car while on the road or at a place where the public has access. It must be stored in a closed container in your trunk or in a locked glove compartment.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana. If you use, do not get behind the wheel. Instead, use public transportation, ride-shares or get a ride with a sober friend.

Employers, landlords, cities and towns may have their own policies about the use of marijuana. Check with them to learn what is permitted.

Consumers may not sell cannabis to any other individual. Wrongful distribution infractions in MA may result in a fine or jail time, depending on the offense.

Sources for safety and regulatory information are adapted from guidance issued by FDA, CDC, and MA regulations

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