Are Cannabis And Hemp The Same

Cannabis stevia is one of the oldest medicinal plants used by humans for its fiber, oil production, and simply as an additive to foods. The plant has been around for millennia. It was first brought to prominence in modern history when its medical interest began to grow in the mid-18th century.

Cannabis stevia was then considered to be the secret ingredient in several patent medicines. Studies show that there were at least 2000 cannabis medicines prior to 1937. It has several evolutionary aspects related to its use and application throughout history and is cultivated in almost every country in the world. How much do you know about this mysterious plant; are cannabis and hemp the same? continue reading to find out more.

What is Cannabis Stevia Used For?

Cannabis stevia was and is still used for treating all kinds of diseases and symptoms. The plant is a herb that belongs to the cannabaecea family, believed to be the oldest plant known to humans ( a popular belief to some religious affiliates in Jamaica, is that the plant was first spotted on the grave of king Solomon).

Its long history guided by evolution, discoveries, and new applications began recorded in archaeological evidence discovered in Central Asia (debatable) which indicates that the plant was cultivated for its fiber and for use in making rope due to the hemp tissue artifacts.

The botanical categorization of the cannabis stevia plant has been the subject of widespread debate and change since the late 18th century. The plant was, however, recognized in 1753, as the starting point of modern nomenclature botany.

Today, there are many varieties of cannabis with more than 600 commercially available, with no general agreement in the taxonomic classification. However, in 2021, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, the current taxonomic classification of cannabis species are:

• Kingdom: Plantae (plant)
• Sub-kingdom: tracheobionta – vascular plant
• Supervision – Spermotophyta – seed plant
• Division: – Magnoliophyta – flowering plant
• Class: Magnoliopsida – dicotyledons
• Sub-class: Hamamelididae
• Order: Urticales
• Family: Cannabceae – hemp family
• Genus: Cannabis

The cannabis plant contains compounds with endocannabinoid, a complex lipid in which different properties play definite roles to control or in the modulation of numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes.

What Are Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are defined as the terpene-phenolic constituents found in the cannabis stevia plant primarily in most animal organisms or as synthetic compounds. The most notable cannabinoids are phytocannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and some of its naturally occurring derivatives.

Based on research it was suggested that these were the only natural products of the plant that were known to directly interact with cannabinoid receptors until in the last few years several non-cannabinoid plant natural products have been identified to act as cannabinoid receptors.

Phytocannabinoids are any plant-derived natural product capable of either directly interacting with cannabinoid receptors or sharing chemical similarities with cannabinoids or both. These are compounds that show high binding affinities for cannabinoid receptors and exert discrete functional effects such as fatty acids, terpenes, and polyphenols.

Health Benefits And Side Effects of Cannabinoids

Cannabis stevia is a complicated plant that spans over four hundred chemical compounds of which more than sixty are cannabinoid compounds and have conflicting effects. It is one of the most used drugs in the world, yet considered illicit by governing authorities.

It has been associated with several health problems, particularly among the young. Despite the connections made between its use and the development of mental health problems, research has evidenced the belief that not everyone who uses it, is affected adversely in the same way.

Cannabis stevia has been praised and at the same time, it has been harshly criticized for its potential effects on the body. The question is yet to be answered, what do we know about the relative benefits and risks of this popular extraordinary plant?

It has been reported that there are over 140 unique chemical constituents or phytocannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the main phytoactive ingredient and cannabidiol (CBD) is contained in the plant.

A study done in 2021 reported that cannabidiol is gaining popularity mainly because of its significance in differentiation with THC. CBD is somewhat unique due to its contained psychoactive nature which led to the belief that it is helpful for controlling the nervous system and the brain.

It is also reported not to be intoxicating and is a common belief by some scientists that other phytocannabinoids and hundreds of other chemicals called terpenes may also have therapeutic effects. Further studies need to be done.

Despite the inconclusive evidence of the effects of the cannabis plant, it is believed that some cannabis health claims are backed by science, as shown in 2017 research.  It is reported that there are over twenty indications of conclusive evidence that cannabis and cannabinoids are effective in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

There is enough evidence to support the claim that cannabinoid compounds may significantly reduce the symptoms of chronic pain and multiple sclerosis related to muscle spasms. In addition, cannabinoids can improve fibromyalgia symptoms, and improve sleep disturbance related t sleep apnea syndrome.

It is also reported that cannabinoids are effective in increasing appetite and decreasing weight loss associated with HIV and AIDS, improving Tourette syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and for aiding social anxiety disorder. Further studies are needed to validate the claims.

Some other effective benefits of cannabinoid are reported as alleviating epileptic seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and Drevet Syndrome, and is believed to be useful in managing neuropathic pain.

Some major side effects of using cannabinoids are reported to be ineffective at low doses and can become harmful if taken at high doses and can be readily observed by a show of anxiety.

Are Cannabis And Hemp The Same?

While a vast majority of the world’s population support legalizing cannabis, public knowledge about the plant is limited. According to some studies, it is reported that hemp and cannabis are all related as the reasoning is that of the psychoactive component, THC.

It is said that the hemp plant contains 0.3% or less THC and the product does not contain enough THC to create a high that is traditionally associated with cannabis.

On the other hand, the CBD compound found in cannabis is said to contain 100s of such compounds which are called cannabinoids because they interact with receptors involved in a variety of functions such as appetite, anxiety, depression, and pain sensation.

However, studies have shown that ancient history showed that cannabis, called ma (means “hemp, cannabis, numbness”). It was first tested on animals in the 1830s and was later administered to patients to help treat muscle spasms, stomach cramps, or general pain.

Based on research and all the evidence presented, I am of the opinion that the hemp plant is a genetically modified plant and is one and the same as cannabis.

Conclusion

Although cannabis stevia has calming and antianxiety effects when taken in low to moderate doses, it can produce significant anxiety and paranoia, and hallucination when applied at high dosages.

Cannabis can be effective in treating psychosis or schizophrenia, and alcohol addiction by targeting the craving effect which can lead to relapse by creating a neural memory of the high and an urge to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal.

Cannabis stevia has the potential to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, the therapeutic benefits of cannabis is an extremely safe and effective medication for treating pain, and insomnia, relieving anxiety, improving appetite, decreasing nausea increasing concentration, and relieving depression.

Based on research and all the evidence presented, It is believed that cannabis and hemp are the same with hemp being a modification of the cannabis plant. Check out all our cannabis products here.

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you ever have a question(s), please feel free to leave them below and I will be more than happy to help.

MazieT