On this page we talk about 3 myths about cannabis and briefly remind you the history of its repression. You will see that the cannabis plant is much more than pot...
This is not true. Every part of the plant can be used and offers interesting perspectives for many industries: from the pharmaceutical industry to the cosmetics industry and even the construction industry, passing of course by the medical use. Here are some of the many uses that are made of this biomass:
Cannabis - a useful plant. SOURCE: Dr. Codi Peterson, PharmD, MS, 2022. Infographic created and posted on his LinkedIn page in June 2022.
So when we see all the possibilities this plant has to offer, it's undeniable that recreational use is just the tip of the iceberg!
To learn even more about the different uses of the plant, please check out this informative video:
While it is true that THC and CBD are the best known molecules, scientists have discovered more than 150 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. This makes this plant of the botanical family Cannabaceae exceptional in the plant world as it possesses a wide variety of bioactive molecules.
SOURCE: The Cannigma. 2022. Online: page consulted June 2022.
These cannabinoids act on our endocannabinoid system, which is a set of cellular and molecular receptors that maintain the internal balance of our body. This system is composed of two receptors, the CB1 receptor (located in the brain and nervous system) and the CB2 receptor (located in the immune system). Thus, we naturally produce cannabinoids. And the cannabinoids found in plants (also called phytocannabinoids) can fill in any gaps.
The main cannabinoids are :
THC - The best known of the molecules, THC is sought after for its psychoactive effects. However, beyond its recreational use, the molecule is able to bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors and, according to some studies, it helps improve digestive disorders as well as certain neurological disorders.
CBD - This molecule, which has no psychoactive effects, has gained popularity in recent years. It is believed to increase our body's protective endocannabinoid response, thus regulating our immune, digestive and neurological systems.
CBG - Still very little known, this rare molecule could relieve various symptoms, including concentration problems, lack of appetite and inflammation.
CBN - This rare cannabinoid has unique sedative properties and is believed to be beneficial for sleep.
CBC - Researchers believe this molecule has the ability to block pain receptors in the brain and could therefore be a promising natural pain reliever.
Here is a table that shows you the different uses for the various components of the cannabis plant to treat different diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, bipolar disorder, cancers or multiple sclerosis.
SOURCE: Leafly as featured in Ernst & Young's "Top Questions About the Cannabis Industry You Need to Ask Now" report.
But there's more: the plant also contains flavonoids, terpenes, triterpenoids and sterols that could be beneficial to human health and well-being.
On its website, Health Canada has a page dedicated to the different therapeutic uses of the cannabis plant. And the list is long. It is not surprising that, in the native culture, this plant is known as a healing plant. Research continues with over 27,000 studies conducted since 2010 and new scientific discoveries are constantly being made.
On the contrary. In fact, you only have to look at the number of countries that have legalized the plant and those that are thinking of doing so in the next few months, to understand that the legalization of cannabis is recognized worldwide as a success.
Furthermore, in addition to the fact that the industry is booming and has created a large number of jobs across the country, it has generated over $100 million in tax revenue to fund critical government programs, including health care.
It is also important to emphasize the central role that the legal framework plays in controlling the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis. Thus, as with alcohol, legalization allows for better control over the quality of the products and thus protects the health of consumers.
SOURCE: Health Canada
De plus, la légalisation permet d’investir des fonds pour éduquer la population et promouvoir des comportements de consommation responsables.
In reality, the repression of cannabis and its prohibition are rather recent phenomena since they date only from the 20th century. Thus, it is only in 1923 that cannabis became illegal in Canada, in 1948 in Japan and its prohibition is initiated in the United States in the 30s. At the international level, the UN published the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961 in which it included cannabis.
However, before this period, the cannabis plant was recognized as having many medicinal properties and could be used to design a large number of everyday objects. Many cultures, including Native American, Chinese, Japanese and Israeli, have used it for thousands of years as an ingredient in traditional medicine. It should be noted, however, that things are beginning to change. Thus, in addition to the growing number of countries legalizing cannabis, the UN approved, in 2020, the reclassification of cannabis and its resin in international conventions and now officially recognizes its medical utility.
To learn more about this topic, please watch this video: