Cannabis Sativa is a bright green plant, which has had a revolutionary impact on wellness and is used in various contexts, including the medical one.

Cannabis Sativa has a number of effects and properties that have caught the attention of scholars, doctors and herbal enthusiasts worldwide.

But what exactly is Cannabis Sativa? In this article, we will explore the deep roots of this plant and take a close look at its effects and properties. It is much more than just a smoking plant, as it is still seen by some. It can in fact have a revolutionary impact on well-being.

The history of Cannabis Sativa is fascinating, dating back thousands of years when it was used in various cultural and medical contexts. Today, interest in this plant has been rekindled due to the growing awareness of its potential therapeutic benefits and the legal challenges that have accompanied its use. Coupled with the fact that laboratory drugs and remedies do not always solve the problem for which they are taken or cause undesirable side effects.

In the following paragraphs we will explore the many aspects of Cannabis Sativa, from what it is to its medical applications, from its impact on society to the challenges of its regulation. Get ready to discover a remedy that can really change the way you take care of yourself, your body and your mind.

What is Cannabis Sativa and what is it used for?

Cannabis Sativa is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to Central Asia and the Middle East, but has been introduced worldwide. The plant is cultivated for its flowers, which are used to produce both weed and hashish.

This plant contains a number of chemicals, including cannabinoids, which have medicinal effects. The most important cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana, while CBD has no psychoactive effects and is considered a very potent active ingredient.

Cannabis Sativa has a long history of medicinal use in many cultures. It has been used to treat a range of conditions including pain, anxiety, depression and epilepsy.

In the UK, Cannabis Sativa was legalised in 2018 in certain contexts. Possible uses are for the treatment of:

  • Pain: THC and CBD both have analgesic properties, which may be useful in treating chronic pain, neuropathic pain and pain associated with diseases such as cancer and arthritis;
  • Anxiety and depression: CBD has been shown to be effective in treating mood and anxiety states;  
  • Epilepsy: reduces the intensity and frequency of seizures;
  • Glaucoma: reduces intraocular pressure, which is a risk factor for glaucoma;
  • Parkinson’s disease: relieves tremors and other symptoms of the disease;
  • Alzheimer’s: has protective effects against neuronal degeneration.

In addition to medicinal uses, Cannabis Sativa can also be used for other discoveries. Legal Cannabis Sativa can be vaporised or ingested to produce a beneficial and relaxing effect.

Differences between Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica are two species of cannabis plants that differ in a number of characteristics including appearance, chemical composition and effects.

Let’s see what differentiates them:

  • Physical appearance: Cannabis Sativa plants are generally taller and slimmer than Cannabis Indica plants, and have narrower, longer fan-shaped leaves with finer fingers. Cannabis Indica plants are shorter and stockier, with broader fan-shaped leaves and wider fingers;
  • Chemical composition: Cannabis Sativa plants tend to have higher levels of THC than Cannabis Indica plants; however, in Cannabis Indica plants, THC and CBD levels are almost equal;
  • Effects: Cannabis Sativa plants are associated with more stimulating and creative effects, while Cannabis Indica plants are associated with relaxing and sedative effects;
  • Uses: Cannabis Sativa may be useful for the treatment of conditions such as depression and anxiety, while Cannabis Indica is better for the treatment of chronic pain and insomnia.

The family of these two plants is still the same, but as you can see, they are two very different products. Depending on how you want to use them, one is more suitable than the other.

What is the strongest cannabis?

The short answer is that there is no definitive answer to this question. Both Sativa and Indica can be strong, depending on the specific variety and THC content.

Cannabis Sativa is generally considered less powerful than Indica, but there are many Sativa varieties that can be very strong. Some of the more potent Sativa varieties include:

  • Green Crack: has energising and stimulating effects;
  • Jack Herer: is valued for mental stimulation and creativity;
  • Super Silver Haze: produces euphoric, long-lasting effects.

Cannabis Indica is considered more potent than Sativa, but there are also many Indica varieties that are relatively weak. The most potent Indica varieties include:

  • OG Kush: has relaxing and sedative effects;
  • Girl Scout Cookies: popular for its ‘couchlock’ effect, which literally nails you to the couch;
  • Purple Kush: famous for its narcotic effects.

Besides the specific variety, there are other factors that may influence the strength of cannabis such as the specific THC content, the method of consumption and personal tolerance.

Ultimately, the best answer to the question of which cannabis is stronger is to try different strains and find the one that works best for your needs.

What are the effects of cannabis sativa?

Cannabis, in general, is a very powerful substance that has different effects, both positive and sometimes negative. Let us take a look at the effects of Cannabis Sativa.

The positive effects of cannabis include:

  • Pain reduction: As we have seen when discussing the therapeutic properties of Cannabis Sativa, one of its major uses is to combat pain;
  • Increased appetite: may increase appetite, which may be useful for people suffering from nausea or vomiting due to chemotherapy or other medical treatments;
  • Stress release: cannabis helps to relax;
  • Creativity enhancement: stimulates creativity and imagination;
  • Mood enhancement: improves mood and reduces depression.

Therapeutic properties of Cannabis Sativa

At this point, we realised that Cannabis Sativa is a plant with a long history of medicinal use. Its active ingredients, cannabinoids, can have beneficial effects on a variety of health conditions.

Among the major properties are:

  • Analgesic: cannabis is effective for both chronic and acute pain;  
  • Anti-emetic: cannabinoids may help block the receptors in the brain responsible for nausea and vomiting; 
  • Anti-spastic: effective in treating muscle spasticity associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, infantile cerebral palsy and epilepsy, cannabinoids help relax muscles and reduce stiffness; 
  • Anti-inflammatory: useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and ulcerative colitis;
  • Anticonvulsant: effective treatment of convulsions;
  • Antidepressants: increase levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood;
  • Anxiolytic: reduces agitation, restlessness and fear;
  • Neuroprotective: protects nerve cells from damage;
  • Antitumour: reduces the growth and spread of cancer cells;
  • Immunomodulatory: cannabinoids can help reduce inflammation and the immune system’s attack on healthy tissue.

Research is still ongoing, so it cannot be ruled out that other therapeutic properties may be discovered in the future.

Contraindications of Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis stimulates the central nervous system by altering perception of reality and impairing memory and cognitive performance, with effects more intense in individuals predisposed to mental disorders such as psychosis and schizophrenia.

Excessive repeated use can lead to loss of motivation, while sedation, impaired motor coordination and loss of attention make driving dangerous, especially when combined with alcohol.

Side effects observed in clinical trials include:

  • Cardiovascular: tachycardia, palpitations and orthostatic hypotension, especially with abrupt changes of position.
  • Central effects: dizziness, altered taste, disturbance of attention, amnesia, drowsiness, disorientation, hallucinations, paranoia, and in rare cases suicidal ideation.
  • Gastrointestinal: nausea, dry mouth, tongue pain, diarrhoea, constipation, oral ulcers, vomiting and stomatitis.
  • Others: blurred vision, pharyngitis, cough, fatigue, weakness, increased appetite and accidental falls.

The use of cannabis is contraindicated in patients

  • With mental disorders: such as psychosis and schizophrenia;
  • Who are taking hypnotic drugs, sedatives, opiates or alcohol
  • Pregnant or lactating due to developmental toxic effects: in these cases, therapy with standardised extract requires the use of an effective contraceptive method, to be continued for up to three months after discontinuation of treatment. 

Prolonged administration of Δ9-THC may lead to the elevation of liver enzymes such as CYP3A4, 2C9 and 2C19, increasing the risk of drug interactions.

The Italian Surveillance System of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità reported 18 adverse reactions to therapeutic cannabis between 2014 and 2016, mainly in patients treated for neuropathic pain, palliative support, inappetence, cancer pain and headache. The reported reactions, mostly in female patients with an average age of 52 years, included dysphoria, panic, hallucinations, treatment ineffectiveness and skin reactions. 

In some cases, dosing errors were reported, with cannabis quantities exceeding those prescribed.

Even though cannabis is potentially therapeutic, its use must be carefully monitored with continuous medical supervision and controlled dosages to minimise the risks associated with psychic and physical side effects.

But, beware! It is always very important to distinguish between cannabis varieties when it comes to effects. CBD-cannabis, the kind that contains the most CBD and very little THC, is considered safe for health even in the long term. Varieties with a high THC content, on the other hand, can be dangerous to health. 

In the case of CBD-cannabis, side effects came up rarely and in a mild form:

  • Headache: cannabis can cause headaches, especially when consumed in large quantities;
  • Dry mouth: can lead to dry mouth, which can lead to tooth and gum problems;
  • Difficulty in concentrating: can make it difficult to concentrate and can worsen attention problems;
  • Anxiety: can cause anxiety or panic attacks, especially in people who are predisposed to these disorders;
  • Disorientation: possible disorientation and difficulty moving and coordinating movements;
  • Slowing of cognitive response: if used in large quantities can make driving or operating machinery dangerous.

It is always very important to distinguish between cannabis varieties when it comes to effects. Light cannabis, which contains more CBD than THC, is considered safe for health even in the long term. Varieties with a high THC content, on the other hand, can be dangerous to health.

In any case, when Cannabis Sativa is used in the recommended manner and doses, it has beneficial and non-harmful effects due to its therapeutic properties.

In conclusion, legal Cannabis Sativa has opened new doors in the world of health and wellness, offering a wide range of CBD products that promise significant benefits without the psychotropic effects associated with the illegal variety of the plant. These products have proven to have considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment of various medical conditions, as well as contributing to relaxation and general well-being.

If you are interested in discovering the benefits of CBD and would like to explore a selection of high-quality products, please visit Maria CBD Oil’s online shop. Here you will find a wide range of CBD products including oils, teas, creams and more, all carefully formulated for maximum effectiveness and safety.

Don’t miss the opportunity to improve your health and well-being with high-quality CBD products. Visit our shop now, because your health deserves the best.

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