This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
Published on June 30, 2019, by Scheaffer Okore, a renowned author, this article seeks to inform and educate readers about the cannabis conundrum.
Cannabis, a plant with two primary strains – cannabis indica and cannabis sativa – has been shrouded in mystery and misconception. However, the truth is that hemp and marijuana, both derived from cannabis sativa, serve distinct purposes.
According to Hempethics Weekly, hemp refers to the industrial or commercial use of cannabis stalk and seed for various products, including textiles, foods, papers, body care products, detergents, plastics, and building materials. In contrast, marijuana is used for medicinal, recreational, or spiritual purposes, involving the smoking of cannabis flowers.
The marijuana plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds, primarily cannabinoids and terpenes, which create a unique harmony of effects. Cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most common drivers of cannabis' therapeutic and recreational effects. THC is responsible for hunger, relaxation, and pain relief, while CBD alleviates anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
Medically, cannabis is used to stimulate appetite in severe weight disorders, relieve pain in cancer patients, and treat various conditions, including arthritis, extreme menstrual cramping, neurological disorders, epilepsy, glaucoma, and certain asthmatic treatments.
Industrial hemp produces four times as much fibre per acre as pine trees, and hemp tree-free paper can be recycled up to seven times, compared to three times for pine pulp-based papers. Research indicates that hemp seed and seed-oil are high in protein, essential fatty acids, and amino acids, making them an ideal source of biomass fuel.
With the global cannabis market expanding rapidly, countries like Australia, Germany, Poland, Colombia, Uruguay, and Israel have embraced commercial hemp use, recognizing its potential as a big business. New markets are emerging in the UK and Thailand, while the US legal cannabis market was valued at $11.9 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow at 24.1% from 2019 to 2025.
Africa, particularly Lesotho and Zimbabwe, has also taken steps towards legalizing medicinal marijuana, with South Africa and New Zealand discussing similar measures. As the continent produces and consumes cannabis, it's essential to have a balanced discussion about its potential benefits and risks.
