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So, you've definitely heard of marijuana, or at least one of its notorious pseudonyms, like dope, pot, grass, weed, Mary Jane, doobie, bud, ganja, or hashish. Gesundheit. But do you know what marijuana really is? If not, don't sweat it. Below, we'll be clearing up some of the misconceptions surrounding marijuana and how you can reap the benefits just in time for 4/20.
Do You Know What Marijuana is?
Marijuana refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis indica or Cannabis sativa plant. In the United States, the use of marijuana often comes in the form of either THC or CBD.
THC: Also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa, which is the part of the plant that may elicit the feeling of being "high" when smoked or ingested. THC commonly comes in three forms: herbs or flowers, hash/hashish, and hash oil. Studies have shown the use of THC can help treat multiple sclerosis and nerve pain, as well as prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer medications.
CBD: Short for cannabidiol, CBD is made from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it will not render a "high" as certain THC products do when used. You may find that CBD is easier to find in the United States, as it comes in many forms, including oils, extracts, patches, vapes, and topical lotions.
Are There Benefits to the Use of Marijuana?
Marijuana has had a long and complex history here in the United States, dating all the way back to 1611, when hemp was considered a necessary crop to create necessities like rope, clothing, and even sails. But did you know it could be used to help relieve pain and even prevent a relapse into addiction to drugs and alcohol? In recent years, multiple studies have helped shine a light on the benefits of marijuana. Listed below are some of the most common issues marijuana has helped treat.
- Pain Relief: As mentioned, marijuana has been used to help treat and manage symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis and cancer medications. A study also found substantial evidence that the use of cannabis is effective in treating chronic pain in adults.
- Preventing Seizures and Weight Loss: Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved medication for treating epilepsy containing CBD as the active ingredient. The agency has also approved Marinol and Syndros for treating weight loss associated with anorexia and AIDS patients.
- Improved Mental Health: A 2017 study found evidence supporting the use of cannabis to relieve depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The use of CBD has been linked to improvement in treating generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Preventing Relapse in Addiction: A 2018 study uncovered that the use of CBD can be helpful in aiding those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. In a preclinical trial, it was found that CBD helped reduce stress-induced cravings, anxiety, and lack of impulse control, which often leads people to relapse.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, marijuana's compounds possess anti-inflammatory qualities, which can alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for those suffering from inflammatory conditions.
John Morgan, AKA "Pot Daddy"
Morgan & Morgan has a long history in support of marijuana; however, the connection is incredibly personal to John Morgan's family after his brother Tim Morgan, who was seriously injured in an accident, benefited from the use of medical marijuana. Through his rehabilitation, Tim sought a way to help alleviate the painful symptoms he was experiencing without the use of other powerful pain medications that came with a slew of harmful side effects or addictive qualities.
John witnessed the marijuana's ability to alleviate the pains and spasms Tim was experiencing, and since then, he has fought gallantly to help bring awareness of the benefits of marijuana. In 2014, John played a critical role in the fight to legalize medical marijuana in Florida when he advocated to support Florida Amendment 2: Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative, as well as donating 3.57 million to People United for Medical Marijuana.
Unfortunately, the first attempt failed to pass. However, from 2015 to 2016, John again chose to advocate for Florida Amendment 2 and donated 2.74 million through the law firm. Then, on the November 8, 2016, ballot, thanks to his support in the fight for legalization, medical marijuana legalization passed with 71% of the vote. This win served as a crowning event for John, where the 420-friendly persona "Pot Daddy" was lovingly bestowed upon him.
Today, you can find John advocating for the legalization of marijuana online.
Do You Know if Marijuana Is Legal in Your State?
Since 2014, 24 states and the District of Columbia, D.C. have legalized recreational and medical marijuana, with another 14 states allowing medical use. However, since marijuana and other THC products are considered Schedule 1 controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, the laws surrounding the legalization of marijuana may differ from state to state.
For example, in Alabama, while it was the 36th state to legalize the use of medical marijuana, the licensing process has been tangled up in litigation and delays. The state has also yet to decriminalize the use of marijuana. Any individual caught in possession of marijuana for personal use can be charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum sentence of 1 year and a maximum fine of $6,000.
Some states, like Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, and Wisconsin, have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana through the use of CBD oils. Want to know more about which states have legalized marijuana? If so, click here to learn more. The journey to legalization is still an ongoing process, but with only six states left, we think the U.S. is on a roll when it comes to marijuana legalization.
Are you looking to celebrate 4/20 in style? Head over to our store for all your "Pot Daddy" merch needs! Use discount code, "FORTHEPEOPLE" for a 10% discount. Act fast because the offer ends on April 30, 2024.