Tag: cannabis

Posted on by

Ask Amy: The Important Distinction You Need To Know Between Hemp & Marijuana

hemp vs marijuanas difference

One of the biggest challenges in the ever-evolving world of cannabis is the confusion between the different subspecies. Hemp often gets a bad rap due to its association with the notorious reputation of marijuana. And that’s not to mention all the other compounds and extracts that stem from the estimated 700 strains of cannabis. Each has a distinct, intricate set of characteristics, uses, and legal implications. In this blog, we’re asking the owner of Cloud City Supply to elaborate on the important details you need to know about the difference between hemp and marijuana.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

Characteristics

Hemp and marijuana both come from the cannabis plant. However, each is produced and used for its own purpose, independent of the other. The primary distinction is in their chemical composition, namely the levels of tetrahydrocannabinoil (THC). THC is the intoxicating compound that often precedes the plant’s overall reputation. Legally speaking, hemp is defined as a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC.

You can even tell the difference between hemp and marijuana plants just by looking at them. Hemp plants are tall and skinny and have fibrous stalks with fewer leaves. Comparatively, marijuana plants are shorter and bushier, featuring a broader array of leaves and flowering buds.

Use

Hemp is mainly produced for industrial use due to its nutritious source of proteins and fatty acids. It is commonly found in textiles, paper products, bioplastics, and construction materials. The 0.3% THC limit exists to ensure these products and materials are non-psychoactive. Conversely, marijuana is specifically cultivated for its THC content which can range anywhere from 5% to 30% or more, classifying it as a potent, psychoactive drug used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Furthermore, CBD, another hemp-derived extract of the cannabis plant is famous in alternative medicine for its highly effective yet non-intoxicating therapeutic benefits, yet is still often confused with the notoriety of marijuana.

The psychoactive properties of marijuana have proven to successfully manage various medical conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep. However, to that effect, its relaxing and euphoric impact has also driven a complicated legal history that varies depending on location.

Legality

On a global scale, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the legal status of hemp nor marijuana. Each jurisdiction has its own set of prohibitions, so it’s always a good rule of thumb to check first before you purchase, use, or travel with hemp or marijuana products. Again, the legal difference between the two is the 0.3% threshold for THC content. Because of this clear-cut distinction, hemp is more widely legal per its industrial applications – but not everywhere. On the other hand, marijuana’s legality is painfully complex and still restricted in a good number of countries and states.

In conclusion

It’s important to know the key distinction (a 0.3% THC limit) between hemp and marijuana, not only to avoid confusion about what effects to expect from each but also to understand the range of potential the cannabis plant has to offer as a whole. 

 

Roll with Amy

Ask Amy: The Important Distinction You Need To Know Between Hemp & Marijuana

 

Want the chance to hang out with Amy and ask her your questions directly? Join us this Friday at the Cloud City Supply store in downtown Campbell to learn how to roll a joint by the master herself, founder and CEO, Amy Taylor. Doors open at 6 pm on Friday, September 1st, 2023 at the address below:

325 E Campbell Ave

Campbell, CA 95008

 
Can’t make it? No sweat. We still have a special offering you can take advantage of. For the entire month of September 2023, buy an eighth and get the second one 50% off – in-store and online! Happy shopping ?

Visit us again next month here on our blog for another article in the Ask Amy series, and submit any questions you have for Silicon Valley’s trusted cannabis guru using the comments below!

Posted on by

Why Cannabis For Seniors Is A Growing Geriatric Trend

Why Cannabis For Seniors Is A Growing Geriatric Trend

Did you know senior citizens are the fastest-growing age group in cannabis consumers? A 2018 study by the University of Michigan revealed a concerning shortage between geriatric psychiatrists and seniors in need of help navigating their mental health in their final stages of life. Coincidentally, cannabis has proven useful in helping to close the gap.

Why more seniors are turning to cannabis

As we age many shifts occur. Our bodies become frailer, our metabolism slows down, we develop medical problems that require daily treatment, and our brains shrink due to chronic inflammation. Consequently, these changes can bring on a set of physiological conditions often referred to as the “nuisances of aging” like insomnia, physical pain, dementia, depression, and existential anxiety. In a recent episode of the CNN series Chasing Life hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, we learn how medical professionals are endorsing the medical and recreational use of cannabis for seniors impacted by these conditions.

Although the sale and use of cannabis still hang in legal limbo and therefore lack general safety guidelines across the board, more and more geriatric doctors are encouraging their patients to experiment with cannabis when they don’t respond well to pharmaceuticals. However, the challenge is that because data and research are still unfolding, consumers must assume responsibility for their own personal safety. Doctors advise patients wanting to experiment with medical cannabis for pain management, reducing inflammation, improving sleep quality, appetite stimulation, or soothing anxiety to consider their current mobility and how the compound might interact with other medications they are taking.

What to know about cannabis for the senior well-being

The best approach is to find a reputable dispensary with trustworthy budtenders who can make personalized recommendations on what types of products to try and how to start low and go slow with dosage. Medical cannabis is most ideal for end-of-life patients who don’t need to worry about being overly sedated while driving, walking, etc. What’s more, the biggest risk if too much THC is ingested is that the individual is stuck stoned for a few hours.

While the benefits of cannabis for seniors’ well-being are intriguing, it’s important to approach its use with caution and mindfulness. Every individual’s health profile is unique, and what works for one person can have a totally different effect on another. We recommend seniors considering cannabis for their wellness regimen first consult their healthcare providers and then seek products from reputable sources. When used responsibly and under proper guidance, cannabis can offer a natural alternative aid for managing pain, inflammation, sleep issues, mood disorders, and appetite concerns. As society continues to move towards embracing the medicinal potential of the plant, seniors have the opportunity to explore a new avenue in their quest for a healthier, more comfortable life.

Finding your trusted sources

Cloud City Supply is proud to be a trusted resource for seniors in the South Bay who are curious about cannabis and the wonderful therapeutic benefits it has to offer. Our staff is not only knowledgeable but enthusiastic about helping customers identify tailored solutions to manage symptoms and supplement their mental health. Because of the stigma that has surrounded both cannabis and mental health for decades, a lifetime of trauma can consume one’s final stages of life with despair. Nevertheless, cannabis has the powerful potential to reframe existential crises to help users age with integrity instead.