How do you use the cannabis plant? Do you prefer THC or CBD dominant strains? Do you medicate with CBD?
Last column, we looked at some of the myths surrounding our lovely Cannabis plant and how opinions (and the accepted body of wisdom) has evolved over the decades.
One of the more recent developments we touched on was the introduction of CBD-rich strains. Now-a-days you see advertisements for seeds in the glossy magazines, and for CBD medications at dispensaries.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that actually tempers the other main—and psychoactive—cannabinoid, THC. (It is THC creates the ‘stoned’ feeling that many of us love.) This is one of the reasons that CBD-rich cannabis plants make such great medicine: The cannabinoid treats the ailment yet does not leave you stoned in the process. Perfect for treating conditions in young children. The benefits are being seen world-wide in relation to the treatment of neural inflammation, epilepsy, oxidative injury, nausea, anxiety, and schizophrenia. (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2013.)
Studies are under way using CBD/THC combinations to treat Obsessive Compulsion Disorder and post-traumatic stress. There are even indications that CBD may be useful in fighting cancer. It’s early days in regards this claim, but a study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (2006) found, for the first time, that CBD selectively inhibited the growth of differing breast tumour cell-lines. In 2011, further light was shed on the remarkable potential as it was shown that CBD induced cell death for both oestrogen receptor-positive and negative cells.
As mentioned, CBD acts as an entourage-cannabinoid: it tempers the effect of THC. Handy to know, especially if you have ever hit the tolerance barrier. By this, I mean, smoking way too much over too long a period of time. You probably know the feeling. You’d like more, but you are not getting any higher; you’ve ‘reached the ceiling,’ as they say. Maybe you start to think that your stock is losing potency, or that your dealer has ripped you off.
More than likely, the regular and heavy use has simply raised your tolerance levels. The receptors that love to be ticked and stimulated by THC have been overly-amused.
The old-school way of dealing with this, and resetting the body’s natural tolerance levels, was to abstain for a week. Even two days could be helpful at reseting the system. Sometimes this could be a hard thing to do.
The new-school way of dealing with the tolerance barrier is called CBD Dosing. By easing off the high-THC strains, and using a CBD-potent alternative, the receptors (primarily in the brain) get a rest. You still enjoy the smoking experience, and the relaxing CBD-ish effects, so it’s not a problem at all. In fact, you may really get to like the CBD experience. You’ll certainly feel calm and relaxed. When you are ready to return to the THC world, your cannabinoid receptors will welcome the experience and launch you to new highs!
Which brings me to: How do you use the cannabis plant?
Do you smoke or consume cannabis on a daily basis, or is it an occasional treat with friends in a social environment? Maybe you medicate (either legally or illegally) to reduce symptoms of any number of ailments. I’d be most interested to hear your story, and you can email the information to [email protected].
Firstly, I’ll tell you how I use the plant.
I’m a writer, and that means sitting many hours in front of a keyboard. It means coming up with story and column ideas, growing out plants to photographically support the stories and columns, and dealing with editors, deadlines, and way too much coffee. It could really not be called stressful (except maybe when a deadline is wizzing by), and one does get to spend lots of time outdoors, attending plants—growing, harvesting, drying, and sampling.
What being a writer does require, in spades, is dedication and discipline. These are things NOT usually associated with the cannabis-user’s way of life. For almost a hundred years we’ve been called lazy, dirty, criminals, etc. But, mainly LAZY.
This silly stereo-type is just that, a stereo-type. Two of my heroes, astronomer Carl Sagan, and best-selling author, Lee Childs, were/are enthusiastic users. Didn’t slow Carl ‘Cosmos’ Sagan down any. And Lee Childs is how many best-selling novels into his career? I’ll tell you: twenty-three. That’s just the Jack Reacher series of books!
I use the plant too help with focus, help with discipline. I use a good sativa if I’ve got five hours of writing ahead of me. It keeps me clear, focussed, alert. It keeps the fingers pounding. Sativas are good for that; they supply energy.
Then, when the work’s done, and there’s time for rest, (gardening, daydreaming), I’ll wind down and slip into the zone with a nice relaxing indica variety.
It all makes sense to me, and it is my way of life. Always has been. And, I’m healthy. Blood-pressure is normal and I take NO medications (other than our wonderful lady-canna) at all. None.
So, back to you. How do you use the cannabis plant? Do you prefer THC or CBD dominant strains? Do you medicate with CBD? And, if so, to treat what ailments? Are you a daily user or do you partake on occasion. All these things I’d like to know. Information from real people in the real world. Drop me a line. Tell me how YOU enjoy our best friend. I’m always looking for a good story!
Best Buds Always …
JB Haze
About the Author
J.B. Haze is an innovative grower favouring “the dazzling magic of regeneration” over the more traditional methods of cultivation. A true hippy at heart — well traveled, well-toked, and insanely curious — J.B. Haze brings an educational, friendly, and humorous style of writing to the cannabis genre. He lives in a fine state of mind with his cat and his guitars.
J.B. is currently editing his second book about cannabis.
Cannabis Regeneration: A Multiple Harvest Method For Greater Yields, by J.B. Haze is available from all good bookstores, online from amazon.com or with FREE airmail delivery from jbhaze.com.
Originally published in Weed World Magazine Issue 137
