Cannabis leaves? Everything that you should know!
The Cannabis sativa plant grows in Central Asian countries and is well known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been in existence for centuries, and people have consumed it for a long time. However, the plant has attracted recent interest due to its multiple uses in the medicinal industry.
The growth of the plant positively impacts the environment. The root system of the hemp plant purifies the soil by removing certain elements. It helps the other shrubs and plants in the surroundings to grow better. The plant also contains tensile fibers used in textiles and woody fibers used in the construction industry.
The leaves of the hemp plant improve the bio-system by absorbing a high amount of carbon dioxide. Though different plant parts have many sought-after features, the Cannabis leaves are the most important and worthy parts of the plant.
The leaves contain two major components – Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CBD and THC have distinctive features and properties. If you are considering consuming Cannabis leaves for a particular purpose, it is better if you know about the leaves before you use them. This article will tell you Everything About Cannabis Leaves that you must beware of while deciding whether or not you can consume them.
Cannabis leaves find use in different parts of science and pharmacology. Various experiments and research are still being conducted in this area to understand the benefits of Cannabis leaves. With the evidence available, the uses and features of the cannabis plant have been condensed for your benefit.
Types of leaves
Cannabis leaves can be consumed naturally to derive many benefits. Native users still chew the leaves in the raw form to derive medical and recreational use. Chewing leaves throughout the day can lead to increased energy within people. It is also believed to enhance sexual performance naturally.
Different color veins exhibit various properties. The leaves’ veins can vary in colors from red and green to white. The leaf consumers (raw or processed) can derive varied responses and benefits depending on the age of the plant and the color of the vein.
The veins of the hemp plant change color as they grow. The cultivators harvest these leaves at different stages to derive specific benefits. The potency of the derived compounds also depends upon the age of the plant. The higher the number of years the plant survives, the higher the potency of the leaves from the plant.
Conveniently, the hemp plant is highly immune to environmental conditions. It can thrive in almost all weather conditions and is very resilient. Therefore, plants survive for more extended periods, enabling the cultivation of more potent leaves for consumption.
Cannabis leaves are safe for consumption in any form, provided the THC content is in control. THC can be addictive, and it is better to be cautious in its consumption. Intake of a higher amount of THC can cause anxiety, stress, and paranoia. No drugs used in the treatment of mental conditions are safe by themselves. They always come with their conditions of usage and drawbacks.
Components of the leaves:
Cannabidiol (CBD)
The leaves contain a component called CBD. CBD is the most integral element of the leaf that has led to its demand. CBD can cure diarrhea, inflammation, stress, anxiety, etc.
CBD can also control and manage the various glands of the skin, like the sebaceous glands. These are the main oil-producing glands on the surface of the skin. By effectively regulating and controlling these glands, CBD can reduce the risk of aggressive skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
In its initial stages of extraction, CBD contains many other elements of the hemp plant included in it. Most significantly, it contains THC – a phytochemical with therapeutic properties. With successive stages of purification, CBD is separated from the other elements of the plant. Based on this purification, CBD can be of 3 broad types. They are Full-spectrum CBD, Broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD is the most commonly used CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains other plant elements, along with a tinge of THC in it. Most Full-spectrum CBDs contain THC to a level of 0.3%, the legally acceptable level. Broad-spectrum CBD contains other chemicals of the leaf apart from THC. Broad-spectrum CBD must ideally contain zero levels of THC in it. However, in some cases, traces of THC can be found in Broad-spectrum CBD.
CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD, with no traces of any other chemicals or elements of the plant. It does not contain THC and is usually used by first-time hemp users. CBD Isolate has distinctive features since it is not influenced by the other compounds found in the plant.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
THC is the component of Cannabis leaves that contains psychoactive properties. THC can make one feel the high one derives from recreational drugs. These characteristics of THC, along with the medicinal benefits of CBD, can help to cure many conditions, including nervous disorders and mental illnesses.
Cannabis is also commonly used as an alternative for people trying to get rid of substance abuse. CBD (containing an agreeable amount of THC) can help individuals with addiction overcome withdrawal symptoms. The prescription drugs are provided based on the requirements of an individual on a case-to-case basis.
Use of the Cannabis leaves:
Cannabis product
Cannabis leaves are used in the pharmaceutical industry to manufacture various medicines. Cannabis is also consumed for recreational use as a safer alternative to addictive and hazardous drugs on the market. New medicines are still being researched and produced for the future.
Although Cannabis has received legal acceptance in many countries for medicinal usage, it is still banned for recreational use in some countries. You don’t want to be penalized for using a banned substance. It is always better to be aware of its legality before consuming a product.
Conclusion
Cannabis leaves are cultivated and consumed in large quantities for different purposes. But, how valuable the plant and its products would be for you depends on your purpose and the product prescribed for your consumption.
You can never be too careful with addictive substances. It is always advisable to get these products prescribed by a doctor if you intend to use them for medical purposes. If you use them for recreational purposes, it is advisable to be cautious of the quantity you consume in a given day or week.
