How Cannabis Has Grown in Popularity Over the Years

In recent years, medicinal cannabis has definitely taken the health world by storm. This is primarily due to the organic treatment approach that it offers to patients. Historically, though, different cultures all over the world have always considered marijuana as a viable option in relieving various conditions–from stomachaches to chronic illnesses.

Unfortunately, previous propaganda has placed marijuana in a bad light. There were even claims that the recreational drug led to insanity, which can result in violence and crimes.

Nonetheless, today’s society is being enlightened on the benefits of cannabis through research. This has led to legalization and, as a result, the advent of dispensaries and companies that offer related products. As an example, check out this Cannabox review if you’re looking for items that can help improve your cannabis experience.

What is Cannabis Anyway?

Cannabis pertains to a group of plants, specifically, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. When their flowers are harvested and dried, they become weed. This is why most people use the two terms interchangeably.

The plant has over 120 chemical components, which are called cannabinoids. These compounds interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in the functions of the brain, endocrine, and immune tissues. It’s also significant for the secretion of hormones that are associated with reproduction and stress response.

Two major cannabinoids that contribute to cannabis’ effectiveness are:

• THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol is an active ingredient in marijuana that contributes to its psychoactive effect. It’s also found to reduce the amount of REM sleep in an individual, which may be beneficial in decreasing the likelihood of nightmares for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

• CBD – On the other hand, cannabidiol is the non-intoxicating and non-euphoric counterpart of THC. It’s believed to help alleviate inflammation and pain, which makes cannabis an organic treatment option.

Reasons That Cannabis Became Popular

As mentioned above, cannabis has begun to be accepted as a harmless, recreational substance. Some people even turn to it for its medicinal properties.

In addition to that, here are more reasons that cannabis has become popular:

1. Health Benefits

Cannabis has been found to alleviate symptoms of various diseases. One of the major illnesses that weed reportedly helped treat is epilepsy. CBD is believed to have been able to reduce electrical activity in the brains of patients suffering from seizures and convulsions. 

Furthermore, CBD’s calming properties have also led to people ingesting or vaping cannabis to reduce anxiety. This is because, as mentioned, CBD interacts with the ECS and blocks pain signals, which can improve sleep disorders and give users a good night’s rest.

2. Legalization

Because of the health benefits that marijuana can provide, governments are looking into the legalization of the plant for medicinal and recreational purposes. This shift has made the public more open to using cannabis as a treatment or for leisure. 

Conversely, there are still people who are opposed to the legalization. Nonetheless, the process may have led to debates, which can still contribute to making cannabis a household name.

These are the states where marijuana is fully legal:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• Oregon
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Washington

Meanwhile, here are the states where medicinal cannabis is allowed:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed
• Hawaii
• Indiana – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed
• Iowa – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed 
• Kentucky – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Texas – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed
• Utah
• Virginia – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed 
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin – Only medicinal CBD oil is allowed

Lastly, you should be aware of the states where cannabis is fully illegal:

• Alabama
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wyoming

3. More Companies

The legalization of cannabis in several states has helped create more business opportunities for enterprising individuals. From farms to dispensaries, a lot of entrepreneurs have found their niche in the industry. This is why you can now purchase cannabis plants, oils, vape juices, and infused edibles, like gummy bears.

Aside from these products, you can also purchase specialized items to complete your cannabis experience. This includes vapes, bongs, pipes, lighters, and grinders, among others.

4. Growing Research

More and more studies are being conducted to explore the benefits of marijuana. This has helped the plant to become more acceptable as a treatment option. Its organic nature is a significant factor on why the plant’s potential is being highlighted. This is because it may offer fewer adverse side effects than synthetic drugs.

For instance, some pain relievers are opioids, which can lead to drug dependence or, worse, abuse. With cannabis exhibiting pain-blocking effects, it’d be better for the patient to go for the organic route rather than taking the risk with opioids.

5. Marketing

The red tape surrounding marijuana may have been created to help the public avoid physical, emotional, and mental issues that may arise from abusing the substance. Nonetheless, this prohibition may have had the opposite effect since it has actually made cannabis more appealing precisely because of the taboo placed on it.

Artists have long been proponents of marijuana use. Bob Marley and Snoop Dogg may be the most prominent figures for kush. For the younger generation, Wiz Khalifa and Miley Cyrus may be significant players for its popularity since they’ve been vocal about the benefits that weed has provided them.

This level of marketing has definitely helped boost the support for marijuana. This free publicity, made possible by influential people across several industries, has catapulted cannabis into the spotlight. Plus, companies and dispensaries also promote their products and services in various and effective ways.

Conclusion

Cannabis has always been a divisive topic; there will always be people who are for and against it. The endless debate, though, contributes to the plant’s popularity. Its health benefits and legalization are primary factors in its acceptance as a viable treatment option and harmless recreational drug. 

Meanwhile, more companies, growing research, and marketing from influential people also facilitate the process of breaking the red tape surrounding this controversial plant.