A Guide to Buying Ayurvedic Cannabis in India on itsHemp

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis refers to a group of three plants with psychoactive properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.Cannabis technically is the name of a genus in the plant kingdom. These are medicinal, recreational, and fibre plants belonging to the family Cannabaceae. This genus consists mainly of three species which are sativa, indica and ruderalis. Cannabis sativa is the most popular among the three. These plants are known for their unique phytocompounds known as cannabinoids.

Cannabis is a generic term used to denote the several psychoactive preparations of the plant Cannabis sativa.

Some argue that it’s a more accurate name. Others feel it’s more neutral compared with terms like weed or pot, which some people associate with its illegal use. Also, the term “marijuana” is falling out of favor due to its racist history.

What are the components of Cannabis?

Cannabis is made up of more than 120 compounds, which are known as cannabinoids.

Each has its own effects and uses:

  • CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. The class of chemical compounds to which CBD belongs is called cannabinoids. It is these cannabinoids that give cannabis its medicinal, therapeutic, and recreational powers.The cannabis plant contains over 118 identified cannabinoids among which CBD and THC are the most famous and important. Cannabinoids (like CBD and THC) don’t just exist in the cannabis plant. All vertebrates, including humans, produce cannabinoids. These are called endocannabinoids because they are produced inside the body.
  • THC. This is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. THC is responsible for the “high” that most people associate with cannabis.

You can find cannabis products that contain just CBD, THC, or a combination of both. But the dried flower that most people associate with cannabis contains both cannabinoids, though certain strains may have much more of one than the other. Hemp has large quantities of CBD, but no THC.

Is cannabis legal?

Cannabis is gaining legalization in more and more areas due to more research on the benefits of this plant. In the United States, for example, several states have legalized recreational and medical cannabis. NDPS banned the production and sale of cannabis resin and flowers, but permitted the use of the leaves and seeds, allowing the states to regulate the latter. Cultivation of cannabis for industrial purposes such as making industrial hemp or for horticultural use is legal in India.

The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances recognizes cannabis as a source of biomass, fiber, and high-value oil. The Government of India encourages the research and cultivation of cannabis with low THC content.

  • cannabis for industrial purposes-legal in India
  • Govt of India, NDPS policy recognizes cannabis as a source of biomass, fiber, and high-value oil
  • Use of leaves and seeds are permitted

Uses of Cannabis

Research has yielded results to suggest that cannabis may be of benefit in the treatment of some conditions. These are listed below.

  • Chronic pain
  • Alcoholism and drug addiction
  • Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety
  • Cancer
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Mental health problems and other problems
  • Cannabis derivatives for industrial uses- textiles, paper, skin care etc.

Medical Cannabis (Medical Marijuana)

Medical Cannabis is cannabis and cannabinoids that are prescribed by physicians for their patients. The most common uses for medical cannabis include for severe or long-term pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy (cancer treatments), and painful muscle spasms. However, there are several medical conditions for which patients can use medical marijuana, which can vary by state law: