Top 4 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis (You might be surprised by the answer to #4)

October 3, 2019

The conversation around cannabis is growing louder as its medicinal properties continue to be validated and expanded on by the latest research. However, more questions come along with the answers — and some of the answers to the age old questions about marijuana are in need of revision. 

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about cannabis according to Google. 

1. Why does cannabis make you lazy?

The truth: Cannabis doesn’t necessarily make you lazy. Many of the studies this belief is based upon were conducted in the 60s and 70s and involved tasks like stool making (the kind you sit on, not the kind you have to sit to make) or the studies simply didn’t have a large enough sample size to be considered credible.

A more recent study, however, found that the truth is somewhere in between. The experiment tested 17 participants’ willingness to work for money on and off cannabis. The participants inhaled cannabis fumes through a balloon-like device in one scenario, while inhaling a placebo vapor in the other. They were then asked to choose between multiple outputs — one being a greater repetition pushing of a spacebar key for more money versus a lower repetition pushing of a spacebar key for less money. Users on cannabis were much more likely to choose the low-effort, low reward option. The placebo group chose the high-effort option roughly half the time, while the cannabis users chose that option about ten percent less often. 

The evidence for a short-term increase in laziness is there. The link to long-term laziness is a bit hazier. Some studies have suggested that chronic cannabis use can increase the difficulty one has in experiencing pleasure. But again, the evidence for long-term increase in laziness from cannabis use is insufficient. 

2. Why does cannabis make you happy?

The truth: Researchers have claimed that cannabis “floods the brain with dopamine,” however this is not true. The dopamine effect is about ten times less than studies have previously stated. There is, on the other hand, a neurotransmitter called anandamide, which produces a heightened sense of joy and happiness. Anandamide also plays a role in fertility, pain, movement, motivation, appetite, and memory. This neurotransmitter is an endocannabinoid (naturally-occurring within the body) antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent. THC serves as a twin of anandamide, and actually binds to the same receptors in the brain, creating a sense of euphoria.  

Roughly 20 percent of cannabis users have an adverse reaction based on a genetic predisposition to produce less fatty acid amide hydrolase for it to bind to. For these people, cannabis can cause anxiety and paranoia. 

Lastly, THC elicits opposite reactions in people depending on the dosage as well. Essentially, cannabis is a bit like the tale of Goldilocks and her porridge — you want to get it just right. 

3. Where does cannabis grow naturally?

Most experts tend to be of the belief that cannabis first arose in the wilds of south-central Asia. Humans have since spread it through every corner of the world. Throughout centuries and millennia, strains acclimated to flourish in various climate regions. Jamaica and Malawi landrace do well in tropical regions, Lebanon and Swaziland landrace do well in temperate regions, Nepalese and Switzerland landrace do well in continental regions, and perhaps the most resilient of all strains — Afghanistan landrace and Egypt landrace thrive in dry, desert-like conditions. 

Generally cannabis does well in sunlight, but each strain performs better in different humidity levels, altitudes, and latitudes.

4. What cannabis strain is good for depression?

Strains recommended to help reduce depression by both Maximum Yield and Civilized include:

• Jack Herer — notable features: High levels of CBD with moderate levels of THC, produces a boost of energy, body buzz, and sense of lucid dreaming.
• Pineapple Express — notable features: Interestingly enough, the famed comedy was named after this strain because it is known for its electrifying, ecstatic high, which combats PTSD, anxiety, depression, nausea, and lethargy.
• Harlequin — notable features: A CBD-heavy strain, 5:2 CBD to THC ratio make it an ideal candidate for treating inflammation, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and migraines.
• Sour Kush — notable features: This strain is renowned for packing a punch with a euphoric, warm high ready-made to fight anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD.
• Cannatonic — notable features: Known for improving focus and mood; the perfect counter to the fogginess of depression.