In recent years, news has begun to emerge about the future of cannabis. Hemp has been around for almost a millennium and has been used in many ways, from textiles to construction materials.
Hemp is a versatile plant that can be grown in almost every climate. It does not grow well in cold winter climates, however.
In recent years, there have been several important developments in cannabis research and innovation. These include the 2017 breakthroughs in marijuana research, the first synthetic marijuana products being sold, and the first medical marijuana dispensaries opening.
This article will discuss some of these developments and bullet point some of their important details. While all of these changes are positive towards cannabis research and innovation, this article will focus on the historical significance of these changes early on in this article so that readers can better understand them.
The history of marijuana in the United States
Since the 1800s, marijuana has been used as a recreational drug in the United States. It was popularized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was depicted as a force for good in literary and cinematic depictions of crime and mystery.
Prior to the 1920s, cannabis was legal in the United States workforce, but only as a medicinal agent. As a Schedule 1 drug, only those with extensive medical needs can apply for a medical marijuana card.
During this time period, advancements in cannabis research were minimal. Marijuana was thought to be just another harmful drug like alcohol or cigarettes!
Today, with advances in technology and research, there are many opportunities for people with limited medical needs to find relief from pain, seizures, nausea and distress, symptoms of cancer treatment stress, symptoms of chronic pain, and quality of life improvement.
Legalization in California
With California being such a leading state in research and innovation, it is no wonder that the state is the place to be for those looking to start a cannabis business. There are many colleges and universities around the country that offer cannabis campus programs, which is where specialized training in cannabis cultivation, production, marketing, and management is combined into a generalizable skill set.
This type of training can be extremely helpful when starting out as not all facilities are the same. Some have used systems like Kaliac Resourcers or Greenie-planting schemes! It also helps as you grow because you know what was done well and what needed to be done changed.
When it comes to production, there are several different methods of creating THC and CBD levels in your product. Using terpenes or other chemicals used in marijuana plants to create products makes it more diverse in its effects. Production centers typically have tanks and machines for Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), Dihydrokannabinol (or CBD) products.
Huge business opportunity
Despite a near-complete absence of cannabis research and innovation in the US, data from Europe suggests that cannabis has the potential to improve various medical applications.
According to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, over half of all patients who seek medical treatment in Europe report using cannabis. Many of these patients report its effectiveness in treating various diseases and symptoms is convincing them to continue their medication.
Some of these patients report improved mood, weight loss, pain relief, and an increase in mobility. This is not a phenomenon confined to elderly people or those with poor health. Rather, claims of medical value are being made by young people as well.
This is no doubt due to its low cost and short duration of effect.
Drug reform continues to progress
Despite some moves towards liberalization, drug reform remains a priority for many. Today, we are focused on advancing evidence-based policy and creating higher expectations for politicians to meet them.
Last year, the U.S. Congress passed the Families and Friends Services Reauthorization Act of 2015, which reclassified marijuana as an objectively legal substance. This law maintains federal prohibition on cannabis, but it does not change state laws concerning its use.
States continue to pass laws that deviate from Congress’s position, but fewer and fewer of them are being enforced.
Medical applications abound
Currently, there are several ways medical cannabis is used. You can for example take it as a painkiller, supplement or food. You can also make your own or buy one specific to your condition.
But there are many more ways to use it. Many people find it therapeutic or educational about its effects. Some use it for relief from depression, pain, nausea and other symptoms.
Of all the uses of medical cannabis, by far the most common is as an anti-inflammatory. This is of particular value in pain management, as most people cannot experience anti-inflammation without a strong enough dose of THC.
Many researchers are interested in finding anti-inflammation medications that do not cause side effects such as dependency or tolerance. These types of drugs would be highly cost-effective and useful for very long term maintenance.
Cannabis consumption becomes convenient
With the introduction of smartphone apps, users now have the ability to choose what kind of cannabis consumption becomes convenient. With the help of multiple apps, users can set their own reminders, browse past research studies, and even view trends in app usage. This makes cannabis consumption become convenient to many people!
Apps have become popular ways to facilitate cannabis consumption. Many people download multiple apps to meet their needs. Some people may not always be ready to make a full-on commitment to an app but it has its benefits.
For instance, people can download and use the Weed App on their phone but only when they are home or only if they are going to grow marijuana at a future date. They can use it when they are on vacation or only if they are planning on cultivating some plants at home.
Growing your own marijuana becomes legal
In November 2016, voters in California passed Prop 64, which amended the state constitution to allow the licensed commercial cultivation and sale of cannabis.
The new law went into effect on January 1, 2018, allowing anyone who is at least eighteen years old and has a license to cultivate three plants per year for personal use.
Only one size plant is allowed, and it must be removed within one year. Plus, only clean plants are allowed, with no possibility of second or third crops.
This is a great opportunity to learn how to grow your own marijuana as well as learn some important rules to know about.
Cannabis products become standardized
As demand for cannabis products increases, companies need to develop new products to meet consumers’ demands. This is especially true as new regulations concerning cannabis become more widespread.
Most recently, lollipops were introduced as a way to consume cannabis. These small, chewy devices allow users to choose between an average amount of THC and CBD content in the lollipop.
Some users opt for only the CBD because they feel it better blocks out any psychoactive effects of the marijuana.
