5 Interesting Facts About Marijuana

Marijuana, weed, pot! The plant goes by many names, and it’s super controversial.

From facts to myths, all the buzz seems to stem from marijuana’s mysterious nature. Yes, you can call it a bit of a mystery because there’s a lot that’s still unknown.

In fact, many of the studies that are unraveling the huge potential of Cannabis sativa (the parent plant of marijuana and hemp) are pretty recent.

Since we’re mostly scratching the surface on this plant, we’re also witnessing many interesting facts topping up to an already interesting history.

If you’re curious, here are a few interesting facts about marijuana you should know:

People have Always Used Marijuana

If you thought that the use of pot is a 21st-century invention, you’d be surprised.

Marijuana is one of the oldest plants in human history. It’s been present as long as humans have existed.

Now, where’s the evidence that people have always used the drug?

Like many things pot-related, the exact instance of the drug’s adoption is shrouded in mystery.

However, what researchers have managed to unravel so far puts marijuana use as far back as 5,000 years ago.

Archaeologists have found evidence that the drug was in use in different parts of the world for medicinal, recreational, and spiritual purposes.

There’s also a strong indication that the first adoption of marijuana is way earlier than the documented timeline.

For instance, Chinese records show that hemp (another strain of cannabis Sativa) was cultivated by the Taiwanese around 10,000 years ago.

The Origin of ‘Marijuana’ is Unclear

The term marijuana is as strange as it gets. Fact is, no one really knows its origins.

Popular culture has tied the word to the Mexican Spanish female name, ‘Maria Juana’ or its English version Mary Jane.

However, before the term marijuana became popularized in the US in the 1930s, it was spelled as ‘Marihuana’ or ‘Mariguana.’

Both terms originate from Mexican Spanish, are pronounced the same but have no relation to the personal name Maria Juana.

That’s not all, some suggestions say the term may have roots from the Chinese word, ‘ma ren hua,’ which means hemp seed flower.

Cannabis Fights Bacteria in Crohn’s Disease

Recent studies show that cannabis may be the answer to Crohn’s disease.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel Disease affecting over 700,000 Americans.

The disease causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to pain, diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, and more.

Unfortunately, Crohn’s disease doesn’t have a cure, which makes this recent discovery hopeful.

Researchers have found that the cannabinoids in marijuana can help fight bacteria and improve intestinal function.

While research on the effect of cannabis in Crohn’s disease is still in its early stages, there’s evidence that the plant’s cannabinoids can relieve symptoms of the disease.

Marijuana is Unstoppable

The use of cannabis remains largely illegal in most parts of the world, with some regulations in place for medical marijuana. For example, California has very lenient laws on medical marijuana.

Some people may even say that the drug will never see the light of day as a fully legalized product for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

But Guess what?

The industry’s growth tells a different story.

Eighteen states with the District of Columbia have already legalized marijuana for recreational use.

Globally, over 40 countries have legalized the drug for medical use, with many changing their laws on the drug and making moves towards decriminalization.

Economically, the global legal marijuana market share and revenue was at $22 Billion in 2020 and is projected to hit $97 Billion in 2026. That’s a massive six-year growth.

Are Americans using Marijuana More?

Is it a stretch to say Americans use marijuana more than any other country?

Maybe not.

According to the 2020 World Drug Report, about 192 million people worldwide used marijuana.

Over half of the people above 18 years have admitted to using the drug at least once in the US.

Conclusion

When you really look into it, you realize marijuana was a part of human history for a long time. Much of the controversy has lots to do with political sentiments than the real essence of the drug.

As more research continues to unravel the jaw-dropping potential of cannabis, it’s becoming clear why the plant and its substances have been in use for thousands of years.

Well, that wraps up our five interesting facts about marijuana we thought you should know.