The current panorama is increasingly invaded by what is now defined in common language as “cannabis light”. The old and obsolete marijuana has given way to the “new” and more sophisticated cannabis sativa, generally defined as “light”.
However, to fully understand the “Mary” revolution, it is necessary to distinguish and explain the difference between the two.The term marijuana spread to the United States of America in the 1930s when cannabis prohibition began. At that time, species with a reduced THC content were commonly referred to as “cannabis”, while those with a higher content were called “marijuana” by Mexican growers. Currently this “distinction by characteristics” is in force and in common use in today’s society.In Italy, thanks to law 242/2016, hemp can not only be cultivated (respecting the standards established by the same which set the maximum THC limit from 0.2% to 0.6%) but sold and purchased for collector’s use by “green flowers” enthusiasts.
But what is the difference between traditional marijuana and light cannabis?
First of all, unlike marijuana, light cannabis contains a very low percentage of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, i.e. the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana, mainly responsible for mental alterations. Vice versa it is rich in CBD or cannabidiol, the calming element of hemp which has beneficial effects for our body. In fact, unlike THC, which binds to the CB1 neuronal receptor, CBD binds above all to the CB2 receptor.CB1 receptors are distributed in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are located throughout the body, especially in the immune system. This is one reason why CBD, unlike THC, does not alter the psyche and is associated by many users with a feeling of comfort and balance. For example, in Rimini a company made cannabidiol-based biscuits, herbal teas and room aromas available to its workers, to promote not the “high”, but a sense of relaxation during working hours. Many people associate light cannabis with calm and everyday wellbeing. As with any natural compound, CBD is a wellbeing product and is not intended to treat or cure any condition.
Beyond these interesting reasons, another difference that induces consumers to purchase hemp inflorescences with a high CBD content is that which can be conveniently purchased in a store “in broad daylight”. Despite the still strong resistance, more and more people visit the “light cannabis places”, with careful design and very cool, purchasing without any fear or doubts.And for those who still feel very embarrassed about appearing in a shop, the purchase of these “flowers” can be done through the various existing websites which are equipped with a wide range of “floral aromas”.Finally, according to some statistics, many marijuana smokers have switched to consuming light cannabis, obtaining benefits from it and claiming that “the scent evokes our dear and amazing marija” even if the effects are totally different, if not better.So what can I say? We hope that light cannabis can replace and encourage the disappearance of a black and illicit market and instead promote the development of hemp for recreational purposes.