THE RAW TRUTH Cannabis Edition By: Leah Pellegrino An in-depth look at marijuana and how it has shaped the world
THE RAW TRUTH Cannabis Edition By: Leah Pellegrino An in-depth look at marijuana and how it has shaped the world
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission of the publisher. For more information regarding permission, write to Walker Books Inc., Attention: Permissions Department, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012.
ISBN-13: 979-0-439-02352-8 ISBN-10: 0-439-02352-1 Copyright Š 2017 by Leah Pellegrino All rights reserved. Published by Walker Books. WALKER BOOKS, WALKER BOOKS PRESS, and associated logos are trademark and/or registered trademarks of Walker Books. Printed in the U.S.A. First Walker Books hardcover printing, November 2017 The text was set in Adobe ITC Garamond Book Design by Leah Pellegrino
Introduction The Raw Truth is a series that allows the reader to become experts in any controversy that is taking over the world. Whether it be abortion, the death penalty or cannabis, The Raw Truth will give you everything you need to be able to make an informed decision about that topic. In this edition, the controversy of cannabis will be the topic. Marijuana is a topic of debate that has been around for centuries. As of 2017, there are twenty nine states that have completely legalized marijuana.There has been a constant back and forth on if it should be legalized since the 1900s. To stay up to date on all that is cannabis and the legalization of it throughout the United States, follow “The Raw Truth� on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you are interested in learning more about other controversies that are taking over the world such as abortion, the death penalty and more, then visit www.TheRawTruth.org or download The Raw Truth app at the App Store or on Google Play.
Reference In order to stay completely unbiased, this book will deliver both sides of the argument in as fair of a way as possible.* Pro Marijuana Con Marijuana Neither
*Reference will be used throughout the book unless otherwise stated.
Table of Contents Two Kinds of Marijuana
Page 6
What is THC?
Page 8
What is CBD?
Page 9
Anatomy
Page 10
Ancient History
Page 14
Cannabis in the U.S.
Page 16
United States: Legal vs Illegal
Page 18
Marijuana Supporters
Page 22
Marijuana Opposers
Page 24
Today
Page 26
Index
Page 27
“The War on Drugs has been an utter failure. We need to
rethink and decriminalize our marijuana laws.” —Barack Obama (44th President of the United States, 2015)
“Good people don’t smoke marijuana.” —Jeff Sessions (US Attorney General, 2016)
There are two types of Cannabis called... Sativa
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Indica
Sativa is tall, thin and lean looking. It has thin leaves and a wiry stalk. It can grow to be between 8—12 feet high and their expected flowering time is 12—14 weeks.
Indica is short and busy and has thick, waxy leaves. It can grow to be between 3—6 feet tall and their expected flowering time is 8—9 weeks.
This kind of plant is suitable for outdoor gardens and grows in warm climates around 0 and 30 degrees latitude in areas such as Mexico, Central America and Southeast Asia.
This kind of plant is suitable for indoor gardens and grows in cold, turbulent climates around 30 and 50 degrees latitude in areas such as the Kush mountain region.
The effects of Sativa tend to make one feel uplifted and creative and leave the user with a “head high.” It relieves symptoms of depression, ADD, fatigue and mood disorders.
The effects of Indica tends to make one feel sedated and relaxed and leave the user with a “body high.” It relieves symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, pain, and muscle spasms.
Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Indica
Sativa gives the user a “head high” which can be describe as a more hallucinogenic high.You can expect red and glassy eyes and psychoactive effects almost immediately. It has a higher CBD content which makes the user more awake and alert, so it is ideal to use during the day time.
Indica gives the user a “body high”which gives off more physical effects rather than mental.They have a higher concentration of THC which has a sedative effect. Some common characteristics of a “body high” are feelings of lethargy, clumsiness, and heightened sexual awareness.
Sativa users are capable of high-functioning physical and mental activities including exercise and artistic creation among many others.
Body highs are notorious for producing bouts of incredible laziness, feelings of paralysis, heaviness, numbness and even out-of-body experiences.
Sativa has been said to increase a persons heart rate as much as two times for up to three hours.The increased amount of blood flow is the reason for the psychoactive effects.The elevated heart rate can causes users to get anxiety rather than provide relief.
Under the influence of a body high, it is more common to feel your heart rate slowing down and/ or pounding. Indica is generally a better option for anxiety relief than Sativa, as they naturally calm the body and reduce the manifestations of stress. 7
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main compound found in cannabis. When ingested, it binds to cannabinoid receptors* in the brain. Depending on the kind of a cannabis it comes from,THC can have different effects. In low doses, the compound can reduce pain and aggression for example. When THC is in your system, it triggers different positive and negative reactions. On the positive side, it can cause your brain to release dopamine that creates pleasurable sensations of happiness and euphoria.THC is also said to help your body relax and ease pain and tension. On the negative side,THC can make people feel paranoid and anxious. It can also give people headaches, elevate their heart rate, and impair their ability to remember things, move around coherently, or speak correctly.
*Cannabinoid Receptor’s are located all throughout the body and are part of the endocannabinoid system. They have a role in many physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory. There are two types of cannabinoid receptors that are called CB1 and CB2. These receptors are activated by cannabinoids which are
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found in cannabis and other synthetic compound. Once Tetrahydrocannabinol has entered the body, it attaches to the CB1 and binds itself to the CB2 receptors. This is how the marijuana gives off its effects in the body.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people feel “stoned” and can actually counteract the psycho-activity of THC. The fact that CBD-rich cannabis is non-psychoactive or less psychoactive than THC-dominant strains makes it appealing for patients looking for relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, spasms, and other conditions without disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria. Scientific research shows CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, MS, chronic pain, schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, antibiotic-resistant infections, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. CBD has demonstrable neuroprotective and neurogenic effects, and its anti-cancer properties are currently being investigated at several academic research centers in the United States and elsewhere.
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Low THC
1. CANNABIS PLANT
Cannabis has been used to make hemp fiber, oils and for medicinal purposes as well as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from cannabis plants selected to make an abundance of fiber.
High THC
a. Fan Leaves
b. a.
The most universal image of marijuana.This part of the plant has the lowest amount of THC and is usually thrown away after the plant is trimmed.
b. Stem This part of the plant is most commonly used as an addictive for tinctures, which is an alcoholic extract. The stem contains little THC.
2. MATURE BUD/CALYX This is the actual “flower� part of the plant. It is found at the end of the stem. A high calyx-to-leaf ratio is preferable in breeding because leaves contain high levels of chlorophyll, which makes smoke harsh.
c. Trichomes Tiny resin-filled glands that cover the surface of calyxes as well as the leaves and stems. This is where majority of the THC is found. These have mushroom like heads where the highest amount of THC lies.They are primarily used in hash-making.
c.
d. Sugar Leaves
d.
Small leaves with a high concentration of THC. These are primarily used to make edibles after they are trimmed, dried and cured.
e. Pistils
e.
The red/orange colored hairs in the plant. These do not contain any THC and their function is to catch the male pollen in order to procreate.
f. Stalk
The not usable part of the plant. There is no THC in the stalk. The fibers in the stalk, which is known as hemp, can be used to make fabric, paper, rope and oil.
f. 11
When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself. —Bob Marley (Musician and Cannabis Activist, 1977)
“I now have absolute proof that smoking even one marijuana cigarette is equal in brain damage to being on Bikini Island during an H-bomb blast” —Ronald Reagan (40th President of the United States, 1983)
2700BC Chinese Emperor Shen Nung
2900BC Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi is accredited for bringing civilization to China. He is recorded saying that cannabis is a powerful medicine that contains yin and yang.The yin represents shadows and darkness in life while the yang represents light and passion, giving us the perfect balance.
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Chinese legend also says that Shen Hung was the one who discovered marijuana’s healing powers. He also discovered two other Chinese herbal medicines, ginseng and ephedra. He is considered the Father of Chinese medicine.
1500BC
Chinese Pharmacopeia
Some say, that the earliest written reference of using cannabis for medical reasons was found in the Rh-Ya, a Chinese Pharmacopeia.
1450BC Book of Exodus The book of Exodus claims that a “holy oil” that was passed from God to Moses was kaneh-bosm, which is a Hebrew word for hemp.
1000BC India A drink called Bhang, which is cannabis drink mixed with milk, is used in India. It is used as an anesthetic and anti-phlegmatic.
1213BC Egyptians There have been prescriptions dating back to Ancient Egypt for the use of medical cannabis. It was used for treatment of glaucoma, inflammation, the cooling of a uterus and administering enemas.
700BC
200BC
Venidad
Ancient Greece
Recorded in the Venidad, a volume of the Zend-Avesta a Persian religious text, bhang is said to be the most important of 10,000 medicinal plants.
It was said that in Ancient Greece, cannabis was used to heal earache, edema and inflammation.
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1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act Requires Labeling of Medicine, Including Cannabis
1911 Massachusetts Becomes First State to Outlaw Cannabis
10 States Pass Marijuana Prohibition Laws Included Utah (1915), Wyoming (1915),Texas (1919), Iowa, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas (1923), and Nebraska, New York (1927).
Jan. 1915
President Wilson Signs Harrison Act, the Model for Future Drug Regulation Legislation
1900–1929 1930 1940 1950
Feb. 19, 1925
1915–1927
1918 Pharmaceutical Farms Grow 60,000 Pounds of Cannabis Annually
League of Nations Sign Multilateral Treaty Restricting Cannabis Use to Scientific and Medical Only
1964 THC, Main Psychoactive Component of Cannabis, First Identified and Synthesized
1968 University of Mississippi Becomes Official Grower of Marijuana for Federal Government
April 8, 1968 President Johnson Creates Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD)
1960 1970 1980 1990
LEGAL VS. ILLEGAL
Medical 21 states have passed laws that allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes.
Adult Use 8 states have “adult use” laws for marijuana meaning those have to be over the age of 21 to legally purchase marijuana products.
For More Up-To-Date Information *Data is based on research conducted on October 24th, 2017. Marijuana laws are constantly changing in different states based off of variables like the politicians appointed, financial state and voter democracy. Not every state has the same law so please check with your local government officials on what the exact laws are in your state for things like possession, the kind and permits needed. For more up to date information regarding the legalization of medical marijuana in the U.S. go to www.therawtruth.org or download our app “The Raw Truth” at the App Store or on Google Play.
Limited 15 states have limited marijuana laws that put restrictions on the amount and reasons a person can have possession of marijuana.
Illegal As of October 5th, 2017, marijuana is illegal in 6 states.
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“I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug.
Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?” —Willie Nelson (Country musician and Cannabis activist 1988)
“Most marijuana smokers are Negroes, Hispanics, jazz musicians, and entertainers. Their satanic music is driven by marijuana, and marijuana smoking by white women makes them want to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and others. It is a drug that causes insanity, criminality, and death — the most violence-causing
drug in the history of mankind.” —Harry J. Anslinger (Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics 1937)
“I hope they legalize marijuana and when they do, I’ll be the first fucking person in line to buy my pack of joints.” —Megan Fox (Actress, 2009)
“It is time to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol. Time to end the arrests of so many people and the destruction of so many lives for possessing marijuana. —Bernie Sanders
(Democratic Presidential Candidate, 2015)
“I was smoking 15 joints a day. It was a habit that eventually occurred when the pain got so bad with the hip. I was just numbing, numbing, numbing myself and then sleeping it off and then getting on stage, killing it in pain, then getting off and smoking, smoking, smoking, not knowing what the pain was.” —Lady Gaga
(Pop Culture Entertainer, 2013)
“I tried marijuana once.
I did not inhale.” —Bill Clinton
(Arkansas Governor, 1992)
The controversy of marijuana is still as hot of a debate as it was decades ago.Today, many pop culture icons are using their public platform to show their stance on marijuana.The FDA is constantly performing tests on medical marijuana to find out if it can actually benefit a patient or if it is just a hoax. Even with all the testing that has been going on for the past century, there is no clear cut answer.This is the reason why states have different marijuana laws and there is no overall law for everyone to follow.
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To stay up to date on all that is cannabis and the legalization of it throughout the United States, follow “The Raw Truth� on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you are interested in learning more about other controversies that are taking over the world such as abortion, the death penalty and more, then visit www.TheRawTruth.org or download The Raw Truth app at the App Store or on Google Play.
Index
“High on Freedom”, 1945
1930s
Poster from cult film “She Shoulda Said ‘No’”,1949
1930s.
“Devils Harvest”, 1942
1940’s
Ad from the NORM, early 1900s.
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Sources “29 Legal Medical Marijuana States and DC Laws, Fees, and Possession Limits.” ProCon.org, 13 Oct. 2017, medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881&print=true. Butterfield, Delilah.“Indica vs Sativa: What’s The Difference?” HERB, 2 Nov. 2017, herb.co/2015/09/13/ indica-vs-sativa/. “Cannabis Anatomy 101 - Parts of the plant – WeedSeedShop.”Weed Seed Shop, 7 Mar. 2017, weedseedshop.com/en/blog/cannabis-anatomy-101-parts-plant/. Clarke, Robert Connell, and Mark David Merlin. Cannabis evolution and ethnobotany. University of California Press, 2013. “History of Marijuana as Medicine - 2900 BC to Present.” ProCon.org, 30 Jan. 2017, medicalmarijuana. procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026. Design.“Indica vs Sativa: Understanding the Differences Between the Two Cannabis Plants.”The Peace Naturals Project, 9 Aug. 2016, peacenaturals.com/indica-vs-sativa-understanding-the-differences-between-the-two-cannabis-plants/. Lland, Rae.“What Is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)?” Leafly, 10 Apr. 2017, www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-tetrahydrocannabinol. McVey, Eli.“Map:The post-Election U.S. marijuana landscape.” Marijuana Business Daily, 23 Nov. 2016, mjbizdaily.com/chart-majority-of-u-s-embraces-legal-marijuana/. “Medical Marijuana: Indica vs. Sativa.” Cannabis Indica vs Sativa | Marijuana Doctors, www.marijuanadoctors.com/content/resources/cannabis-indica-vs-sativa. “STATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS.” National Conference of State Legislatures, 14 Sept. 2017, www. ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx. “State-By-State Marijuana Policies.”The National Cannabis Industry Association, 5 Sept. 2017, thecannabisindustry.org/state-marijuana-policies-map/. The Sacred Plant, 3 Nov. 2017, thesacredplant.com/. “What is CBD?”What is Cannabidiol? | Project CBD, www.projectcbd.org/about/what-cbd.
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