Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis sativa is a plant that has been used by people for thousands of years for many reasons. It grows in countries like India and is known by many other names like Ganja, Bhang, Hashish, Charas, and Marijuana. It’s famous for its seeds, flowers, and leaves, which can be used for medicine, food, religious rituals, and recreation.

Parts of the Plant Used

The most useful parts of the plant are the dried flowering tops of the female plants. The seeds, leaves, and stems are also sometimes used.

Where is it Found?

Cannabis grows naturally in many parts of India and is also cultivated in different countries around the world.

Common Uses

• Seeds are rich in protein and often used as food for pet birds.

• The flowers and leaves contain natural chemicals called cannabinoids, which can affect the mind and body.

• People use it for relaxation, religious rituals, and traditional medicine.

• It’s also made into teas, tinctures, oils, and ointments.

What’s Inside Cannabis?

The plant contains over 60 special chemicals called cannabinoids. The most important ones are:

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Causes the "high" effect.

• CBD (Cannabidiol): Does not cause a high and is used for treating illnesses like epilepsy, anxiety, and pain.

• There are also aromatic oils (terpenes) that give Cannabis its special smell.

How It Affects the Body

Cannabis affects the nervous system. THC can make people feel happy, relaxed, or even hallucinate in high amounts. CBD, on the other hand, can help calm the body without causing a high.

Different types of Cannabis plants have different effects depending on how much THC and CBD they have.

Traditional Uses

• In India, it has been used since ancient times and is even mentioned in the Atharvaveda as a sacred plant.

• It is offered to Lord Shiva by devotees and consumed by saints during religious festivals like Holi.

• Ancient cultures like the Norse, Sufis, and Egyptians also used it for religious and medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses

Cannabis has been used to treat many problems, such as:

• Reducing pain

• Helping people sleep

• Easing stress and anxiety

• Calming seizures in epilepsy

• Relieving nausea and vomiting

• Improving appetite in patients with long illnesses

It’s also traditionally believed to help with:

• Asthma

• Glaucoma (high eye pressure)

• Muscle spasms

• Fever

• Toothaches

• Inflammation and swelling

• Menstrual problems

Important Note

Even though Cannabis has many medicinal uses, it can also cause problems if misused. Too much can cause:

• Hallucinations

• Sleep problems

• Anxiety

• Loss of concentration

The strength of the plant's effect depends on the person’s body and mind.

Final Thought

Cannabis sativa is one of the most interesting medicinal plants in the world, with a history of use in medicine, food, and spirituality. While it has many benefits, it should always be used carefully and under guidance when used for health problems.