While research and application have conspicuously transformed the character of cannabis, ignominy has refused to abandon it. And more so because all the propaganda citing its benefits has been woefully inadequate in forming an informed public opinion of the same.
If the naturally growing marijuana is meted an anatomical exploration like its other counterparts, it would quite assertively reveal that cannabis is much more than just buds and leaves. Understanding the rest of the plant can be actually helpful in not only shredding its infamous image but also discovering more of the many utilities it has to offer.
Understanding The Cannabis Plant
A hermaphrodite (with both male and female parts), the male plants of cannabis are shunned upon because they do not produce an abundance of Cannabinoid-rich buds. However, they are vital for reproduction when creating new strains. The female plants, containing the pistils that capture the pollens, are more popular because they produce a mound of buds that are harvested to produce the cannabis that is smoked, dabbed, used in food, applied in medicine, and used to make extracts.
Cola and Calyx
With a smooth and thin stem which holds the parts to a position where they can receive enough sunshine and attract pollination agents, cannabis also boasts of a cola or apical bud (terminal in smaller plants) which is the largest collection of flowering buds available on the plant. Variegated techniques help gardeners increase the number of colas present on a flowering female cannabis plant in an effort to produce a greater yield. While cola is the section of flowers, the calyx is the actual bud. It consists of small sugar leaves tear-shaped nodules, and pistils.
Sativa Vs Indica
Sativa and Indica, its prominent strains which fallibly find interchangeable utterance, are perhaps very different in structures, morphologies, or forms. Indicas are short and stocky, while sativas are tall and lanky. Sativas more efficiently treat depression and PTSD, while indicas are good for arthritis and cancer and are better at pain management. Also, it has been stated by several marijuana doctors that Sativas tend to deliver a more energetic, cerebral high, while indicas are more sedating and deliver appetite stimulation.
One fast-growing, well-rounded hybrid of 25% sativa and 75% indica are feminized Strawberry Kush Strain seeds. While its sativa content gives a head high, indica rendered euphoria complements it. With tastes and smells of artificial strawberry, it’s a strong strain of cannabis, yet it’s not overwhelming. So, it’s a good strain for first timers or occasional smokers. However, that’s not the only reason to resort to it for these seeds also are energizing, help with relaxation and mood lifting and also boost creativity. Since it can also lead to paranoia, headache and dry eyes and mouth, one should be careful with the dosage.
Fan Leaves
There are other parts of a cannabis plant, though little known, but with benefits aplenty. For instance, the fan leaves, which become part of the plant’s “trim” during harvest, are of interest to not only those who make cannabis extracts, edibles, and infused products but also to those who juice them as part of a health regime or disease therapy. They are, at times, coated with trichomes.
Nearly microscopic, translucent resin glands, Trichomes, found in highest concentration in the calyx, contain the “miracle molecules” known as cannabinoids and terpenes, the “golden resin”. Medically rich resin is used to create a variety of cannabis extractions and concentrates, including kief (loose powder trichomes), hash (old-school pressed trichomes or ice water extraction via “bubble bags”), BHO (Butane Hash Oil), and modern interpretations on the theme like wax, shatter, and glass used in dabbing. It’s highest concentration can be found in the calyx. With a synergy called the entourage effect, cannabinoids and terpenes work together to deliver medical efficacy or euphoria.
Akin to every other thing in this universe, cannabis has both advantages and disadvantages. The latter often completely eclipses the former when it shouldn’t, for it can be utilized in many possible ways.