Marijuana

Although marijuana (Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica) is finally becoming legal in many jurisdictions, the valuable herb is still unfairly demonized in many quarters of society. At the same time, the substance is ironically proving to be very beneficial in the medical community. However, strictly recreational use (of marijuana) isn't generally condoned or recommended for young people (under 18-years-old) - for cogent reasons, clearly outlined in the extensive manuscript. Having said that, the author has used (smoked, vaporized and consumed - I no longer smoke) marijuana, since age seventeen. As a tradesperson, a woodwork and special-needs teacher with two university degrees (and a fantastic wife from South-East Asia), partaking of the substance over many decades hasn't rendered the author compromised in any negative manner. Many Positive Attributes: In addition to a plethora of proven medicinal benefits attributed to marijuana, consider the micro-plastics (the majority of micro-plastic fibers are composed of synthetic polyester) that currently flood the world's oceans in 2021, simply due to people washing their clothes everyday. The answer may lie in marijuana's close relative - hemp. Hemp's superior fibers won't damage the environment for the worse - like our current clothing fabrics of choice. Marijuana's First Cousin - Hemp: Hemp, one of the fastest growing plants on the planet (along with bamboo), is taxonomically and visually identical to marijuana; both have more than 540 other substances, other than (the familiar) CBD and THC. The main difference between the two plants is the amount of each compound they contain. For example, hemp contains more CBD and less THC than marijuana, while marijuana contains more THC and less CBD than hemp. Therefore, although hemp has medicinal benefits, it's not generally used to get "high" - with its minute levels of THC. The Proof is in the Pudding: Marijuana and Hemp seeds are both rich in minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber and protein, containing an optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids for safe and healthy consumption. A 2008 study discovered that hemp-seed proteins are more digestible for humans than soy protein isolates - currently used in food products. Hemp clothing protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light; it resists bacterial growth and breathes well, preventing odor. Hemp is four-times stronger than cotton and retains its color better than any other fabric. In comparison to cotton, Hemp requires half the amount of land to grow. In addition, Cotton requires 400% more water - and a much longer growing period, than hemp. Additionally, marijuana's close relative makes arguably the best rope. Hemp ropes were used for fishing, shipping and construction for centuries, but the superior product was demonized, along with its cousin (marijuana), and its use curtailed. The author continues to grow and use marijuana for medicine, as well as for creative purposes. Additionally, decades of growing secrets are shared. These days, the author grows a Thai Landrace (Landrace strains are ancient marijuana strains - not "better" than modern Marijuana-Cannabis strains - but with less diluted DNA, thus considered a "wild" and valuable species to protect and maintain - like Columbian Gold). The Thai Landrace seeds were slowly collected over a dozen trips to the Kingdom. Turns out the Thai species adapts and grows very well here in Canada, when an ideal indoor environment is provided. Decades of growing experience enables the author to provide concomitant prime-growing conditions, shared in the manuscript.