Millions of people around the world have been enjoying cannabis since the 50s, but for those of us who are new to the game, knowing more about cannabis living is a great first step. After all, nothing beats practice informed with knowledge. So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know about cannabis living and its contributions to culture and lifestyle:
A Brief Background on Cannabis Living
With marijuana becoming mainstream only in recent years, you might think that the beneficial uses of this plant are a new discovery. However, did you know that our ancestors used this plant for a wide variety of purposes? From farming and industrial to arts and recreation, humans valued the plant throughout our history. Processing fibers of hemp allowed our ancestors to create textiles, papers, ropes and plastics. Studies show that before the use of cannabidiol oil, some significant historical figures utilized this herb for spiritual and creative purposes.
From the hippies of the psychedelic 60s to the new generation’s hipsters, smoking marijuana has been a part of countercultures around the world. In fact, the term ‘420’ came to be because of a group of high school kids’ code for “let’s meet up at 4:20 to smoke weed.” The group of boys, known as The Waldos, were going against the grain by smoking this wonder plant. This was in 1971 and the term stuck until today, only containing a much more mainstream and inclusive meaning.
Now that marijuana is becoming accepted in many parts of the globe, the plant can cease being a counterculture element and start being part of the mainstream. Today, a whole lot of subcultures across the world throughout the years have some level of marijuana use integrated into their respective ways of life.
What’s more fascinating is even non-marijuana users are aware and acknowledge the celebration of Weed Day. Come April 20, you see thousands of people (enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike) greeting one another with a hearty “Happy 420!”
The Influence of Cannabis in Culture
Aside from creating their own personal holiday, enthusiasts have enjoyed a taste of marijuana in culture as well. A lot of creative works can thank marijuana for their existence. Studies show that this plant plays a role in the creative process, making it a viable source of inspiration for artists.
In Literature
A good number of literary works were written while the authors were under the influence of marijuana. This includes Les Miserable, a literary masterpiece writer Victor Hugo, who was a member of Club Des Hashinchins a group of enthusiasts who used the plant during some of their meetings. This club also includes other writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Charles Baudelaire and Honore de Balzac.
In Music
Perhaps one of the most popular parts of the cannabis culture is music. From Noble Prize awardee Bob Dylan to Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, there certainly is a lot of musicians who get their inspiration from this plant. In fact, Dylan has a song saying that “everyone must get stoned.” Meanwhile, Urie, who has ADHD, is a medical marijuana card carrier.
Aside from individual artists using this herb, there is an entire music genre that highlights marijuana. You guessed it: it’s Reggae. Originating from Jamaica, this genre is said to support the herb. Many Reggae musicians tackle this herb in their songs. Bob Marley even worked to develop a marijuana brand called Marley Natural.
Other cultural aspects that marijuana has penetrated include fashion and design, especially with the rise of cannabis-inspired fashion labels such as Sundae School.
The Role of Cannabis in Lifestyle
Aside from its prevalence in culture, marijuana also plays a great role in lifestyle. It has created a niche in many markets including medicine, beauty and health aids. Many people have incorporated this herb in their everyday routine, proving its potential as a lifestyle plant.
As an Addition to Medical Treatments
When it comes to medicine, cannabidiol is the cannabinoid that comes to mind. This compound is known for its properties that help alleviate pain, inflammations and spasms. Moreover, it is also found to be valuable in addressing tumors and treating cancer patients. Patients who suffer from cachexia, nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatments are given CBD for relief.
As a Sleep Aid
For individuals without debilitating conditions, but who suffer from difficulty in sleeping, this plant is also a viable treatment. Insomnia sufferers who have trouble sleeping but can only get a disturbed sleep can take CBD oil to induce a restful slumber. Moreover, this compound is great for boosting energy, so it gives a more energized feeling upon waking up.
For Stress Relief
Whilst CBD is great for helping people with sleep problems, THC is known for its psychoactive effects. This makes it a great stress reliever at the end of a long work week. Moreover, it can also help treat mental and mood disorders including depression, PTSD, anxiety and other similar conditions.
Cannabis Beauty
Lastly, with the herb’s various medicinal benefits, more and more cosmetic products now have the plant as an ingredient. This is a brilliant idea, especially as this plant has regulating properties, making it perfect for moisturizing dry skin and controlling oily ones. Moreover, its anti-itch, -pain, and -inflammation properties help cannabinoid-infused beauty products treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema and even psoriasis.
How You Can Live the Cannabis Life
As the plant becomes more mainstream, especially in light of the legalization in various parts of the world, many people are now free to pursue the cannabis life. In fact, hundreds of dispensaries have popped up to make marijuana products more accessible to more people. So, if you are eager to join this culture and lifestyle, here’s the best way to do so:
Start with Tinctures
Not everyone is comfortable with straight up consuming dried buds. For those wanting a milder and less adventurous entry to the cannabis world, tinctures are your best bet. Basically, these are hemp oil packaged in bottles with droppers for an easier and controlled use. You can consume this sublingually or by placing a few drops under your tongue and wait for it to take effect.
Tinctures are great for various medicinal and recreational purposes because you can get pure CBD oil or one infused with THC oil. This gives you the option to take advantage of CBD’s medical properties or to use THC for its psychoactive effects. With these products, you can easily use cannabinoids for pain relief, anxiety treatment and sleep aids.
You might be thinking, “How is this a more beginner-friendly product?” Aside from its simple use, cannabinoid oils can be mixed with various food and drinks. You can simply infuse your dishes or beverages with this oil. From savory food such as pasta to baked goods such as cookies, infusing your recipes with this is surely a great way to start.
Get a Taste of the Real Thing
Once your taste buds get accustomed to the weedy taste the oils can give, you might be more comfortable with giving dried buds a try. However, don’t be too overwhelmed by the sheer number of strains you can choose from. There are hundreds of varieties available in dispensaries, each having their own unique properties. Some have high CBD contents, while others have more THC. Some have the usually weedy smell, while others have more pleasant aromas. So, if you ever get overwhelmed, just get help from the budtender present at your local dispensary.
If smoking is not your thing, you can certainly make use of your dried buds in many other ways. Those who liked the ease tinctures brings, might want to make their own cannabis oil, especially as cannabinoids bind to fat pretty well. You can also use your leaves to make pesto sauce or incorporate these into baked goods.
Explore Your Options
One of the best things about marijuana legalization is that companies now have the liberty to develop cannabis-infused products. This escalated the number of products to hundreds of options. From CBD vape oil to gummies, you now have the option to ingest this herb in many innovative and fun ways.
You can blend in with vapers by grabbing a vape pen and loading it up with cannabis juice. Moreover, you can grab a non-alcoholic hemp wine and beers to enjoy the beverages without the effects of alcohol but with the goodness of marijuana. If you want to get a fix of this herb without getting suspicious looks, you can simply pop a cannabis-infused gummy in your mouth and get a delicious dose.
Cannabis has made its way into culture and lifestyle, making it a more prevalent option in the mainstream market. With thousands of marijuana products you can choose from, you can start living the pot life right now. Who knows, you might even get to give your own contributions to culture and lifestyle. Now, that would be a great way to live a fulfilling and enjoyable cannabis life!
