Cannabis (Cannabis spp.)  

Family: Cannabaceae

Part Used: Flower, Leaf, Seeds

Flavor/Aroma: Bitter, Sweet, Acrid

Energetics: Warming, Drying

Overview:

Cannabis has been known as a notorious botanical that’s reputation has completely transformed in the last decade. Cannabis is finally getting the positive recognition it deserves. It’s medicinal use and integration into cultures globally has reinvisioned this aromatic, potent herb into the therapeutic botanical it truly manifests. Modern research is just beginning to scratch the surface of the multitude of uses for this iconic herbal medicine.

Cannabis is an annual plant that can reach heights of ten feet or taller in ideal conditions. The leaves are palmate, with five to seven leaflets and vary in color from vibrant greens, purples, golds, and amber depending on the season and the soil conditions in which it is grown. The soil health and nutrient value is very important in the growth of Cannabis, as well as considering its sensitivity to over and underwatering. The flowers are unisexual, the female flowers being more resonous and hairy in appearence. The male flowers are small, pale yellow, and scarce. The fruits that develop into a light-brownish, oily seed.5

Cultivation and Harvesting:

Cannabis species are native to India and Persia and are naturalized in North America, Brazil, and much of Europe. Cannabis is best harvested after the female flowers fully express, the trichomes are translucent, it is pungent in scent, and sticky to the touch. Each species varies slightly in its expression when it is ready to harvest, but all plants require a drying process directly after harvest as to prevent mold and spoilage.  

Southern Oregon Cultivation:

Cannabis is widely cultivated throughout the state of Oregon, and since its recreational legalization, it has become more popular than ever. Oregon has paved the way in innovation and purity of its Cannabis therapeutics, and continues to pioneer this promising movement. Always be sure to adhere to Oregon state laws and guidelines when growing personal or commercial Cannabis. This plant provides not only humans with a variety of medicinal benefits, but also the local pollinators and foragers with a diverse collection of nutritious pollen, so harvest with care and always consider your environmental impact.

History and Folklore:

Cannabis has been intertwined within numerous tales of folklore and incorporated into ceremonies and rituals globally. It has a special place within American history itself, being grown in both George Washington's and Thomas Jefferson’s gardens, it inspired a paper press that processed hemp paper invented by none other than Benjamin Franklin, and it is said that the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper itself. Hemp was extensively exported to European nations to create clothing, sails, parachute webbing, maps, books, and much more. 

For over 200 years, Hemp was used as a legal currency that could be used to pay federal taxes.

American Native Use: Cannabis was utilized in a variety of ways by many tribes. Hemp, a less pschocoactive and yet hardier species of Cannabis, was specifically was grown to create fibers for weaving clothing, making cordage and thread, and for nutritional benefits. The flowers were smoked in a traditional “peace-pipe” preparation and shared with others to promote unity and of course, peace. It was used to aid in psychological imbalances, for stomach upsets, and to ease general inflammation around the body. It was used to enhance the spirit and visions associated with the ethereal world. Generally tribes embraced Cannabis in their medicinal and ceremonial preparations, but there were few tribes who did not use Cannabis at all, or at least not recorded.4,3

Modern Applications:

Research surrounding Cannabis therapies, and the variety of pharmaceuticals derived from the isolation of the therapeutic constituents of the plant, are indicating its support for a variety of autoimmune and cancerous conditions. There is evidence that suggests the flowers use in conjunction with chemo and radiation therapies to mitigate some of the negative side effects of those drugs, it is used as a powerful anti inflammatory and digestive sedative.3,2

There is some evidence to suggest the Cannabis leaves provide some nutritional support as well. The overall medicinal value of Cannabis is thought to be attributed by vast number of powerful cannabinoids present in each plant, including terpenes, resins, THC and CBD.3,1,5

Uses and Preparations:

Smoking: 

This is VERY individual to the consumer. Suggested serving sizes range from .5g-5g daily, depending on a variety of factors such as potency and preparation.

When properly dried and cured, Cannabis flower can be inhaled as a smoke or a vapor. It is best enjoyed in this manner, if the flower has been ground up prior to being smoked or vaporized.

Dried Herb Tea Preparation: 

This is VERY individual to the consumer. Suggested doses range from .1g to 6g of flowers daily.

Using a reusable tea bag or tea ball, immerse the loose dried herbs into boiling water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, preferably covered, in order to release the maximum amount of herbal goodness. Some herbal tea can carry a strong flavor. We recommend organic honey as a sweetener which preserves the beneficial herbal compounds. 

Tincture: 

This is VERY individual to the consumer. Suggested serving sizes range from 1mL to 10mL daily, depending on a variety of factors such as potency and preparation.

Some herbal tinctures can have a strong flavor on their own. Adding your tincture to a glass of 6-8oz of water is one easy way to help, should you wish to dilute the flavor.  

Recommended Usage:

It is important to remember that some bodies may react differently than others when using herbal products. Our recommended usage amounts are designed to be an average dosage only. If you have specific concerns about the usage amount or interaction with other medication, please consult with your doctor or health care practitioner prior to using our products.

Precautions:

We recommend consulting with your practitioner if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or if you are using any other medications. Cannabis does contain psychoactive constituents, therefore it is not suggested that you operate a vehicle or any machinery while under the influence of this therapy.

References:

1. Iversen, L. (2018). Is Cannabis Safe? Oxford Scholarship Online. http://american-safe-access.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/AHP_Cannabis_Monograph_Preview.pdf 
2. American Herbal Pharmacopoeia Publishes Historic Monograph on Cannabis. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue101/HG101-orgnews-ahpcannabis.html?ts=1574105985&signature=cbc92d5182c65632dfdbc25fcaa08d3e 
3. Sites, Pearl. Cannabis spp. Monograph. 
4. Admin, D. (2015, January 3). Cannabis in Native American's Culture and Religion. Retrieved from https://cannabisdigest.ca/cannabis-native-americans-culture-religion/ 
5. Cannabis Indica (U. S. P.)-Indian Cannabis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/cannabis.html  

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.