Cannabis Is... (A-Z Definitions)

A-Z definitions of the world's most iconic plant.

One of the most beautifully detailed plants.

Aphrodisiac

Cannabis has long been used as an aphrodisiac. Studies shows correlation between cannabis consumption and reports of sexual function, desire and satisfaction.

Buds

While the entire cannabis plant can be used as textile, medicine, fuel and food - it's the beautiful buds or the fruit of a female cannabis plant which contains the highest concentration of THC and other juicy cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring molecules in the human body (collectively known as the endocannabinoid system) and are also found in the cannabis. This system helps to regulate our appetite, sleep, mood and movements.

Detox

THC and CBD are powerful antioxidants that not only detox our organs but protect our cells from damage and help to regenerate them.

Research from National Institute of Mental Health in 1998, found that cannabinoids derived from cannabis plants demonstrated greater antioxidant potency than standard ones such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

The cannabis plant has long been revered for detoxing capabilities on our energy fields. Often, the plant encourages us to detox negative, low vibration thoughts, which in turn lightens our energetic frequency.

Eco-friendly

Cannabis is one of the most eco-friendly crops to grow. Not only does cannabis absorb high levels of CO2 from the air, remove toxins from the soil and use less water - but it has a high yield rate which means which means it requires minimal agricultural land.

Freedom

Having been illegitimately exploited in one of the most invasive forms of state and colonial oppression, cannabis has transpired into the ultimate symbol of freedom and resistance. Challenging the narrative "Nobody's free until everybody's free."

Grounding

Cannabis is considered one of the most effective plants for grounding. Many consumers find cannabis helps them centre & connect to even the most mundane tasks.

Healing

Cannabis is an excellent healer. Not only does it offer healing aid to physical ailments such as cancer, chronic pain and gut issues - but also mental and spiritual ailments. When we face acute trauma or grief in our lives, cannabis helps us ride these waves more gently and helps us to rest in racing times.

Innovative

Innovation has been key to the survival of cannabis culture. Since the prohibition of 1928, people across Ireland and the UK have had to become innovative in how we cultivate, distribute and consume cannabis to avoid persecution.

Jazz

Many renowned jazz musicians credit their experimental melodies, slurs and phrases to cannabis use. The bending of time and tempo coincide with expansive properties associated with herbal use.

Much of our terminology for cannabis emerged through the jazz industry. Rollups became known as "jazzy" or "jazz" cigarettes, while the industry's icons sang about "reefer", "blow' and "zaza".

Jazz was also a pinup argument for early pot prohibitionists. Rooted in the musical rhythms of West Africa and the Caribbean, jazz became a platform for cultural celebration as well as challenging racism and inequality.

The genre's popularity strengthened community amongst people of all skin colours and ancestry - something which deeply disturbed the white ruling classes of the 1920' Western world. The incorporation of  spiritual hymns, field chants and "slave songs" in jazz music also seemed to poke a nerve.

Jazz music was touted to "encourage sexual relations across coloured lines" which warranted heavy policing of both jazz clubs and musicians. Pot prohibition was a convenient way to further oppress the black community under the guise of dangerous trumpets and high-hats.

Kind

Getting "high" means we are vibrating in a higher frequency. This is where we tend to express ourselves through high vibrational emotion such as joy, compassion and kindness. Cannabis shows kindness in the ways it aids our body, mind and spirit.

Laughter

One of the greatest joys of cannabis use is the increased laughter reflex. Cannabis drives mood boosters in the body such as serotonin and dopamine through the body, sending high vibrations through our neurotransmitters. In this altered state, everything becomes a lot funnier. Laughter is a wonderful medicine and is also contagious.

Cannabis can also lower our inhibitions and we find ourselves teetering on the brink of laughter at somewhat inappropriate times... which as we know only makes it funnier!

Mother

Cannabis is regarded as a feminine mother spirit. When we slow down and connect deeper to the plant, we feel its motherly embrace which wraps us in softness and challenges our fears. It is no coincidence that the female cannabis plants are the ones which bear potent flowers, offering the medicine and the magic.

Natural

Cannabis is naturally derived from our environment - no chemicals, no toxins, no add ins. Yet, we're encouraged to consume unnatural products and live unnatural lives.

Omnipresent

Widespread across the the world, cannabis' omnipresence can be seen (and smelled) in media, fashion, medicine, music and cultures around the world.

Preventative

We don't have to be sick to get better.

Cannabis is regarded a powerful preventative against many health challenges due its ability to reduce blood pressure and inflammation, regenerate healthy cells, increase appetite and immunity, regulate sleep, manage anxiety and open our neuroplasticity.

Contrary to the touted "gateway" theory, cannabis is a proven preventative from unhealthy relationships with alcohol and other substances which are often abused.

Question

One of the greatest "dangers" of cannabis use is our tendency to start asking questions. We begin to see beyond the distraction aired by ruling classes and challenge ways of being which feel unnatural to us. Cannabis also encourages us to think of questions outside the box.

Religion

Cannabis has formed religion in every sense of the word. A gift from nature which helps us feel closer to the divine, relish in wonder and love thy neighbour.

Inspiring rituals, festivals and literature for millenia while having no set rules or agenda (except maybe, the three-puff-pass agreement).

While many perceive Rastafarianism as a cannabis religion, the herb is regarded as a sacred tool for tuning into Jah life force - rather than being centralised around the plant itself.

Sacred

The use of cannabis as a sacred tool predates written history. Evidence of its place as a sacred plant can be found in most ancient traditions - used as a an entheogen for spiritual and communal development.

Truth Drug

Cannabis tends to lower our inhibitions and reveals more honest, truthful version of ourselves. It has also been weaponized in warfare as a punishment or interrogation tactic.

Umbrella

Cannabis is an umbrella term for thousands of different plant strains which produce various qualities, textures and effects.

Versatile

The versatility of this herb is unlike any other. Used effectively for recreational, medicinal, creative, spiritual, and industrial purposes - cannabis proves to be one of the most multipurpose plants known to humans.

Weed

While this term relates to cannabis' adaptability to grow in most climates and environments, the term weed became more popularised as part of the anti-pot propaganda to push the perception as a wild unwanted, useless plant which should be eliminated.

Xenophobia

Rather - the prohibition of cannabis is rooted in xenophobia.

Yureka

Cannabis is a catalyst for many yureka moments which can have a profound impact on the receiver - whether it's nano or macro.

ZaZa

Referring to high quality strains of cannabis, Zaza became popularised amongst herbalists seeking the most exotic and potent plants.

Now we know our ABC's, won't you have a bowl with me?

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