I’m probably as high as smoking weed writing this article
(Weed. That’s it. That’s the joke.) (Healthline, 2018)
“Pot’s good for you bro!”
“It’s from the ground, dude,” (How To Spot A Pothead, 2012).
Weed, otherwise known as marijuana, cannabis, or pot, is a commonly memed topic-- it’s probably why the majority of you are reading this article and also why I’m writing this article. To celebrate 4/20, let’s discover the roots and the highs of weed.
Weed is believed to have evolved in Central Asia around 500BC before being introduced to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. No, (most) people back then weren’t using it to get high. Weed’s fibers were used for textiles and ropes, and the seeds were used as food (History.com, 2019).
These early forms of weed were low in levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that “gets you high bro.” There’s some evidence that ancient cultures knew about weed making you “high,” and that may have cultivated some varieties to produce higher levels of THC for use in religious ceremonies or healing practices (History.com, 2019).
Weed is now considered illegal in many places due to the various harmful side effects of it. However, there are places, such as California, who have legalised the medical use of it, as the effects of THC (aside from its mind-altering effects) also affects areas of the brain to lessen nausea and promote hunger. As of June 2019, weed has also been legalised for recreational use in Washington, D.C. as well as 11 states, and no doctor prescription is needed to smoke weed in 9 of those states. So if for some reason you do want to smoke weed, go to Alaska, California, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Vermont or Oregon (History.com, 2019). This article does not endorse improper recreational usage of weed whatsoever. (Inappropriately used) drugs-- not even once.
Weed started out as a plant used for textiles and ropes, but now is a plant to joke about and smoke. Truly a plant with great potential.
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