The cannabis plant is versatile in its nature. Throughout time it has been used for medicine, for food consumption, as a source of fuel in the form of oil, and for materials such as paper and textiles. Cannabis cultivation dates back to ancient civilizations, to almost 3000 years in the past.
Notably, cannabis is closely associated with marijuana, which consists of the dried leaves of the plant. The legislation on the use of cannabis has varied across countries and states, but as it slowly becomes decriminalized, the benefits of the plant are being highlighted. Here are 3 prominent uses of the cannabis plant:
Medicine
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Cannabis has had its controversy when it comes to medicine. The use of cannabis has been disputed but as more research is conducted, CBD oil medicinal benefits continue to stand true. As CBD oil provides all the relief and benefits of cannabis without the ‘high’, it has become a significant contender for treating various medical ailments.
Epilepsy & Seizures
The FDA has recently approved the use of medical CBD oil as a treatment of epilepsy. CBD oil has been proven to reduce seizures and work with those individuals who have not taken to an alternative treatment in the past. The oil in question is over 98% pure and has been monitored closely within clinical trials. More research is being conducted on the treatment as the varied legislation and limited access to trials have made it difficult to approve. Nonetheless, it has been given the go-ahead to treat two forms of epilepsy.
Hemp
Hemp refers to the fibers, leaves, and seeds of the cannabis plant. Compared to marijuana, hemp does not contain enough THC to make it intoxicating in its effects. As a result, hemp fiber has been used to make paper and textiles for a large amount of time.
Hemp fabrics are proven to be up to 3 times stronger than cotton and are one of the most sustainable fibers to use. As hemp is a low-impact crop, its growth and production of fibers are favorable.
Biofarming
Organic farming is also referred to as biofarming. This refers to the process in which chemicals are omitted and the maintenance of the ecosystem is favored. The cannabis plant contributes to this as hemp is a fantastic crop for shading out weeds, contributing to crop rotation, and adding diversity.
When it comes to crop rotation and soil health, hemp is ideal. The plant detoxifies the soil by pulling out impurities and limiting the exposure of preexisting chemicals for its neighboring plants.
It also supports the limitation of soil erosion and reduction of CO2 emissions. Not to mention, hemp decomposes to rejuvenate the soil by adding nutrients back into it.
Versatility
The cannabis plant is truly versatile. From recreational uses to medicine, textiles, and bio farming, it is a crop that is able to provide numerous benefits. As a plant, it is able to purify the air by taking in more carbon dioxide than trees, lending itself to being extremely eco-friendly and beneficial.
As fibers, it is strong, durable, and lightweight, providing the ideal summer clothing. Most significantly, as more of its medical uses are uncovered, it provides a large amount of pain alleviation and positive benefits to those who use it.
As research into hemp continues, there is no doubt that it will become a well-known and well-used product for sustainability and health.
