Cannabis is officially the fastest growing industry in the United States coming in hot at a 74% growth rate, according to Arcview Market Research.
This also means that a horde of new research is constantly coming out in support of marijuana use. Since all of the breaking news can be tough to keep up with, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the weirdest, wildest weed facts you’ve ever heard.
As they say, couples that smoke together are…less likely to commit domestic violence?
Yes, that is correct. Studies have shown that cannabis users are less likely to commit domestic violence than non-cannabis users. Weed naturally reduces aggression because your reactions are slowed down, therefore, you are also slower to consider something or someone a threat.
That Woodstock weed couldn’t keep up with today’s marijuana
Yes, that’s also correct. Modern marijuana is roughly six to seven times more potent than marijuana in the 70s. Selective breeding and hydroponics are, in large part, behind the higher concentration of THC.
Hemp could save the forests
Hemp can be turned into paper products, biodiesel, and concrete, among other things. In fact, this component of cannabis has the potential to produce enough value to replace 12 trees per plant. Our dependence on fossil fuels and timber would be dramatically reduced with a newfound emphasis on the hemp.
Cannabis contains 111 varieties of cannabinoids
THC and CBD are the most common cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Despite their stardom, there are over a hundred other supporting cast characters in the cannabinoid world of marijuana.
The munchies are a very, very real thing
On average, cannabis users have smaller waists and lower BMI than non-cannabis users — despite the fact that they also consume an extra 600 calories per day. While marijuana increases appetite, it serves the dual function of improving digestion and boosting metabolism, which is why it can be used as a treatment for individuals suffering from eating disorders.
We’re all just living in a big, wide, weed world
Nearly 200 million people worldwide — almost three percent — use cannabis. It’s been used for thousands of years for spiritual purposes, but now, it’s becoming mainstream and accepted as a recreational and medicinal plant. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug on the planet.
Is the skinny stoner stereotype legit?
Marijuana decreases your chances of obesity by about thirty-three percent. Researchers hypothesize that it could be, at least partly, because of how cannabis assists in blood sugar regulation.
Cannabis is basically a high-maintenance house plant
Did you know that federal regulation and the criminalization of marijuana actually ends up turning it into an energy-waster?
Here’s how: Since cannabis is often not permitted to be grown outdoors, it forces growers to do their work indoors. Nearly one third of all weed is cultivated indoors. Without the sunlight that helps the plant thrive, they have to use specialized lights, which use about seven power plants-worth of electricity nationwide — enough to power nearly two million households.
The government is shooting itself in the foot by criminalizing weed
Besides being an energy-waster, forcing people to grow indoors, the complete legalization of marijuana would allow all states to generate upwards of 10 billion dollars from cannabis taxes. The states also spend nearly four billion dollars enforcing cannabis laws.
Cannabis isn’t addictive — for most people
For most people, cannabis isn’t addictive. However, for about ten percent of the population, marijuana does have an addictive effect. It’s the least likely to hook people of any of the major drugs, but it still can, so once again, know thyself and act accordingly.
There’s a decent chance your grandma or grandpa blazes
Nearly ten percent of adults age 50 and older smoke recreational weed. Add medical to the mix, and you might be surprised at how many elderly folk are hot-boxing the retirement bus.
Marijuana and IQ have an interesting relationship
Cannabis users who smoked 5 joints a week or less had higher IQs than non-smokers, according to a study by Carleton University. The study involved 70 participants. Extreme smokers had lower IQs than the moderate smokers.
It’s tough to say whether or not, the act of moderation itself is reflective of high IQ or if perhaps cannabis in moderate amounts has a positive effect on the brain. But it seems that in moderate amounts cannabis isn’t necessarily harmful to one’s intelligence.
