Colorado was one of the first two states to legalize the recreational use of marijuana when a popular initiative successfully amended the state’s constitution in 2012. Although the mere possession of marijuana is still a federal offense, other jurisdictions have since followed in the footsteps of the Centennial State. Since January 1, 2014, citizens of Colorado have been allowed to own and purchase marijuana in its different forms.
Marijuana has been cultivated by humans for millennia. In recent memory, its attractiveness has grown more for its recreational and medicinal use, although hemp has also been grown by humans for its fiber. Indigenous to Asia, it is a plant that can easily thrive anywhere and can grow in as fast as within two months’ time.
Some of its more recent repute is owed to the success stories of some cancer patients. However, no study has found that marijuana is indeed a cure for cancer or any disease, nor does it provide more satisfactory results than already available medicines. Its growing demand hails more from the current popularity of natural medicines and remedies as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. While overdosing on marijuana is uncommon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still notes that it has possibly harmful side effects that can result in injury.
Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, is the key ingredient for the form of marijuana best for medicinal purposes. At present, CBD oil Colorado customers can safely purchase the product online even without the need for a medical license. At least one study has found it safe for pain relief especially for the terminally ill.
Despite the support that marijuana has enjoyed in the past decade, it is still best to moderate use to avoid symptoms like an increased heart rate, nausea, and confusion. Heavy use has been seen to affect cognitive functions that can present up to days after consumption. Although research has also associated marijuana to unemployment and criminal behavior, the National Institutes of Health questions the causality of marijuana to these incidences.
At the end of the day, it is probably best to err on the side of caution and leave the use of recreational marijuana at home. It can indeed improve the quality of life of patients in its medicinal form but CBD influence affects concentration in professional activities. Repeated use has been noted to lead to both minor and major accidents, since you are more likely to die due to actions done under the influence than overdosing on the drug itself.
Marijuana has long travelled the world and humans will continue to take advantage of this plant for an even longer period of time. Although many countries still treat marijuana as illegal, the outlook seems positive with laws in America gradually growing more relaxed to it. Increased demand can only lead to more research conducted to test its perceived benefits. With its roots in nature, people can find it as a safer alternative to powerful drugs, and it can now be easily purchased online, over the counter, and even at local food stores.
