Have you ever wondered how is it even possible that consuming cannabis triggers an array of effects one can experience not merely on a physical but also on a mental level
With this in mind, is there a secret key to understanding the unparalleled benefits one can reap when opting for the green medication
Ultimately, is the human body perfectly designed for marijuana use
It might be astonishing to find out that active compounds present in marijuana plants possess an infinite, ancient relationship with the human genome. What’s more, as scientific data suggests, it would be fair to state that cannabis is, indeed, a part of your DNA.
Cannabis and the Big “If Only”…
So, if cannabis is in your DNA, then how come we get to know so little about this merely incredible, invaluable fact The truth is, changing the marijuana stigma turns out to be more complicated than what most of us would even dare to imagine.
It would be irresponsible not to highlight that, for over a century, the anti-marijuana campaigns have managed to cast such deep fears over people’s understanding of cannabis that it might take society another century before the ugly lies regarding marijuana use we’ve been brought up with can be finally erased once and for all.
Furthermore, the marijuana prohibition associated implications did block scientists from conducting cannabis-related research for a long, long time. In return, this blockage leads to significantly slowing down the progress of much-needed cannabis-based scientific studies.
Nowadays, we are just starting to catch up on the numerous life-changing benefits of cannabis consumption.
If only we knew earlier about the foundational relationship between human beings and cannabis, we might have never reached a phase when mankind is on the brink of the most massive ecological catastrophe – the annihilation of nature – due to the dangerous consequences of our misunderstanding and mistreating of the living nature…
As far as the current status of weed in our modern-day world is concerned, we are forced to deal with additional threats posed over the profound relationship of mankind and cannabis, and these threats are (somewhat ironically) related to marijuana legalization.
After all, marijuana legalization has much to do with the way governments choose to regulate cannabis. These regulations affect the number of plants people are able to cultivate legally, the tax revenue collected from cannabis sales, the legal functioning of cannabis businesses, and, in a nutshell, the way the entire cannabis industry operates.
But, will it be ever possible to regulate cannabis And even if it is, where do our sacred human rights start and where do they end Does any government deserve the privilege to regulate the way human beings take advantage of just about any plant that nobody else but Mother Nature has provided in abundance
If only we were blessed to be a part of a reality where cannabis was treated like every other herb on the planet, such as basil, rosemary, or sage…
If only cannabis was to be treated like every other valuable crop such as rice, corn, wheat…
If only cannabis consumption was to be treated like the consumption of any other type of food, such as spaghetti or pizza…
Sure, eating pizza, rosemary or rice does not get you high – at least not in the same sense as consuming cannabis. However, each and every type of food has the ability to alternate your mood (which means it has mental effects on your well-being), as well as your physical health – so, what is the big deal with marijuana anyway
In the whimsical world of cannabis, there are many questions that will receive sensible answers only as time goes by and as our mutual awareness over the effects of cannabis consumption and human evolution expand.
As of now, the best thing we can do is to keep our hearts and minds wide open to a big “if only” in order to embrace perspectives that we are not typically used to embrace in an era predominantly driven by materialism and consumerism.
Cannabis, the Endocannabinoid System, and the Evolution of Mammals
The agricultural history of cannabis is one that dates back to over 12 000 years ago.
And if this seems like quite an immense period of time, it might be even more astounding to learn that the network of receptors which bind with the active compounds in marijuana plants known as the endocannabinoid system has actually involved in primitive animals as far as 600 million years ago!
Without the evolution of the endocannabinoid system, many animals would have never managed to adapt to environmental changes, humans included. To illustrate this better, all vertebrate species are heavily dependent on the proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system.
Sea squirts some of the most ancient animals on Earth make a perfect example of the spectacular way the endocannabinoid system has been and continues to be a driving force of life on our planet.
Now, you may ask yourself, what does the evolution of humans even have to do with sea squirts According to the Tree of Life evolution model (described by Charles Darwin’s work On the Origin of Species), there are deep, profound relationships between both living, as well as already extinct organisms, which altogether have made up and keep making up for the evolution of life on the planet.
In 2017, microfossils of what is believed to be the earliest ancestor of the Tree of Life were discovered in China. Referred to as Saccorhytus, the earliest ancestor of life on the planet is classified into a broad category of creatures estimated to have begun to rapidly develop about half billion years ago, further evolving into diverse branches, including but not limited to vertebrate species such as humans, and nonetheless, sea squirts, sea urchins, and starfish.
It is through understanding the endocannabinoid system how we can gain a whole new perspective on the evolution of our genetic inheritance.
Mind Blowing Discovery: Cannabis Plants, Humans, and the 40% Shared Genome
Unfortunately, sufficient research of the endocannabinoid system in terms of the evolution of life on the planet in conjunction with the role of cannabis on that matter is still rather scarce.
But on the bright side, studies of the cannabis plants’ genome map are rapidly on the rise. Through mapping the genome of cannabis plants, scientists are delving deep into what is referred to as genomic sequencing.
It is the genome that contains invaluable information about the complete DNA set of any living organism. The DNA set is what contains the key instructions when it comes to the growth, as well as the development of an individual.
There is absolutely no doubt that it is the genetic inheritance to determine each individual’s unique traits passed on from generations but even more importantly, it is the DNA that hides the key to each individual’s proneness to particular forms of the disease.
Quintessentially, the DNA of each and every living organism consists of the exact same four bases which are strung together in a sequence. Genome mapping looks deep into the very order of these four bases, in an attempt to understand better genomic sequencing.
By understanding genomic sequencing of cannabis plants, experts will be able to gain a much more reliable, profound awareness of the unique genetics which makes up for the unique characteristics of the different cannabis strains.
In return, the bright hopes for a better, green, cannabis-friendly future are related to being able to systematize different cannabis strains based on their unique genome map.
Thus, we can learn how to create the ultimate, most beneficial growing environment based on the unique demands of each strain, resulting in higher yields without causing damage to the environment but instead, being able to actually restore soil (a process known as phytoremediation).
What’s more, understanding better the genomic sequencing of marijuana plants will pave the path towards a 100% individual-tailored approach to cannabis consumption. This is possible through combining cannabis genomic sequencing and human genome sequencing.
To put it simply, genomic sequencing of cannabis strains will allow for people to be able to receive professional guidelines on which strains will work best to address a very particular issue or condition based on an individual’s DNA.
While we are still at the very brink of cannabis plants’ genome mapping, scientists have already discovered something that is truly fascinating when it comes to the relationship between humans and Cannabis Sativa species.
We, human beings, share over 40% of our genome with cannabis plants!
This important discovery leaves zero places to wonder whether or not cannabis has been a part of the evolution of Life on the planet. The next most solid evidence on that matter is the existence of our endocannabinoid system.
The Endocannabinoid System and Its Role in Evolution of Life on Earth
The endocannabinoid system consists of cannabinoid receptors which are omnipresent in the human body. Amazingly, the cannabinoid receptors are literally embedded in cell membranes, which means that the endocannabinoid system works as deep as on the cellular level once the cannabinoid receptors are stimulated.
The endocannabinoid system is much like a bridge that connects the brain to the body. The endocannabinoid system is in charge of vital functions such as memory, mood, pain management, sleep and appetite, pleasure, healthy cells growth, as well as the inhibition of cancer cells’ growth.
As you get to think of it, each action that takes place in your body is highly dependent on the brain since it is the brain that needs to be able to not only send signals but also to interpret signals sent from other systems in the body accurately.
Many of the mind-and-body actions are so profound to our existence that we are used to taking them for granted.
For example, breathing is impossible in the absence of signals that are sent from the brain and intertwined with the function of the respiratory system. Your mood is also highly dependent on the proper communication between the brain and the body, which is why when consuming cannabis, one can escape from the ravages of stress, depression, anxiety, and even hard-to-control mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
Now, when it comes to cannabis in your DNA, the endocannabinoid system and evolution of life on Earth, it is crucial to highlight that the human body (and the body of all mammals that also possess an endocannabinoid system) is capable of producing its very own endocannabinoids. These endocannabinoids are what naturally binds with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. However, these endocannabinoids are produced by your body “on demand,” and in certain cases, various outer stimuli or circumstances beyond your control such as stress, negative thoughts, viruses, bacteria, and pollution, among others, affect the body’s natural ability to produce endocannabinoids “on demand” which leads to becoming a victim of a particular disease or disorder, dealing with issues such as lack of sleep, negative mood, eating disorders, and many others.
And here is where the profound relationship between humans and cannabis steps in.
Cannabis is the only plant that contains over 400 active compounds consisting of invaluable active cannabinoids (also known as phytocannabinoids) such as THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, terpenes such as Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene, to name a few, and flavonoids. All of these compounds have complexly intertwined, superbly beneficial effects on improving, stabilizing, as well as protecting the well-being and proper functioning of the endocannabinoid system.
With this in mind, the infinite connection between the marijuana genome and the human genome calls for embracing a new, visionary approach to cannabis consumption, and also highlights the urgency of proper utilization of the incredible, unparalleled benefits of cannabis plants.
For thousands of years, humans have been sharing their health, their celebrations, and ultimately, their lifestyle, with cannabis plants. And this is an undeniable fact because cannabis, is, indeed, part of the human DNA which means cannabis has also been an intricate part of the evolution of Life on Earth, even though we were forced to believe that marijuana is a dirty word in the last 150 years.
But, the truth is, there should be zero wonders why we, human beings, share so much of what actually kept us and continues to keep us alive – our DNA – with cannabis plants.
The endocannabinoid system has such a profound share as an essential part of Life that it is only fair to compare it with the utmost significance of natural phenomenon such as the rising of the Sun.
Can you imagine living in a world where the Sun does not rise and it is only darkness that rules our existence
Actually, being a part of such a world might someday become a reality as we are becoming better at mimicking the forces of the living nature.
Yet, even though we can mimic, for instance, natural light by the use of artificial light, we would barely ever find a way to confront the tremendous power of the living nature and various co-related natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes, among others.
But while we cannot possibly confront this disastrous phenomenon, we can make it impossible for such catastrophic events to even take place. And the way to do so is by finally starting to respect the living nature and treating it with the utmost love and respect it deserves for all the abundance it has, is, and will keep providing for us.
Switching from Ego-driven to Eco-driven existence is the biggest quest of the next decades, and in this quest, cannabis is, then again, a major player.
How Growing Cannabis Can Help to Save the Planet
If it wasn’t for the evolution of the endocannabinoid system in primitive animals, it would have been impossible for many of the animal species we know up-to-date, including human beings, to evolve and step into the modern-day world of the 21st century.
So, instead of treasuring cannabis as one of the most sacred plants on Earth, how did we manage to reach a phase when marijuana became massively labeled a dangerous narcotic substance ranking right next to heroin
Well, it seems that the greed of mankind is what also evolved tremendously as years passed by – and it is thanks to people’s greed how we ended up witnessing and participating in the 6th massive extinction of species that is taking place right here, right now, as you are reading these lines.
There is yet a better term used to describe the most significant extinction event in the entire history of mankind (the 6th mass extinction) which has been named the Anthropocene extinction, for it is none other but human activity to trigger the disastrous wiping out of entire ecosystems, driven solely by consumerism and total negligence to the well-being of the living nature.
Being an integral part of the living nature, marijuana plants have been used by the ancient civilizations as mighty tools for alleviating a whole plethora of diseases and disorders. Nonetheless, there is solid evidence our ancestors made use of both non-psychoactive varieties of cannabis plants (hemp plants), as well as various psychoactive cannabis varieties. This gives us a clear idea of the way the ancient folks recognized and utilized not only the highly practical value of hemp for its strong fibers which were used in the production of textile and ropes, among others but also the mind-expanding properties of cannabis.
Without, by any chance, wishing to get into conspiracy theories, it is impossible not to consider the “coincidental” fact that marijuana prohibition took place exactly at the very beginning of the rise of the modern-day pharmaceutical industry, as well as the rise of the modern-day petroleum-ruled automobile industry.
We are currently living in an era that challenges mankind to establish a sustainable, environmental-friendly way of living not because of a fancy flair but in order for mankind to survive.
Interestingly, it seems that one of the secrets to achieving the much-needed, vital balance with Mother Nature is none other but turning back to our roots through exploring the hidden truths about the benefits of cannabis plants.
Indeed, growing cannabis comes with little-known benefits which extend not merely on a personal or a national but also on a global level.
First off, by growing cannabis, regardless if it comes to large scale or small scale operations, growers can consciously help the environment by cultivating cannabis organically. Doing so can immensely help to curb the disastrous effects of mass farming practices that make use of pesticides, herbicides, and non-organic fertilizers.
Secondly, those who choose to grow their very own cannabis plants make up for yet another extremely positive impact on the living nature and the global issues we are faced with nowadays. When you grow cannabis by yourself, you don’t depend on the money-driven mass cannabis grow and sale industry, as most companies continue to apply a totally non-environmental friendly approach to cannabis cultivation.
Mass cannabis growing often makes use of non-organic solutions, and even if it comes to 100% organic cannabis cultivation practices, in order for dry cannabis buds or various cannabis derivatives to reach the stores, this requires transportation which is related to further enhancing the Co2 emissions, as well as packaging which further ends as part of the vicious plastic abuse spiral.
Of course, small scale cannabis growers who cultivate cannabis for personal use cannot possibly grow each and every strain out there, so there is nothing bad in visiting qualified dispensaries and opting for dry cannabis flowers or readily available cannabis products every now and then.
It is not the big, dire, fanatic steps that matter but it is the small, conscious efforts each individual can make in order to help the environment by growing cannabis from seed, reducing waste, reducing over consumption and generally trying to reduce everything that leaves a negative impact on the living nature little by little.
Because, at the end of the day, it is not any government to be blamed for the crisis and misinformation we have been faced with when it comes not only to cannabis use but also to our impact on Planet Earth. If you are one of the people who think a single person is too small to make a difference, then do not forget that there are about 7.7 billion people on the planet and if each individual takes a tiny step into consciously helping the living nature recover, then we will never lose the battle with climate change, soil fertility depletion, and wildlife loss.
Did you know that hemp plants bring 70% of the nutrients back into the soil, while also requiring far less water than most industrial grown crops like cotton That’s exactly why scientists state that hemp is the best eco-friendly alternative to cotton fabrics. Ultimately, hemp can be used for the production of eco-friendly plastics which degrades within as little as 3 months – something that is simply amazing when compared to common plastics that take hundreds of years to degrade.
So, whatever the reason why both hemp and marijuana ended up in the same category of dangerous compounds such as heroin, it is obviously high time that we embrace a higher perspective on the way the human body is a perfectly designed machine for marijuana use. The fact that cannabis is in our DNA is only the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to the numerous beneficial implications of Cannabis plant species.
Is Cannabis Consumption Better Suited to Some Individuals than Others Based on DNA
Many cannabis enthusiasts have that one friend who seems to handle weed quite poorly. He/she would typically get stoned to the bones much faster and much more apparent, despite consuming quite the same amount of cannabis as the rest of the bud buddies sharing the high experience.
For some, marijuana consumption tolerance levels are lower because of the lack of experience with green medication. Because as time goes by, our bodies do inevitably become more used to cannabis, and thus, we develop higher marijuana tolerance levels.
With this in mind, it is also important to take a marijuana tolerance break every once and a while in order to let your body get rid of accumulated cannabinoids. By doing so, you will enjoy a better high afterward. Nonetheless, marijuana tolerance breaks are crucial for medical marijuana patients alike because this helps to reap off better the benefits of medicating with cannabis.
Now, apart from that one friend who seems to exhibit poor marijuana tolerance levels, many cannabis connoisseurs do also have at least one friend who is hard (if possible at all!) to smoke out. But is this only due to high marijuana tolerance levels The answer is neither a firm YES, nor a big NO. The secret of understanding better your marijuana tolerance levels are, then again, hidden in your DNA.
The truth is, it is not merely or solely because of low or, respectively, because of high marijuana tolerance levels why some individuals seem to display a weaker or a stronger tolerance to consuming a particular amount of cannabis. As confirmed by scientists, based on each person’s unique DNA, different cannabis strains prove to trigger different effects in individuals.
The endocannabinoid system of each individual’s body performs differently because each of us possesses a one-of-a-kind genetic inheritance. Because of the differences in DNA, the body of each person has different abilities when it comes to producing its own endocannabinoids such as anandamide, as well as when it comes to interacting with the active cannabinoids found in cannabis plants.
Amazingly, it is as little as about 20% of the world population who are estimated to possess the “feel good gene.” The feel-good gene plays a crucial role in the endocannabinoid system’s activity. Thanks to this gene, the breakdown of the natural endocannabinoid anandamide produced in the body are significantly slowed down. Anandamide is referred to as the body’s natural THC, and the lucky part of about 20% of the world population who possess the feel-good gene are far less likely to experience anxiety and/or low-key attitude, meaning that the same group of people is generally believed to be less prone to opting for cannabis consumption.
Research that took place in 2016 evaluated that people who are dealing with major depression issues are much more likely to get hooked for regular cannabis use due to the mutation of particular genes which increase the chances of establishing a necessity for cannabis consumption.
Above all, it is quite naïve to believe in generalizations when it comes to the way a particular cannabis strain impacts an individual upon consumption since the experienced effects are 100% variable, depending not on a single one but multiple, unique factors, such as a person’s DNA, current physical and emotional state, the particular atmosphere of the place where cannabis is consumed, and so on.
With this in mind, whether or not somebody will experience, paranoia vs. the giggles after ingesting weed cannot be fully and accurately predicted, at least as of now.
To some extent, your genes do determine whether you will be more prone to experiencing, for instance, paranoia or the giggles, however, this is only to some extent.
Much like gaining muscle mass and the role of genes on that matter, not all of us are born with quick, effective muscle gains abilities but how far we can reach in the desired direction whether it comes to building leaner, stronger muscles or establishing a better control over the effects of marijuana consumption as to minimize any of the possible negative effects in favor of the possible positive effects has much to do with understanding better our own selves.
In a nutshell, consuming cannabis involves literally turning on numerous “switches” in the endocannabinoid system because of the impact of the different active compounds found in cannabis (known as the entourage effect). Nonetheless, all of these multiple “switches” are further influenced by variations in each individual’s DNA. Simply fascinating, isn’t it Beautifully, it is because of the mysterious ways cannabis and our DNA interact why consuming weed challenges us to embrace a much more holistic approach to just about any aspect of life. Cannabis can help you realize and appreciate that the magic of Life is hidden in diversity, for there is no strict generalization of Black and White in the living nature but instead, there are millions of shades in between.
For anyone who is willing to tune in with the vibe of the enchanting mysteries of the cannabis genome, growing cannabis turns into an inspirational dance with the Universe itself, growing cannabis becomes the Symphony of Life, turning into the key to being able to fully appreciate the mind-and-body healing benefits of cannabis once you become one with the gorgeous cannabis flowers you have witnessed to bloom in front of your very eyes, being the fruit of your sincere, pure love and dedicated care.
Cannabis in your DNA: Final Food for Thought
At this particular point of human existence, we are still fighting to legalize marijuana globally. Thus, thinking about cannabis plants as the best weapon for saving mankind from the ugly, disastrous consequences of human activity on the living nature still seems to be only a beautiful fantasy.
However, things are bound to dramatically change within the following decades. Because in times of crisis, we have no other choice but to look for innovative, sustainable solutions that we have so far neglected or have been denied access to searching for.
Cannabis has been a part of the evolution of life on the planet for more than thousands of years. Cannabis plants have numerous beneficial implications which extend far beyond what is visible to the eye at the very first sight.
From eco-feeding, eco-clothing, as well as building eco-friendly shelter and tools for the growing global population, cannabis plants can provide and will keep providing a deeply spiritual experience of a shared reality, of a shared purpose that drives humans towards achieving not only personal health, well-being, peace, and harmony, but also implying these same invaluable gifts of cannabis growing and consumption for the well-being of all the people across the globe.
It is high time to make use of the latest of what we have learned of human ingenuity, and to thrive with cannabis plants since cannabis is in your DNA, no matter how crazy it may seem to realize that a single plant holds the key to unlocking and regulating the healthy function an entire network of neurotransmitters, and in fact, the biggest network of neurotransmitters in the human body the endocannabinoid system.
