A while back, we shared thirty stoner thoughts to ponder while high. This time, we’re switching the focus to questions specifically about weed.
Whether you’re a die-hard stoner or just starting out, you probably have some random weed questions you really want to be answered, such as “where does weed come from?” and “does weed make sex better?”
Well, you came to the right place! Your favorite Tacoma dispensary is answering these questions and more with this special random weed questions blog post. You might even find the answer to a question you didn’t even know you had!
1. Where does weed come from?
Cannabis has a long, complicated history. We won’t get into the entire timeline, from discovery to legalization, but we’ll give you a peek into where weed comes from.
Many ancient cultures grew cannabis, not to get high, but to use as herbal medicine. This likely started in Asia around 500 BC. The plant was later introduced to Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Hemp fiber was used for a wide variety of things, from making clothing to using the seeds as food.
Because the plant grows quickly and is easy to cultivate, it was grown widely throughout many parts of the world. These early hemp plants had very low concentrations of THC, and there appears to be some evidence that some ancient cultures were aware of the psychoactive effects the plant provides. They may have even used some varieties with higher levels of THC in either religious ceremonies or healing practices.In fact, some residue and seeds were found at some religious and funeral sites that are over 2,500 years old. Researchers have even found residue and seeds at much older sites.
Fast-forward a bit to the 1830s, when Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor studying in India, found cannabis extracts reduce stomach pain and nausea in people afflicted with cholera. This discovery resulted in cannabis extracts being sold in pharmacies and doctors’ offices all throughout Europe and the United States by the late 1800s as a treatment for stomach problems and other conditions.
These are the first uses of medicinal cannabis. Recreational use, however, started a bit differently.
The Iranian nomads called the Scythians, in Central Asia, were observed by Greek historian Herodotus inhaling the smoke from burning cannabis seeds and flowers as a way of getting high.
Hashish was very popular throughout the Middle East and parts of Asia following the 800 AD mark. Its growth directly correlated to the spread of Islam in that area. The Quran did not permit drinking or using other intoxicating substances, but did not strictly prohibit cannabis use.
These are the first documented uses of recreational cannabis.
2. How many states have legalized weed?
Since 2012, eighteen states and Washington, DC, have legalized recreational marijauana for adults ages twenty-one and older. Thirty-seven states have legalized medical marijuana. So, the majority of US adults have access to cannabis these days, whether it be for medicinal or recreational use.
3. Why does some weed turn purple?
We talked a lot about purple weed in this post, discussing whether or not purple weed is truly more potent. You see, not all weed can turn purple. Only some strains have that special ability. What makes a strain turn color is the presence of a family of compounds known as anthocyanins. The concentration of these compounds circulating through a plant’s system is what determines the different shades of purple in strains with that changing ability. Anthocyanins are a colorant that also give strains their reds and blues, and are also present in many fruits and vegetables.
Certain conditions influence the color and stability of anthocyanin pigmentation, mainly temperature, light, and pH.
4. Does weed make sex better?
This is one of the most pressing of the random weed questions we get. While the answer is pretty subjective, yes, weed can make sex better.
But, how exactly does weed act as an aphrodisiac?
For starters, one of the biggest hurdles individuals have to overcome when enjoying an intimate moment, either with a partner(s) or solo, is being completely present in the moment. We’re talking not being distracted by the long To-Do List looming overhead, but rather a complete letting go and total relaxation of mind, body, and soul. Weed has the profound ability to promote deep relaxation – even sedation – of the mind and body, while also getting creative juices and energies flowing, which for many can lead to a heightened sense of pleasure during sex.
There are also the neurological and physiological benefits of weed that are primarily brought on by the terpenes and cannabinoids present in the strain you’re enjoying. Terpenes (the compounds that make strains smell and taste a certain way) are responsible for the different effects of a strain, from euphoric and energetic to deep sedation and couch-lock. Cannabinoids, in turn, activate and communicate with certain receptors located within the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. Together, the terpenes and cannabinoids produce an “entourage effect”, wherein the individual parts work together synergistically to create greater effects and a very individualized experience.
There’s also a physical reason as to why weed makes senx better. Weed is a vasodilator, which means it increases the blood flow, making your already-sensitive bits even more sensitive.
But, just as with anything else, personal preference plays a salient role in your experience. Some strains may cause arousal for some, but put others right to sleep. Others may find they get too hyper for intimate time. Browse our menu to find strains that work for you!
5. Do dabs smell?
Yes. Dabs do smell. They don’t smell as much as flower, mind you, but they do have a smell. After all, you’re heating up a super potent cannabis extract, inhaling the vapor, and then exhaling that vapor back into the air. Yes, it will have a smell.
That being said, the smell is nowhere near as strong as if you were to smoke a bowl or light up a blunt indoors. The dab will carry a scent of weed, and will smell like the terpene profile of the strain you are dabbing, but it won’t be as strong as a flower smell and it won’t linger in the room for as long. Opening up a window or turning on a fan should dissipate the scent pretty quickly.
The other thing is dab pens. Many people think these are completely odorless and therefore 100% discreet. News flash: They also produce a distinct scent. They don’t produce as large of a vapor cloud, so there is less of an aroma, but the smell is still there.
Read our tricks for getting the smell of weed out of the house!
6. Which cannabis species has five leaves?
The leaves of the ruderalis cannabis plant have five to thirteen leaflets and are quite similar in appearance to indica leaves. The only real difference in appearance is ruderalis leaves are a bit smaller and narrower. Ruderalis cannabis grows wild and does not contain nearly as much THC as the other species of cannabis.
7. Why do dabs make you sweat?
This is probably one of the most popular of the random weed questions by dab fiends. Why on earth do dabs make you sweat so much?
Dabbing is well-known for causing the “dab sweats”, and many people think it has to do with the potency of the concentrate being dabbed. However, the dab sweats actually have more to do with the coughing than the actual dab itself. The process of your body sweating profusely starts with the coughing fit, which directly correlates to the size of your dab.
You generally get the dab sweats after taking a dab that’s just a tad too big, resulting in an unpleasant coughing fit that feels a bit like dying. Coughing is your body’s natural reaction to the presence of foreign chemicals in its lungs. When you take a large hit, your lungs fill up with foreign substances, especially if chemicals are used to produce the concentrate.
Your body tries to expel some of the foreign substances by coughing. As you cough, you interrupt the body’s natural inhale-exhale pattern, thereby interrupting the amount of oxygen your body is receiving. Dabbing is also interfering with the oxygen flow, leading to some light-headeness after a large dab.
In the process of all this coughing, the body starts to require a higher level of oxygen to expel the foreign substances. Finding itself insufficient in oxygen levels, the body begins to sweat.
The dab sweats!
Do you have more questions? Want to talk to the budtender, but aren’t sure what questions to ask? Check out this post on questions to ask your budtender!
Disclaimer: Marijuana has intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of Marijuana. Marijuana, in any form, should not be used by individuals that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Marijuana is intended for use only by adults 21 and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. This product may be unlawful outside of Washington State.
