Cannabis frequently asked questions
Did the founding fathers of the United States love cannabis?
George Washington: Hemp was cultivated for many years at the historic home of George and Martha Washington, Mount Vernon, located just south of Washington, D.C.
Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson bred his own hemp phenotypes for differing fiber uses.
What is industrial hemp?
High-cannabinoid cannabis (high in CBD and less than 0.3% THC = CBD hemp)
Low-cannabinoid cannabis grown for the seeds found in pollinated female flowers, and/or fibers found in the stem.
What is marijuana?
High-cannabinoid cannabis (more than 0.3% THC = marijuana)
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is a single species (Cannabis sativa L.) with many cultivars and varieties, including industrial hemp grown for hempseed, industrial hemp grown for fibers, industrial hemp is cannabis grown to produce high concentrations of cannabinoids and ideally no seeds, and marijuana is cannabis grown to produce high concentration of cannabinoids and ideally, no seeds.
Is it cannabis or Cannabis?
Writing cannabis with a lowercase c is appropriate for most situations, but if you're specifically referring to the entire species, then capitalizing and italicizing the word indicates that.
Is CBD psychoactive?
Yes. CBD is psychoactive and non-intoxicating.
A psychoactive/psychotropic drug means a substance that changes how you think or feel, and some can cause intoxication. Examples include aspirin, caffeine, nicotine, antidepressants, and alcohol.
Is THC psychoactive?
Yes. THC is psychoactive and intoxicating, like alcohol is.
Did the founding fathers grow cannabis?
Yes, there is historical documentation outlining the extensive history of hemp in the United States prior to cannabis prohibition that was imposed through the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which criminalized all types of cannabis throughout America. Hemp and marijuana can't be distinguished by sight or smell, so all cannabis was banned across the board.
1616: The first English settlement Jamestown uses hemp fiber to produce various textiles.
1633: On August 21st Act VIII was passed by the seat of government for Jamestown at the time, the general assembly of James Citty, ordering every farmer provide and sew hemp and flax seeds.
"An act to repeale the 25th act made the 4th of September 1632, and that Hempe and Flaxe be planted. IT is ordered, That the 25th act made 4th day of September 1632 be repealed and voyd. And that every planter as soone as he may, provide seede of flaxe and hempe and sowe the same." LAWS OF VIRGINIA AUGUST, 1633 −−− 9th CHARLES 1st. ACT VIII.
Early 1700s: Several colonies required to grow a certain amount of hemp acreage.
1760s: George Washington begins growing hemp at his Mount Vernon estate, experimenting with hemp fibers for various uses.
1776: The first drafts of The Declaration of Independence were recorded on hemp paper.
1841: U.S. Congress required the U.S. Navy to purchase hemp from American farmers for making ropes and sails for ships.
1850s: Hemp seed oil used as lamp oil.