Home The many uses of the cannabis plant
News and Views

The many uses of the cannabis plant

AFP
cannabis industry
Photo Credit: Ayehab

A lot of people believe that the only thing the cannabis or marijuana plan is good for is recreational drug use. In fact, that could not be further from the truth as there is a handful of uses that cannabis is an incredible option for.

So, let’s go over some of the best uses for cannabis and why they should be the preferred option compared to the competition.

Food

It might be hard to image a cannabis plant being a source for food, but that is actually believed to be one of the oldest uses for it, dating back hundreds or even thousands of years.

Hemp seeds are great food options for animals such as birds. In fact, it is believed that bird seed is the most common use of hemp see in the United States.

It is also a great option of food for people. It can be cooked into porridge, or baked into a filling bread.

Industrial

Since before recorded history, people have used hemp as building and textile material. One of the reasons why it is so valuable in these industries is because of how quickly they grow. Instead of waiting for years for a tree to grow large enough to create paper out of it, hemp and cannabis can grow to full maturity in a fraction of the time.

More recently, researchers have begun to explore of hemp could be an alternative fuel source for machines to help get the world off of fossil fuels and coal. The current sources of energy cause massive pollution which have had incredible impact on the world’s climate. Cannabis, on the other hand, can be safely turned into biodegradable biomass.

Recreational Use

This probably isn’t much of a surprise that this ends up on the list. Cannabis is of course most well-known for its feminized hemp seed to be used recreationally.

For decades, cannabis was considered to be a part of the counterculture. It was demonized for years but has more recently made massive gains in terms of entering the main stream. Cannabis is now legal for recreational use in 10 states, with many more having decriminalized the drug. While there are still some holdouts, especially in more conservative states, there is an undeniable trend towards legalization cross the country.

This is good news for the millions who enjoy cannabis, as it is believed to have fantastic physical and mental benefits with very few side effects.

Medical Use

Cannabis is widely used for medical purposes. Growing amounts of research have shown that it has a therapeutic value for those dealing with chronic illnesses or pain. It may be able to alleviate symptoms a variety of illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, and more.

Other illnesses cannabis has been used to treat include multiple sclerosis, spinal chord injury and disease, arthritis, glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, insomnia, and even end of life care.

Just from this short article is is clear how many uses cannabis has. No matter your opinion on the matter, it is hard to deny that it will continue to be an important part of many different industries and fields.

 
 

 




Featured Video

 

AFP

AFP

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora and YouTube. Support AFP by signing up for our newsletter and/or powering our work with a one-time or monthly contribution.

Latest News

James Franklin Virginia Tech
Football

Was James Franklin really trying to complain about not having an airport nearby?

waynesboro map
Local

Waynesboro: School Board at critical juncture in search for new superintendent

The search for a new Waynesboro Public Schools superintendent is reportedly down to three finalists, with the goal of the Waynesboro School Board to have an announcement about the hire of a new superintendent by the end of the month.

westwood hills elementary school
Local

Westwood Hills community honored for heroism during Sept. 2 school shooting

Teachers, staff, first responders and community members who protected students and support families during and after the tragic events at Westwood Hills Elementary School on Sept. 2 were honored with a surprise Dawbarn Education Award at a ceremony on Wednesday night. Waynesboro Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Cassell accepted the award on behalf of the...

soccer
Go 'Hoos, Sports

Men’s Soccer: Virginia gets past Notre Dame on PKs, advances to ACC Quarterfinals

acc football
Football

ACC Football: Two big games in primetime on Friday, Saturday, this week

uva basketball team
Basketball, Go 'Hoos

UVA Basketball: ‘Hoos have work to do to clean things up after win in opener

callie schaeffer warren schaeffer
Baseball

Broadway, Virginia Tech grad had a Rocky Mountain summer with the Rockies