The Evolution of Cannabis Consumption: From Flower to Edibles to Concentrates
Tracing back to centuries ago, cannabis has been a part of human civilization, used for varied purposes such as medicine, religious practices, and simple relaxation. Over the years, it's consumption method has evolved from traditional methods to more modern and innovative approaches. In this blog post, we intend to traverse the journey of our relationship with cannabis – from its rudimentary use as a flower to the invention of edibles, and further on to concentrates.
Chapter 1: Cannabis as a Flower
The earliest traces of cannabis use link back to ancient China, where it was widely used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. The most common form of cannabis consumption was the flower, also known as 'bud'.loose-leaf form. Consumption often involved either inhaling the smoke of burnt cannabis flowers or consuming it directly.
In essence, the flower is the smokable part of the cannabis plant and contains a complex blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which together define the overall experience of the user. These compounds are responsible for effects ranging from psychoactive to analgesic and from euphoric to relaxing. The use of the flower offers the full, unaltered spectrum of compounds present in cannabis, often referred to as the 'entourage effect'.
Chapter 2: The Advent of Edibles
Fast forward to the early 20th Century, and the consumption of cannabis began to change. The war on drugs and the prohibition era resulted in creative approaches to discreetly consume cannabis. One such innovation, still cherished today, are cannabis-infused edibles.
Historically, cannabis edibles began as cannabis-infused teas and pastries. Their popularity skyrocketed with the release of the 'Alice B. Toklas Cookbook' in 1954, which included a recipe for "hashish fudge." This marked the first mainstream mention of a cannabis-infused edible, sparking intrigue and fascination in Western culture.
The potency of edibles is measured in milligrams of cannabinoids, with THC being the primary psychoactive compound. Unlike smoking or vaping, consuming cannabis edibles offers a different experience characterized by a slower onset but a longer-lasting high. The effects of edibles also tend to be more intense, as the cannabinoids are metabolized into a more potent form by the liver.
This form of consumption has evolved significantly over the past few years. Today, you can find cannabis-infused oils, butter, gummies, hard candies, chocolates, beverages, and a plethora of other bakery items. The popularity of edibles is also favored by those who wish to consume cannabis for its medicinal properties without the health risks associated with smoking.
Chapter 3: The Rise of Concentrates
With technological advancements and a deeper understanding of the cannabis plant, the latest evolution of cannabis consumption has been towards concentrates. Much as the name suggests, cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts that contain an exceptionally high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
The idea behind concentrates is quite simple. It's all about isolating the most beneficial compounds of cannabis (like THC and CBD) and removing the excess plant material and potential toxins. The result is a high purity product that delivers a potent experience in a small dose. There are many types of cannabis concentrates currently available, each with unique methods of extraction: 1. Hash: This is one of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrates, made by compressing the plant's resinous trichomes. 2. Butane Hash Oil (BHO): BHO is a potent concentrate extracted using butane as a solvent. It comes in various forms such as shatter, wax, and honey oil. 3. Rosin: This is a solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash. 4. CO2 Oil: This concentrate is extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide, producing a clean and potent oil often used in vape cartridges.
With advancements in technology, the cannabis industry now provides safe and efficient methods for the production of these concentrates. They are increasingly popular among medicinal cannabis users who require high doses of cannabinoids and recreational users seeking a more intense experience.
Conclusion
From the simplistic consumption of the cannabis flower to the innovative creation of edibles and concentrates, the evolution of cannabis consumption has broadened its appeal and accessibility. The advent of newer methods of consumption has not only diversified how cannabis can be enjoyed but has also allowed us to harness its full therapeutic potential more effectively.
As we look towards the future of cannabis, it's clear that continuous innovation, research, and regulatory advancement are the keys to fully unlocking its potential. Nonetheless, it's an exciting era to witness and be a part of the ever-evolving journey of cannabis.
