YOUR GUIDE TO CANNABIS
Written by Rebecca Neisler
THE HISTORY OF DMTCannabis has a history stretching back over 10,000 years, with archaeological evidence of its use in ancient China, India, Egypt, and the Middle East. The plant was revered in Ayurvedic medicine, Taoist alchemy, and spiritual rituals.In India, cannabis (bhang) has long been associated with Shiva, the god of transformation and destruction, used ceremonially for meditative focus and transcendence. Ancient Chinese pharmacopeias listed it for pain relief, rheumatism, and “forgetting sorrows.”In the West, cannabis was included in 19th-century medical texts until prohibition in the early 20th century. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified it as a Schedule I drug, halting research for decades.Today, legal reform and medical cannabis programs are re-legitimizing the plant. Over 40 U.S. states and dozens of countries now recognize its medical benefits, and adult recreational use is legal in several jurisdictions.→ Explore next: [The Global History of Psychedelics and Plant Medicines]
Interesting Facts
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The word “canvas” comes from cannabis, as hemp fibers were used to make sailcloth.
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The human brain produces natural THC-like compounds (endocannabinoids).
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Some psychedelic practitioners combine cannabis with breathwork or meditation to induce visionary states.
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CBD may counteract psychosis and anxiety, acting as a “psychedelic stabilizer.”
→ See also: [Combining Cannabis with Psychedelics: Synergy and Safety]
INTRODUCTION
Cannabis is one of humanity’s oldest psychoactive plants—used for millennia in medicine, ritual, and recreation. Once demonized and criminalized across much of the world, it is now undergoing a profound renaissance as societies rediscover its therapeutic and spiritual value.
Unlike classic psychedelics, cannabis is a psychoactive plant rather than a hallucinogen in the strict sense. Its effects depend on strain composition (THC:CBD ratio), dosage, and mindset. While often mild compared to LSD or DMT, at higher doses—or when consumed as potent edibles—cannabis can produce deeply introspective, visionary, or even mystical experiences akin to low-dose psychedelics.
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THE HISTORY OF CANNABIS
Cannabis has a history stretching back over 10,000 years, with archaeological evidence of its use in ancient China, India, Egypt, and the Middle East. The plant was revered in Ayurvedic medicine, Taoist alchemy, and spiritual rituals.
In India, cannabis (bhang) has long been associated with Shiva, the god of transformation and destruction, used ceremonially for meditative focus and transcendence. Ancient Chinese pharmacopeias listed it for pain relief, rheumatism, and “forgetting sorrows.”In the West, cannabis was included in 19th-century medical texts until prohibition in the early 20th century. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified it as a Schedule I drug, halting research for decades.
Today, legal reform and medical cannabis programs are re-legitimizing the plant. Over 40 U.S. states and dozens of countries now recognize its medical benefits, and adult recreational use is legal in several jurisdictions.
CHEMICAL & PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Botanical Classification
Scientific name: Cannabis sativa L., Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis
Family: CannabaceaeActive compounds: Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, CBN), terpenes, flavonoids
Key Psychoactive Components
Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Primary psychoactive component; binds to CB1 receptors in the brain to produce euphoria, sensory alteration, and introspection.
Cannabidiol (CBD): Non-psychoactive; modulates THC’s effects and provides anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and neuroprotective properties.
Terpenes: Aromatic compounds (like myrcene, limonene, pinene) that influence mood, aroma, and subjective effects through the entourage effect.
Pharmacology and Biochemistry
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a neuromodulatory network that regulates mood, pain, appetite, memory, and homeostasis.
The ECS includes:
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CB1 receptors: Concentrated in the brain and central nervous system; mediate psychoactive effects.
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CB2 receptors: Found mainly in immune cells and peripheral tissues; mediate anti-inflammatory effects.
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Endocannabinoids: Naturally occurring molecules like anandamide (“the bliss molecule”) and 2-AG that mimic THC’s actions.
THC is a partial agonist at CB1 receptors, altering neurotransmitter release (especially dopamine and GABA), while CBD acts as a modulator, influencing serotonin and TRPV1 pathways.
Absorption and Metabolism
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Onset:
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Inhalation (smoking/vaping): 1–5 minutes
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Edibles: 30–120 minutes
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Sublingual oils: 10–30 minutes
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Peak Effects: 1–3 hours (inhaled), 2–5 hours (oral)
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Duration: 2–8 hours depending on dose and route
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Metabolism: Primarily hepatic (CYP2C9, CYP3A4 enzymes); converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent psychoactive metabolite (especially in edibles).
THE CANNABIS EXPERIENCE
Psychological and Sensory Effects
Cannabis alters perception, mood, and thought, producing a range of effects from relaxation and euphoria to enhanced sensory awareness and introspection.
Common effects include:
Heightened sensory perception (color, sound, taste)
Time distortionIncreased introspection and creativity
Laughter and social bonding
Spiritual or meditative awareness (particularly with high-THC strains or edible doses)
At higher doses, users may experience transient anxiety, paranoia, or looping thought patterns—similar to mild psychedelic confusion.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Therapeutic and Medical ApplicationsModern research validates many traditional uses of cannabis. The National Academies of Sciences (2017) review concluded substantial evidence supports its use for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis spasticity, and chemotherapy-induced nausea.Common Clinical UsesChronic pain (especially neuropathic)Anxiety and PTSD (low-dose or CBD-rich preparations)InsomniaSeizure disorders (especially CBD for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes)Appetite stimulation in cachexia or HIV/AIDSInflammation and autoimmune regulationEmerging evidence also points to neuroprotective and antidepressant effects mediated by CBD and minor cannabinoids.
LEGAL STATUS
As of 2025, cannabis is legal for medical use in 40+ U.S. states and recreational use in 24 states. Federally, it remains a Schedule I substance, though pending legislation may reclassify it. Internationally, Canada, Uruguay, and several European nations have legalized or decriminalized cannabis for adult use.
RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS
While cannabis is physiologically safe (no known lethal dose), psychological and developmental risks warrant caution—especially for young users or those predisposed to psychosis.Short-Term RisksImpaired memory, attention, and coordinationAnxiety or panic attacksParanoia or transient psychosis (high-THC use)Dry mouth, increased heart rateLong-Term RisksTolerance and dependence (estimated 9–10% of users)Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)Impaired motivation and cognition with chronic heavy useElevated risk of psychosis in genetically susceptible individuals (Di Forti et al., Lancet Psychiatry, 2019)
HARM REDUCTION & RESPONSIBLE USE
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Start with low doses (especially with edibles).
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Avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.
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Stay hydrated and eat beforehand.
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Avoid driving or operating machinery.
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Take “tolerance breaks” to maintain sensitivity.
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Use CBD to balance THC’s intensity if anxiety arises.
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Choose safe, legal, and tested sources to avoid contamination.
PREPARING FOR YOUR JOURNEY
WHAT TO EXPECT
INTEGRATION & REFLECTION
Cannabis can serve as both medicine and mirror—a plant that reveals inner states through subtle amplification. When used consciously, it may enhance therapy, meditation, or creative work. But its gifts are best accessed through moderation, intention, and respect.
Integration practices include journaling, breathwork, time in nature, and mindful abstention to observe how insights manifest.
References and Further Reading
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.
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Di Forti, M. et al. (2019). “High-potency cannabis and the risk of psychosis.” The Lancet Psychiatry.
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Blessing, E.M. et al. (2015). “Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.” Neurotherapeutics.
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Russo, E.B. (2011). “Taming THC: Potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.” British Journal of Pharmacology.
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Hurd, Y.L. et al. (2019). “Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals.” American Journal of Psychiatry.