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Introduction

Cannabis, a plant that has been a part of human history for thousands of years, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity as its myriad of uses become increasingly recognised. From its strong fibres used in textiles and paper to its nutritional and medicinal properties, cannabis has proven itself to be a truly multipurpose plant. This article will delve into the various aspects of this versatile plant and explore how it has been utilised throughout history and across cultures.

The History of Hemp: A Material with Unmatched Strength

One of the most well-known uses of cannabis is in the production of hemp, a material derived from the plant's strong fibres. These fibres have been used for millennia to create durable cloth, rope, and paper. The Vikings, known for their seafaring prowess, utilised hemp to construct sails for their ships, enabling them to voyage from Scandinavia to Nova Scotia. In the United States, Betsy Ross sewed the first flag from hempen cloth, and the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. Even the now obsolete German currency, Deutsche Mark, were once printed on hemp paper.

The use of hemp extended beyond these applications, as seen in the Netherlands, where windmills were built specifically to crush hemp stalks. This demonstrates the importance of hemp in various industries and highlights the plant's incredible versatility.

Cannabis as a Nutritional Powerhouse

While the strength of its fibres may have initially attracted humans to the cannabis plant, its potential as a food source likely played a significant role in its widespread cultivation. Cannabis seeds, or hempseeds, are packed with essential nutrients such as polyunsaturated fats, essential fatty acids, and proteins. These qualities qualify hempseed as a functional food, meaning it provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

For over three thousand years, Asian cultures have utilised hempseed as both a food and a medicine. Despite the prohibition of cannabis products in the United States, hempseed has been allowed for use in food over the last two decades. This highlights the recognition of its nutritional value and potential health benefits.

Cannabis Resin: A Source of Medicinal and Psychoactive Compounds

The resin produced by the cannabis plant is another aspect that has garnered significant attention due to its medicinal and psychoactive properties. The compounds found in cannabis resin, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), have been the focus of breeding efforts to increase their production. These efforts have led to the development of various cannabis drug chemotypes around the world, with some cultivars producing only THC, others producing both THC and CBD, and a few expressing propyl THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) and/or CBDV (cannabidivarin).

The medicinal uses of cannabis resin have been widely researched, with evidence suggesting its effectiveness in treating conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and more. The psychoactive effects of THC have also led to the recreational use of cannabis, which has sparked debates surrounding its legalisation and regulation.

Environmental Benefits of Cannabis Cultivation

In addition to its myriad uses, cannabis cultivation offers several environmental benefits. Hemp plants are known to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, making them an effective tool in combating climate change. Furthermore, hemp requires fewer pesticides and herbicides than many other crops, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

Cannabis can also be used as a source of biofuel, offering a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Additionally, the fast growth rate and low water requirements of hemp make it a sustainable crop, capable of providing resources without causing significant strain on natural resources.

Conclusion

Water hash, a favourite method of making cannabis concentrates worldwide, has gained significant popularity due to its pure and potent characteristics. This article will delve into the details of water hash, its production methods, its surge in popularity, and how it competes with solvent hash.

Understanding Water Hash

Water hash, also known as bubble hash, gets its name from the efficient water-based process used to collect glands from the trim, leaf, and bud bits of the cannabis plant. It is essentially a loose, kief-type product that can be smoked directly or pressed into traditional hashish form. The result is a pure and potent product that quickly wins over many who experience it.

Production of Water Hash: Simplicity and Precision

One of the main attractions of water hash is its simple production process. It can be made in small or large quantities, depending on the user's needs. The ready-made systems available in the market have significantly simplified the process. These systems have enhanced the precision and efficiency of the water hash production process, contributing to its increasing popularity.

For those who prefer a DIY approach, it's possible to make water hash using home-gathered equipment. The key components include ice, water, cannabis material, and specially designed "bubble bags" that help filter out the trichomes from the plant matter. This simplicity makes it an accessible option for many.

The Rise of Water Hash Popularity

Over the past two decades, water hash has dominated the world of cannabis concentrates. Its popularity stems from its pure and potent nature, which offers users a high-quality experience. Additionally, the absence of harmful solvents and chemicals in the extraction process makes it a safer choice, not only for consumption but also for production, as there's no risk of explosions or exposure to hazardous materials.

Competition with Solvent Hash

However, water hash's reign is being challenged by the rise of solvent hash. Products like wax, shatter, budder, and oil have begun to replace bubble hash on many dispensary shelves in the United States over the last few years.

The competition from solvent hash has forced water hash makers to up their game. Ultra-fine water hash is now being marketed as "solventless" wax, reflecting a level of distrust about poorly made butane-tainted products. High-grade water hash is also excellent for edibles, and the best of it is indeed dabable.

The Safety of Water Hash

One of the significant advantages of water hash is its safety. The production method doesn't involve any sketchy chemicals or pose a risk of explosions. This safety factor, combined with the pure and potent nature of the product, continues to make water hash a preferred choice for many.

Introduction

The history of paper is as diverse and fascinating as the countless texts that have been printed on it. From ancient scrolls to modern books, paper has been a critical medium for preserving knowledge, art, and culture. One of the most remarkable chapters in this history is the story of hemp fibre and pulp paper. This article delves into the incredible role that hemp played in the development of paper, from its origins in ancient China to its widespread use in Europe and America.

Hemp's Early Beginnings in Papermaking

The use of hemp in papermaking dates back to the 1st century A.D., when the Chinese first developed the process. Hemp paper was not only more durable than the papyrus used by the Egyptians, but it was also cheaper and easier to produce. This innovation allowed the Chinese to develop an extensive written record, which contributed to their advancements in science, technology, and culture.

The Spread of Hemp Paper to Europe and America

As trade routes expanded, the art of hemp papermaking spread across Asia and eventually reached Europe in the 12th century. By the 15th century, hemp paper was the preferred choice for many important texts, including the Gutenberg Bible. Its durability and quality made it the ideal material for Bibles, maps, paper money, stocks, bonds, newspapers, and even early drafts of the Declaration of Independence.

Hemp paper continued to be widely used in Europe throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, with notable works such as Rabelais' Pantagruel and the King James Bible being printed on it. In the 19th century, authors like Mark Twain, Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas, and Lewis Carroll also relied on hemp paper for their literary masterpieces.

Hemp Paper in Colonial America

In colonial America, hemp paper was a valuable resource. The colonists used discarded sails and ropes made of hemp to produce paper, recycling materials that would have otherwise gone to waste. They also used worn-out clothes, sheets, diapers, curtains, and rags made from hemp and flax fibres to create paper.

This practice of recycling hemp materials not only demonstrated the thriftiness of the colonial Americans but also contributed to the longevity of their written records. Hemp rag paper was the highest quality and longest-lasting paper ever made, capable of withstanding wear and tear for centuries. In fact, many U.S. government documents were written on hempen rag paper until the 1920s.

The Impact of Hemp Paper on Knowledge and Science

The widespread use of hemp paper played a significant role in the dissemination of knowledge and the advancement of science. In Asia, the durability of hemp paper allowed for the preservation and sharing of knowledge across generations. This helped to establish the region's reputation for superior scientific understanding compared to the West.

In Europe, however, the Roman Catholic Church's restrictions on reading and writing hindered the spread of knowledge for centuries. This period, known as the Dark Ages, saw the suppression of books and other written materials, which stifled intellectual progress. Despite these challenges, hemp paper remained a vital medium for preserving and sharing knowledge throughout Europe and beyond.

The Decline of Hemp Paper

By the late 19th century, the use of hemp paper began to decline. The introduction of wood pulp paper and the rise of the timber industry led to a shift away from hemp-based products. Although hemp paper was more durable and environmentally friendly than wood pulp paper, it was unable to compete with the cheaper and more readily available alternative.

Conclusion

Introduction: A Return to Hemp

The need for sustainable building materials has never been more pressing, and the answer may lie in an ancient plant: hemp. This versatile crop, cultivated for over 10,000 years, is making a comeback in modern construction due to its exceptional properties and environmental benefits.

The Environmental and Economic Advantages of Hemp

Hemp offers a promising alternative to traditional timber-based materials. According to research conducted by Dewey & Merrill (Bulletin #404, United States Dept. of Agriculture, 1916), one acre of hemp produces as much cellulose fibre pulp as 4.1 acres of trees. This makes hemp a highly efficient source of material for pressed boards and particle boards, as well as concrete construction moulds. Moreover, hemp cultivation requires less water and fewer pesticides than traditional crops, adding to its environmental appeal.

Superior Strength and Flexibility: Hemp vs. Wood

In addition to its environmental advantages, hemp also outperforms wood in terms of strength and flexibility. Between 1991-1993, William B. Conde of Conde's Redwood Lumber, Inc., in collaboration with Washington State University, demonstrated that hemp composite building materials surpass wood fibre in these key areas, even when used in load-bearing applications like beams. The economic implications of this are significant, offering the potential for cheaper, more resilient buildings.

Isochanvre: The Mineralising Power of Hemp

One particularly intriguing application of hemp in construction is the creation of isochanvre, a material made from hemp hurds mixed with lime. This unique substance petrifies over time, turning into a mineral state that can last for centuries. A testament to its longevity, archaeologists have discovered a bridge in southern France, built during the Merovingian period (500-751 A.D.), using this process.

Hemp in Carpeting: A Strong, Healthier Choice

Hemp also has a long history in carpet manufacturing, where its strong, rot-resistant fibres provide an ideal backing material. Today, hemp carpeting offers a compelling alternative to synthetic materials, which release toxic fumes when burned and can trigger allergic reactions.

Plumbing with Hemp: A Renewable Solution

Even in areas as unexpected as plumbing, hemp presents a viable alternative. Plastic plumbing pipes, traditionally made from non-renewable coal or petroleum-based feedstocks, can be manufactured using renewable hemp cellulose. This not only reduces our dependence on fossil fuels but also contributes to a circular economy.

Envisioning a Future Built on Hemp

The concept of Cyber Monday was first introduced in the United States in 2005 by Ellen Davis and Scott Silverman of the National Retail Federation. This term was coined to mark the first Monday after Thanksgiving, a day that had been observed as a significant online shopping period. The idea behind Cyber Monday was to encourage people to shop online, a relatively new concept at the time.

In the early 2000s, retailers noticed a trend where consumers, fresh from their Thanksgiving celebrations, would return to work on Monday and make use of high-speed internet connections to browse and buy items online. Recognizing this trend, marketers seized the opportunity to create a new shopping holiday, thus Cyber Monday was born.

Cyber Monday: A Digital Revolution

Cyber Monday marked a digital revolution in the retail industry. It was an attempt to replicate the success of Black Friday, a long-standing post-Thanksgiving tradition that involved brick-and-mortar stores offering significant discounts. However, Cyber Monday was designed with the online shopper in mind, providing a convenient platform for those who preferred to avoid the bustling crowds of Black Friday.

In its inaugural year, Cyber Monday sales reached $484 million. By 2010, sales had more than doubled to over $1 billion, making it the biggest online shopping day of the year in the United States. This growth continued unabated, with Cyber Monday sales reaching a record-breaking $9.4 billion in 2019.

Global Influence of Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday quickly gained popularity beyond the borders of the United States. Countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, UAE, Egypt, and others adopted this shopping tradition, each adding their unique spin to the event. In some regions, Cyber Monday has even surpassed Black Friday in terms of sales and customer participation, solidifying its position as a global phenomenon.

Impact on E-commerce

Cyber Monday has had a profound impact on e-commerce. It helped accelerate the shift from traditional in-store shopping to online platforms. The rise of Cyber Monday also prompted retailers to invest in their online presence and improve their digital infrastructure to handle the increased traffic and sales.

Moreover, the advent of Cyber Monday has led to the development of new technologies and strategies for online marketing, customer engagement, and logistics. It has pushed retailers to innovate and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of online consumers.

Cyber Monday: Today and Beyond

Today, Cyber Monday is more than just a day of discounts—it's a critical event in the retail calendar that influences shopping behaviours and trends. It continues to evolve with advancements in technology, changes in consumer behaviour, and the global economic landscape.

As we look to the future, it's clear that Cyber Monday will continue to shape the world of e-commerce. Whether through the introduction of new technologies like augmented reality (AR) shopping experiences, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for personalised marketing, or the expansion of mobile commerce, Cyber Monday promises to remain an exciting fixture in the global retail landscape.

A Friendly Reminder

Introduction

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. In recent years, it has gained significant attention due to its potential therapeutic effects without the 'high' associated with marijuana. CBD oil is one of the most popular forms of consuming CBD, but a common question among users is, "How long does CBD oil take to work?" The answer isn't straightforward because several factors influence the absorption and effectiveness of CBD oil.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is derived from hemp plants that have high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) while having low levels of THC. At a very high level, the extraction process involves applying heat or pressure to these plants, which allows the CBD to be separated. The end product is a substance rich in CBD but no THC, the psychoactive component found in marijuana.

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of CBD Oil

Method of Consumption

The method of consumption plays a crucial role in determining how quickly CBD oil begins to take effect.

- Sublingual Administration: This method involves placing drops of CBD oil under the tongue and holding it there for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. The mucous membranes in the mouth absorb the CBD directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This method typically allows for quicker absorption, often within 15 to 45 minutes.

- Ingestion: When CBD oil is ingested, it must pass through the digestive system and liver before reaching the bloodstream, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

- Topical Application: Applying CBD oil directly to the skin allows it to be absorbed through the skin's surface and interact with localized cannabinoid receptors. This method is often used for localized pain or skin conditions and may take up to an hour to feel the effects.

Dosage

The dosage of CBD oil can also impact how quickly its effects are felt. Higher doses will generally be felt more quickly than lower doses. However, it's recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effect.

Individual Factors

Several individual factors can influence how quickly CBD oil works. These include body weight, metabolism, diet, and the specific symptoms being treated. For example, a person with a faster metabolism may process CBD more quickly than someone with a slower metabolism.

The Onset of Effects and Duration

As mentioned earlier, the onset of effects can vary greatly depending on the method of consumption. Sublingual administration typically results in effects within 15 to 45 minutes, ingestion can take 30 minutes to two hours, and topical application can take up to an hour.

Once the effects are felt, they can last anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the method of consumption, the dosage, and individual factors. For instance, when taken sublingually, the effects of CBD oil may last for two to four hours, while the effects from ingestion can last up to six hours.

Conclusion

The cannabis plant, known for its diverse uses and adaptive nature, has an intricate relationship with its environment. The environmental conditions combined with the plant's genetic makeup ultimately determine its phenotype. This article delves into the ecological requirements of cannabis, focusing on sunlight, temperature, water, and soil.

Sunlight and Cannabis: A Symbiotic Relationship

Cannabis plants are heliotropic and thermophilic, meaning they have a preference for sunlight and warmth. However, unlike many crop plants, cannabis can tolerate shade to some extent. Its biomass and production of pollen and seed may be reduced in shaded areas, but survival is still possible.

Optimal growth occurs in exposed places where the plant doesn't have to compete for sunlight. Open environments such as those created by stream erosion, landslides, or human landscape alteration provide suitable habitats. These disturbed soils are essential for the establishment of feral populations, which originate from escapes from cultivation. Seeds need crevices in the soil to sprout safely; otherwise, they risk being consumed by birds or small mammals or drying out if they germinate atop the soil.

Temperature: A Key Factor in Cannabis Growth

Cannabis is adaptable to high temperatures provided there is sufficient water and nutrients, but it cannot withstand extreme cold. Seedlings and young plants show more frost resistance than mature ones. Traditionally, hemp is planted in late spring and harvested at the end of summer to avoid cold temperatures and short day length of autumn.

Temperature variation impacts the plant's transpiration rate, which determines how fast it loses moisture. In hot, dry climates, the high transpiration rate makes cannabis susceptible to wilting. However, glandular trichomes around the inflorescences protect reproductive tissues from drying out, slowing water loss and reducing surface temperature.

Water: Essential for Cannabis Survival and Flourishing

Cannabis can survive with relatively small amounts of water, except during germination and establishment. It thrives in well-drained soils with ample water supplies, but stressful arid conditions or waterlogged soil can cause severe stunting and death.

Water deficiencies negatively affect root proliferation, branch and leaf development, flower formation, seed production, and resin secretion. The Farmer’s Cyclopedia notes that hemp requires about 110 days for growth and at least 10 inches of rainfall during this period. If the free water level in the soil is within 8 to 10 feet from the surface and the soil has good capillary action, hemp will not suffer from drought, even with little rainfall.

Soil Conditions: A Determinant of Cannabis Growth

Soil condition is another crucial factor in cannabis cultivation. It prefers well-drained soils where ample supplies of water are available. However, it can also adapt to a variety of moisture conditions depending on its use. For instance, the long fibrous cells in the stalk are more durable and flexible when grown under mild humid conditions. In contrast, these cells are less developed and more brittle in hot and dry environments, impacting the plant's utility for fibre production. Seed yield and quality also decrease in crops starved for water.

Conclusion

Terpenoids, also known as terpenes, are the aromatic constituents of essential plant oils and are found in a multitude of natural substances such as spices, fruits, and vegetables. These compounds contribute significantly to the fragrances we encounter daily, from the scent of perfume to the aroma of cannabis. With over 30,000 types identified, terpenes are the most common plant chemicals in nature. They are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe food additives, and interestingly, they are pharmacologically active and synergistic with cannabinoids.

Terpenes and Cannabis: An Intriguing Relationship

Cannabis produces more than 200 different terpenes, even though cannabinoids themselves do not have any aroma. The subtle variations in psychoactive effects among different cannabis varieties, long observed by users, are beginning to be understood through research on these terpenes and their synergies with cannabinoids. This has led to an understanding of how different strains of cannabis can produce a range of effects, even when they share nearly identical cannabinoid profiles.

In their 2001 paper, "Cannabis and Cannabis Extracts: Greater than the Sum of Their Parts?", John McPartland and Ethan Russo brought wider attention to the role of terpenes in the pharmacology of cannabis. This research has provided valuable insights into the complex interactions between terpenes and cannabinoids in cannabis.

Notable Terpenes in Cannabis

Some significant terpenes found in cannabis include pinene, limonene, myrcene, ocimene, terpinolene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene. These terpenes are primarily found in the plant's trichomes, which are easily discernible to anyone handling cannabis flowers. However, these terpenes are quite volatile, especially the fragrant monoterpenes, and can be quickly lost from dried cannabis without proper storage measures. For instance, in the Netherlands, where the Jack Herer cannabis strain has been gamma-irradiated to reduce microbial counts, terpenes may be destroyed as a result of such treatment.

The Pharmacological Activity of Terpenes

Terpenes are pharmacologically active even at minuscule levels or concentrations, as low as 0.05 percent by weight. Interestingly, cannabinoids may increase the ability of terpenes to cross the blood-brain barrier by enhancing membrane permeability. This is due to the lipophilic (fat-loving) and hydrophobic (water-hating) nature of terpenes, similar to cannabinoids. These properties allow terpenes to interact with a wide variety of receptors throughout the brain and body, contributing to their diverse effects.

Spotlight on Pinene

Among the various terpenes, pinenes — specifically alpha-pinene and beta-pinene — hold a special place. These monoterpenes are found in many conifers and are responsible for the distinct aroma of Christmas trees. They also serve as the principal ingredient in turpentine. The solvent activity of pinene is so potent that it can dissolve soft plastic bags, making them a poor choice for storing cannabis.

Pinene has unique effects on the brain; it inhibits enzyme activity, which aids short-term memory. This property could explain why high-pinene cannabis varieties do not cause the memory issues associated with other high THC varieties. Notably, this terpene is associated with cannabis varieties such as Kona Gold.

Conclusion