The cannabis and THC market is expanding, gaining social acceptance, and improving in product development. This post will include 5 simple tips to get the high ground in your next discussion about cannabis/THC. Prepare yourself for the stunned reactions you’ll see when you casually mention cannabinoid receptor sites and the dearth of adequate research caused by the antiquated DEA scheduling system. If you enjoy using the phrase “well actually” this post is for you.

Tip 1: Don’t Call it Marijuana. Say THC/Cannabis Products

Avoid using the term marijuana for 2 main reasons.

Reason 1: Although we use the term marijuana, many of marketed products are more accurately described by their chemical composition. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive chemical produced from the cannabis plant. Psychoactive means its the one that gives the main effects associated with cannabis/THC use. Although Delta-9 THC is the most common psychoactive chemical, Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC products produce similar effects and are discussed more below.

Reason 2: The term marijuana came into popular use in the US during the early anti-cannabis movements to make the drug sound foreign to white Americans. Originally spelled marihuana, the drug was subject to fear-based nonsense through ad campaigns and fear mongering (sound familiar?) and linked to minority populations such as Latinos, and more specifically Mexicans (sound familiar?). Harry Anslinger was a leading politician leading the cannabis prohibition efforts sums up the era with this quote:

“There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.”

I challenge you reader to consider that we are not much closer to sensible drug attitudes than the quote above. The propaganda has simply evolved.

Conversation example: “Well actually, the term marijuana is not an accurate description of our current cannabis/THC market. Additionally, the term has racist and xenophobic roots so I prefer not to use those words.” This is how humans speak right?

Tip 2: Find a Way to Use These 2 Terms

Here is where you get to really sound like you deserve a white lab coat and a clipboard. Fun life/job tip: If you carry a clipboard or tablet and walk fast you always look busy.

Term 1 Endocannabinoid (in-do-can-ab-in-oid)

Yeah baby! Work this puppy into your conversation and then condescendingly shake your head when your counterpart is befuddled.

The endocannabinoid system is part of our human physiology that allows us to process and experience the effects of THC products. The term “endo” means “within” and refers to within the body. If you want to know more about how/why we come with this system you can read more here.

Endocannabinoids are chemical messengers called neurotransmitters and help with various bodily processes such as various processes such as energy, appetite, pain, and memory. In short, our body produces these and we are still discovering more about differed endocannabinoids and their functions.

Term 2 Phytocannabinoid (fi-toe-can-ab-in-oid)

Phytocannabinoids are chemicals that come from the cannabis plant and other naturally occurring plants. Phytocannabinoids are the chemicals produced in plants, whereas endocannabinoids are the chemicals produced in our bodies.

If you want to get really fancy; both endocannibinoids and phytocannabinoids act on our internal cannabinoid receptors similar to a lock and key.

Example: “Well actually, while I agree that this weed is strong, Its really the interaction between the phytocannabinoids in the weed with our internal cannabinoid receptors that is producing the effects you are having.

Tip 3: Talk About Mississippi

If you talk to someone who uses/sells cannabis products and you might hear that cannabis will make you smarter, faster, cure cancer, and give you the gift of time travel or flight.

If you talk to a policy maker you might hear that cannabis will make you immediately die, murder your family, and make adolescents commit crime and/or kill other people.

To be clear, I am exaggerating both sides of the cannabis argument to prove a simple point. Our research on cannabis and its effects are awful; and this lack of research is attributed to our drug policies. Because we still use the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) scheduling system, cannabis and related product research is difficult to conduct. Cannabis/THC is still considered a Schedule I Drug according to the DEA, meaning it has no medical benefit and high potential for problematic use.

The only federally approved site for marijuana cultivation and research is the through the University of Mississippi. Cannabis research is still in its infancy, facts are difficult to decipher, and echo chambers on both sides of the argument are a result of our lack of information. Ignorance = fear and other nonsense.

Tip 4: Avoid Whatabouting and Say you Are Avoiding Whatabouting

Yes, the policy and attitudes differences between cannabis/THC products and alcohol or nicotine is ridiculous. However, if you find yourself in this debate, avoid the easy target. No one hears it anymore. Yes, you are correct for being baffled, but this method of debate won’t do much good.

Here is a fun therapist tip: In the olden times, therapists were pretty confrontive, and many still are but its not really effective. A crafty therapist, can help people confront themselves and its not really that complicated. Present information in a neutral way and repeat what the other person is saying and eventually they will see their own contradictions.

Example (if you are ever in this debate even though it should be pretty damn rare these days): Rather than harping on your side of the argument try this “Ah, so what you are saying with your stance is that you value safety and responsibility; and your idea is that the government can bring us these qualities”

Tip 5: Explain the Deltas

Quick final tip, bring in those deltas. Delta 8 and delta 10 are legal products found in cannabis plants. One type of cannabis plant is called hemp which is a federally legal plant used in manufacturing various industrial products. Because the hemp plant contains less than 0.3% THC it is federally legal and through the 2017 farm bill. As such, manufacturers developed and marketed products called Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 which are all forms of THC, the same active ingredient found in traditional cannabis plants.

Because these products contain no quality controls or regulation, their efficacy and purity vary. The terms Delta 8, Delta 9, and Delta 10 simply refer to the chemical composition of the substance. Delta 8 has a chemical bond on the 8th carbon chain of the molecule where Delta 9 has a chemical bond on the 9th carbon chain. Guess where Delta 10’s might be? Also, does anyone care about this part? Not really, but it sounds pretty cool and hopefully helps you understand these terms. Each of the Delta’s produce slightly different effects however, quality controls are sparse, research is poor, and because they must be derived from hemp plants, the products require heavy processing. I will be providing some reviews and information on Delta-8/9/10 products in future posts.

Conclusion

Cannabis/THC policy and products are quickly evolving and most people don’t have the time, energy, or interest to keep up with this process. Use a tip or 2 on this list to both educate yourself and confuse other people because if the world is weird we might as well have some fun with it.