When:
🗓️ April 21
Where:
🌐 Everywhere
Since:
April 21, 2015
Also known as Hemp Day
International Hemp Day: Celebrating the Many Forms of Cannabis
Today, we’re going to talk about an event that’s sure to leave you feeling… elevated.
We’re talking about a plant that has been a source of controversy, curiosity, and creativity for centuries.
Cannabis, also known as hemp, has been used for thousands of years by humans, and for good reason.
From medicine to textiles, fibers to rope, this plant is incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re a fan of the practical products or rather prefer the therapeutic qualities from this versatile plant, today is the perfect time to explore the many wonders of cannabis in its many forms
So, let’s dive in and get ready to celebrate the many forms of hemp and cannabis with us.
The Many Names and Forms of Cannabis
Cannabis, hemp, and marijuana are all synonyms for the same plant species: Cannabis sativa.
The term “cannabis” comes from the Greek word for hemp, while “marijuana” and “ganja” come from Mexican Spanish and Hindi, respectively.
There are three main types of cannabis varieties, although botanists disagree about how much they really differ because all of them are actually sativa, they cross pollinate perfectly together but they’re a little different in type.
Funny fact about cannabis is that it’s a “dioecious” plant species, which means that there are “female” plants and “male” plants. They pollinate by wind.
So, when in bloom the male plants wave their little “dangling balls” flowers and the female plants catch the pollen from those ball-like flowers on their ehm “sticky bits”…
Another fun fact: The part that people smoke or eat for the psychoactive effect are the female flowers, because that is where the sticky secretions that we know as “hash” are the most concentrated.
Yes, when you enjoy getting high, you enjoy the “female” “sticky bits” of cannabis plants.
Whether you wanted to know that or not, now you know!
The Weedy Working Horse of the Cannabis Family
The first one is industrial hemp, also known as Cannabis ruderalis. Ruderalis means that this is the weedy type that can grow almost everywhere. It’s the most feral of the cannabis trinity.
Cannabis ruderalis has low levels of psychoactive compounds.In other words it has low levels of the thc that recreational herb-fans value so much for getting stoned.
Ruderalis does however contain higher levels of CBD which is valued for its medicinal oil.
This plant is also the cannabis of which every part can be used.
The fibers of Cannabis ruderalis are among the strongest plant fibers that can be used for rope and textiles.
Even the bark freshly stripped off the plant is useful for pretty strong makeshift string.
Apart from strong threads, hemp is also a great material for making paper, biodegradable building materials, vegetables and the seeds can be eaten as a snack, in the muesli or be pressed for oils.
Cannabis ruderalis may not be the head-candy you were looking for, but excels in its practical uses and was one of the favorite plants of our ancestors.
The Groovy Twins
Then there are the two types of psychoactive cannabis plants: Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.
These two are hard to distinguish. Especially since, as said before, all these three plants are actually Cannabis sativa.
The main difference is that Cannabis indica is mainly grown outside in warmer climates, while the sativa name is usually given to cannabis grown indoors under grow lights.
There is a lot of debate about the differences between these varieties, but when researched and scientifically tested no conclusive distinctions are yet documented.
The debate about the psychoactive effects of both varieties is complicated by the fact that cannabis reacts strongly to the circumstances in which it grows up. Thus levels of THC and CBD will also vary wildly with light levels and levels of humidity, and so on.
The Origin of International Hemp Day
International Hemp Day was created in 2016 by Thcint, a company that sells a wide range of hemp products.
The date of April 21 was chosen because it falls between two other important dates for cannabis enthusiasts: 420 Day (April 20) and Earth Day (April 22).
The date was chosen to highlight the importance of cannabis as a sustainable crop that has the potential to benefit both the planet and its inhabitants.
How to Celebrate or Attend International Hemp Day
Now, let’s get to the fun part – how to celebrate International Hemp Day!
Whether you’re looking for being practical and constructive or you just want to get “wasted”, there are plenty of ways to indulge in this wonderful plant.
- Try out some foods with hemp. Whether it’s psychoactive hemp or the industrial healthy vegetable or seeds. Or candy that is flavored like cannabis, just for fun.
- Get some good weed: This goes without saying, but make sure you’ve got some quality stuff to smoke, eat, or vape.
- You can keep it simple and just enjoy some good weed with friends, or you can go all out and throw a party.
- Meet new people: If you’re feeling adventurous, go out and meet new people who share your love of cannabis. Attend a local event or try a new dispensary.
- Spend the day outside and enjoy the beauty of nature while using a hemp-based sunscreen or insect repellent.
- Have a movie night with friends and watch documentaries about the benefits of cannabis.
The most important thing is to have fun, be safe, and share your experience on social media using appropriate hashtags #InternationalHempDay, #HempDay and #CelebrateCannabis.
Safety Tips for Celebrating International Hemp Day
While cannabis is generally safe, it is important to use it responsibly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- When you are trying to make crafts with hemp fibers, be careful with your skin. Fibers can be rough. But lucky for us there are also great skin care products with hemp.
- Be mindful of the environment. Don’t litter or damage public property while celebrating.
- Be mindful of the local laws. Don’t get caught with anything that is illegal or looks illegal.
- Avoid overconsumption, especially if you’re a novice. Start with a small amount and wait for its effects before taking more. Especially edibles take some time to kick in. Go slow. Overconsumption can lead to uncomfortable side effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and nausea.
- Smoking is unhealthy. Think twice before you decide to smoke anything except salmon.
- Don’t drive while high: This is just common sense. If you’re going to be using cannabis, make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take public transportation.
- Take breaks: If your celebration involves sedentary activities, like watching movies or playing video games, make sure you take breaks to stretch and move around. A groovy dance party or some simple exercises can go a long way.
- Stock up on vitamin enriched fruit juice if you want to get high. Hydration, vitamins and moving your body can do wonders for a THC-induced anxiety attack. If you feel bad, keep calm, take a big glass full of fruity goodness and get moving. Even if you don’t feel like it, just “get out of your head” and your head will clear up.
- Stay hydrated. Water is good for you.
- If you are using cannabis for medicinal purposes, make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and dosage instructions.
- Finally, be sure to keep any cannabis products out of reach of children or pets, as they can be harmful or extremely uncomfortable if ingested.
With a little bit of caution and common sense, though, you can enjoy International Hemp Day safely and responsibly.
In Conclusion
International Hemp Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many wonderful things that cannabis has to offer.
From its rich history to its wide range of modern applications, there’s no denying the power and potential of this versatile plant.
So, get in your comfiest hemp shirt, nibble on some hemp seeds, stay curious and keep celebrating all the amazing things that life has to offer!
And if anyone ever asks you why you’re celebrating International Hemp Day, just tell them that Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so!
After all, life is too short to waste on worrying about what others might think.
Happy International Hemp Day!
