Diem Blog

The Recreational Revolution

Over the past several years, laws have shifted surrounding the legalization of marijuana. Currently, twenty-nine states in the U.S. allow some type of legal use, and seven states have adopted laws which have legalized cannabis for recreational purposes.

Legalization of recreational marijuana use has revolutionized the industry. The shift has sparked more research and better information to the public allowing marijuana products to better suit a wide array of therapeutic needs. Consumers are now able to choose forms of cannabis based on their preference and desired outcome. At Diem, we believe that all types of people can benefit from cannabis use, whether it’s to help them sleep, relax after a long day, or rid themselves of a headache.

The legalization of recreational marijuana has flipped the cannabis economy and put the power into the consumer’s hands. Before legalization, consumers would have to settle for whichever strain of cannabis their hookup had on hand. Compare this to the selection and consumption of various types of wine. Buyers want a choice in regards to the year, type, and region for the kind of vino they drink. And why shouldn’t they? The same goes for marijuana.

Simply put, legalizing cannabis has allowed consumers to purchase certified products that best fit their needs. With thorough testing and accurate labeling, people are able to smoke, vaporize, or otherwise consume cannabis products safely. This minimizes the risk of taking too much of a product or consuming a type that may not best suit their needs.

Additionally, CBD products are now available to anyone who prefers less of a mental effect of cannabis but could benefit from its other advantages. Without the mind-altering properties of marijuana, CBD offers a different set of medical benefits.

So What is CBD?

CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of many compounds found in the marijuana plant, often referred to as cannabinoids. Despite some misinformation, CBD is not psychoactive like it’s counterpart, THC. The substance has gained popularity over recent years due to its long list of medicinal and therapeutic benefits.

How is CBD Different than THC?

THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most active ingredient found in cannabis. Marijuana contains both THC and CBD, but each of the compounds produces a different set of effects. THC is better known for altering a person’s state of mind upon consumption, and produces the effects that people have historically associated with cannabis.

Although THC is the main psychoactive component of marijuana and has its own list of medical uses, CBD has gained popularity in recent years due to its non-psychoactive properties and wide range of medical implications.

CBD oil can be derived from hemp or cannabis. Hemp CBD oil will contain zero milligrams of THC and is regulated by the FDA. CBD oil can also be produced from a cannabis plant and is available for everyone over the age of 21 in states that have legalized recreational use as well as those approved for medical marijuana. In this case, it will contain a certain percentage of THC, but may produce more notable medicinal benefits than CBD oil derived from hemp. However, hemp CBD is legal in all 50 states without a prescription.

Benefits of CBD

CBD has a wide range of therapeutic uses, making it an extremely versatile and useful supplement. Because of its ability to reach a wide range of receptor systems in the brain, CBD can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Inflammation
• Pain
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• Addiction
• Appetite suppression
• Childhood epilepsy

How is CBD Taken?

CBD is typically taken orally in concentrated oil drops or ingested through various forms of edibles including chocolate, honey sticks, or capsules. When taken orally, the cannabinoids will be broken down through the body’s digestive system. Some people also consume CBD by vaporizing the oil or smoking a cannabis flower that contains a very low percentage of THC and significantly more CBD. CBD products can also be taken through the skin with lotions, creams, balms, or patches.

The New Normal

Those who are hesitant about experimenting with recreational marijuana because of a preconceived notion regarding its psychoactive effects are now able to experience a new side to cannabis. The long list of medical benefits of CBD has helped the marijuana industry to reclaim cannabis as a useful supplement instead of a stigmatized drug.

CBD is safe to try and a great option for those who are curious about a natural alternative to over-the-counter sleeping supplements and anti-inflammatories as well as prescription anti-anxiety and pain medications. Negative connotations surrounding impairment caused by cannabis use are a thing of the past. CBD allows you to reap the medicinal benefits of marijuana without the psychoactive effects.

At Diem, we believe that cannabis is for everyone. In fact, for those who may have experimented with marijuana before its legalization and disliked the mind-altering aspects, trying CBD may open your mind to an alternative side of cannabis. We offer a variety of cannabis products including CBD in our Salem, Oregon cannabis dispensary. We also offer a wide selection of recreational cannabis products for delivery in Salem and Portland, Oregon.