Thread by @WIRED

#Happy420! There’s a lot of misconceptions about cannabis in the world, but here’s one central truth: it's a powerful medicine that can help treat what ails the human body. It’s also ... very complicated. Let us guide you through the, er, haze. 1/ wired.trib.al/qy2EZnz

A bit of history: The cannabis plant probably originated in Central Asia, and may have been one of the first plants cultivated by humans. In addition to its psychoactive charms, cannabis gave growers nutritious seeds to eat and useful fibers for rope. 2/ wired.trib.al/qy2EZnz

The ancient Chinese deity Shennong, or “God Farmer,” recommended that cultivators grow “hemp elixir” to treat the sick. Cannabis has a particularly rich history in India, where it has been used for thousands of years as a spiritual aid. 3/ wired.trib.al/qy2EZnz

Scientists have already determined that cannabis can treat a range of ailments, from glaucoma to inflammation. And a smattering of studies have shown that CBD might work to fight anxiety and inflammation, but the science is far from settled here. 4/ wired.trib.al/KmLXNM6

A common distinction you’ll hear cannabis enthusiasts tossing around when talking about strains is indica (relaxing) versus sativa (uplifting). The bad news: science says that dichotomy is mostly meaningless. 5/ wired.trib.al/qy2EZnz

In the US, the government has waged a war on cannabis—which has had a massively disproportionate effect on black Americans. But recently, state after state has been calling out the DEA’s absurd claim that weed should fall in the same category as heroin. 6/ wired.trib.al/qy2EZnz

So as recreational legalization becomes more common, well-funded corporations want in on the action. Thus, Big Cannabis sets up big indoor grow operations that churn out cheap weed, while small growers try to position their product as artisanal. 7/ wired.trib.al/53zPFCh

Want to learn more? Read our full guide to cannabis here: 8/ wired.trib.al/qy2EZnz

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