Читать книгу The Marijuana Chef Cookbook - S. T. Oner - Страница 6
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There are many reasons why people choose to cook with marijuana, ranging from concerns about the health risks of smoking to the convenience of being able to carry the drug discreetly. Some medical marijuana users prefer eating the plant to smoking it, since many are not recreational drug users or cigarette smokers, and are therefore not accustomed to inhaling. The resultant high from eating marijuana can be a very pleasant experience in and of itself, and many people treating themselves with marijuana prefer to cook with the plant. When it is eaten, marijuana’s effects range from mild to intense. While there have not been any recorded overdoses as a result of smoking marijuana, the effects of marijuana can be very intense when eaten. If not consumed in moderation, marijuana can induce dizziness, vomiting, and extreme anxiety. Knowing the potential effects that the drug can have on your body will help you weigh the benefits and risks of adding marijuana to your diet.
The most potent of all the chemicals contained in marijuana is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or delta 9 THC. THC comes in many forms, called isomers. The THC isomers are subgroups of cannabinoids (monoterpene compounds) of which at least 50 have been isolated. The interaction of these cannabinoids causes a high that varies from strain to strain and gives each plant its distinct scent. For example, some highs tend to be more euphoric, while others cause drowsiness and relaxation. When marijuana is eaten, depending on the ingestion method, the psychoactive effects are dramatically different due to the various pathways through which the chemicals are absorbed into the body.
When marijuana is smoked or inhaled, the THC transfuses almost instantly through the thousands of capillaries on the surface of the lungs. Increasing the contact with the capillaries increases the amount of THC in the smoke that will, in turn, be assimilated into the bloodstream. As a rule, marijuana smoke should be held in the lungs for at least twenty seconds — and up to fifty seconds — in order to absorb the maximum amount of THC.
Once it is in the bloodstream, the THC travels to the brain where it binds to certain receptors — receptors that appear to be designated specifically for this task. The presence of these receptors is often used to bolster the theory that an ancient genetic link exists between humans and marijuana. Another school of thought maintains that THC mimics the natural chemical anandamide, which also binds to these receptors. Anandamide is found in areas of the brain that regulate memory, coordination of movement, and emotions. Most prescribed drugs attempt to duplicate the body’s own chemical processes but are decidedly not natural, whereas THC seems to be an all-natural drug that helps the body continue to function normally.
The direct transmission of marijuana from the lungs to the brain when it is smoked helps account for the quick onset of the high. This high wears off once the THC molecules no longer bind to the receptors. Ultimately, the same process occurs when marijuana is eaten, but there are important differences: the effects are multiplied. When marijuana is eaten, it is metabolized into a THC metabolite in the liver. The term metabolized simply describes the body’s process of changing and using a substance to best suit its needs — it is the process of digesting food and absorbing vitamins. When THC is metabolized, it changes into a compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This new compound is at least 15 percent more potent than delta 9 THC. Therefore, when 11-hydroxy-THC hits the brain, a more powerful high is induced. The initial effects can take a long time to set in, depending on how much food is already in the stomach, as well as the strength of the marijuana being used in the recipe. The effects, though, can last for up to five hours, or even longer. Since the food containing the drug may not be broken down all at once, the 11-hydroxy-THC high may surge in phases. When marijuana is eaten, users often report feeling an initial rush, followed by coming down, and then peaking once again. The change in THC’s composition may account for the fact that vivid hallucinations and other wild effects are experienced after eating marijuana, whereas these reactions are relatively rare after inhaling it. The possibility of experiencing an intense buzz is often a favorable argument cited by devoted marijuana eaters. This probably accounts for so many groups using the plant for religious purposes — the experience can be surreal.
Marijuana Mastery: Knowing the Risks
Now that you know how the drug works in your body, you should learn about the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use. One point cannot be stressed enough:
Do not dose people without their knowledge!
Make sure that anyone who is about to consume food containing marijuana is well aware of exactly what is involved. There are obvious reasons for this; the psychoactive properties of marijuana can be overwhelming even for experienced users if they are unaware of the oncoming effects. Also, there are times when being high for six to eight hours may not be convenient or welcome. Another thing to watch out for is inadvertently using too strong a dosage. Make sure that people know if the dish is particularly strong, as they might want to have just a small amount. It is a good idea when cooking cannabis to have some marijuana-free food lying around. Even though you may have just eaten, the munchies do still occur, especially a few hours into the high. At that point you probably will not be looking to become any higher, so eating some regular food would be wise. Plus, eating straight food — and sometimes taking a nap — can help relieve any unwanted reactions to the intensity of the high.
Cannabis highs are slightly unusual, as different strains can mimic the effects of many other psychoactive drugs. Some weed can seem speedy, while other weed is much more mellow. In addition, each person’s reaction can vary according to his or her individual chemical makeup. Although there are distinctions between the sativa (energetic, light) and indica (soporific, tranquil) states, marijuana does not generally fit into any of the normal psychoactive groups of depressants, stimulants and hallucinogens. Instead, users fluctuate between these states, feeling at times energized and at other times sleepy. What will happen at any given time depends on many factors such as: what else has been consumed, how much marijuana was eaten, one’s emotional state before using and so on. Also, the amount of previous exposure to the drug will change how the body functions under the influence. Long-term users tend not to suffer certain side effects that commonly afflict first-time or novice users, such as red eyes. Of course, the chance of experiencing side effects depends on the quality of the pot being consumed. Even though studies have been conducted to determine and identify what takes place within the body, the results are either contradictory or meaningless. Basically, a combination of positive and negative effects will occur. Feelings of euphoria are common, as are increased mental energy and awareness. People seem to be more in touch with their surroundings and may experience a distortion of the senses; people feel as though time is playing tricks on them. They also tend to feel a general sense of mirth — often resulting in fits of laughter.
These effects are not necessarily always positive. The increased awareness of one’s social environment can cause paranoia, and distortion of time may lead to a sense of being out of control. However, it should be noted that a good deal of the paranoia is probably due to the fact that one is committing an illegal act. It can be upsetting to zone out and forget where things are, or forget what you were saying. Inexperienced smokers will often notice an increase in their heart rate. This can be accompanied by anxiety and in some cases panic. Every drug, including alcohol and caffeine, has side effects. It is important to know what effects may occur and to decide whether or not you believe that the drug is worth taking. The answer to this question will differ for everyone, but it is something that should be considered before ingesting any type of drug.
The Truth Is Out There: Marijuana Research
Due to marijuana’s status as a “Schedule I” narcotic, it has been next to impossible to study the drug in a scientific manner for much of the last century. This has lead to contradictory, misleading and often anecdotal information being spread as the gospel truth. In fact, attempts to research marijuana’s long-term effects have produced mostly inconclusive data from sources that have staked out clear positions. However, it can be safely said that repeated long-term use of the drug will have lasting effects on a person’s brain and respiratory system. No one fully understands how the brain reacts to cannabis; however, brain scans show that the brain of a user is different after a few years of marijuana use when compared to that of a nonuser. Exactly what this information implies is unknown. There is no proof that marijuana causes the death of brain cells, and it is unlikely that it does so to the same degree as alcohol because it would therefore be measurable, as is the case when alcohol is consumed. Even if brain cell loss could be proven, there is no further link establishing a fundamental change in a person’s behavior or intelligence. The same can be said about the rumored links between marijuana and mental illness. Though some people definitely “wig out” while on the drug, this behavior subsides as soon as the marijuana has ceased binding to the receptors — when the person has “come down.”
Although marijuana has been never been shown to be physically addictive, there is probably a level of social addiction that occurs. In these cases, users will seek out cannabis because they have habitually done so — not to simply satisfy a physical craving. Some studies have tried to demonstrate that users become more aggressive and irritable when deprived of the drug. This could very well be true; coffee drinkers tend to experience similar reactions when lacking caffeine. However, the rush to ban caffeine has not even begun. Some studies claim that long-term users suffer from what has been labeled “amotivational syndrome.” This probably has as much to do with the particular user as it does with THC levels.
It is often reported that consuming the plant can lead to either a reduced libido and/or impotency. There is no basis to this claim of impotency whatsoever. But, like coffee drinkers, male cannabis users have been shown to produce a relatively higher amount of two-tailed sperm. When viewed as a percentage of the total amount of sperm produced, however, they are statistically insignificant. The typical human male produces millions of sperm in one day, and barring any preexisting conditions, will produce millions more the next day.
• Red eyes
• Increase in appetite
• Altered sense of time
• Dry mouth
• Heightening of senses
• Laughter, general mirth
• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Muscle relaxation
• Vertigo, dizziness
• Vomiting
• A depressed feeling
• Relaxed inhibitions
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
An important thing to consider when hearing claims and reading studies about marijuana is that most research has been performed on heavy users. Since the definition of the “recreational user” varies for everyone, and since we each have a unique biochemistry, it would be foolhardy to accept any study (whether favorable or negative) as the final word. Much more research is needed, and in some countries — especially Europe — that work is now underway.
Concerns about the safety of smoking are very high, which is one reason why people prefer to cook with marijuana. The smoke from a joint contains three times more tar than a standard cigarette, and five times more carbon monoxide. This information, combined with the fact that marijuana smoke hits the lungs at a higher temperature, leads people to believe that cannabis smoke is more likely to cause respiratory disease or cancer of the lungs than tobacco smoke. However, marijuana does not contain nicotine — a drug that is thought to be even more addictive than heroin. While marijuana smoking is definitely not “healthy,” it should be noted that most pot smokers do not have the same “pack-a-day” habits as cigarette smokers. One way to counteract the toxins contained in the smoke is to use a bong or water pipe, which can help filter out some of the impurities and carcinogens. However, bongs are not very easy to conceal, and in many places the legal ramifications of having paraphernalia are as severe as having the plant in one’s possession.
Of course nothing will minimize the effect of smoking as much as simply not smoking at all. Smoking pot may not be as convenient as eating it, especially for medicinal users, since the effects wear off sooner. It is not always possible to maintain your high if you smoke pot, especially if you are in a public place. There are many events that might be enhanced by a marijuana high, such as concerts, movies, and trips to the zoo, but these are not good places to light up. However, if you eat cannabis, there will be nothing to confiscate, and your high will continue.
People who use the marijuana plant for medical purposes (especially to relieve constant pain) often have to smoke up to five or six joints a day — a habit that may not be easily concealed from coworkers, the authorities, and others who might disapprove. Obviously if you are on the job, you don’t want the entire staff to know about your marijuana use even if the drug has been prescribed by a doctor to alleviate your suffering. Many people still have not accepted the use of marijuana as medicine, and combating other people’s personal bias when you are in pain is an unwelcome, additional stress. People who suffer from chronic pain may want to eat marijuana because the long-lasting high enables muscle relaxation and relief. Recreational users typically want a high to kick in quickly. However, medical users might actually want a slower release of the drug into their system, since it enables the high to last longer. This may mitigate the extreme of the high, but consistent relief is what some consider most important. To achieve this, consider eating doses of marijuana with larger serving sizes. As the body breaks down the food, the marijuana will be released in stages — a process very similar to a “time-release” capsule.
People have found marijuana to be effective in the treatment and relief of numerous ailments and terminal conditions. One of the first illnesses that pot was legally made available for was glaucoma. Marijuana has been proven effective in reducing ocular pressure, a condition that damages the eye over time. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, and most sufferers of the disease are not physically helped by the medications currently available. Unfortunately, most of these people do not live in areas where their doctors can prescribe marijuana. There are many glaucoma patients who credit their remaining eyesight to marijuana use. Other advocates include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, who use cannabis to stimulate their appetites. Their increased appetite helps them maintain the weight and strength to fight their illness. People living with multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and chronic migraines are all helped by marijuana’s properties. Since most medicinal users don’t want to smoke, for obvious health reasons, eating marijuana is their best option.
People may also choose to eat marijuana simply for economic reasons. Although you certainly can cook the flowers and the bud of the plant, it is just as effective to cook with the plant’s leaves. The leaves are useless to the grower once the plant is harvested, and they have to be pruned off the plant. Be aware that leaves are still just as dangerous to have in your possession — the penalties for a pound of leaf are the same as those for a pound of bud — so the grower has an incentive to get rid of the leaves as soon as possible. But, because the leaves are harsh to smoke and are not nearly as high in THC, they are not very valuable and are often given away or destroyed as soon as possible. When cooked, the leaves will be stronger than their equivalent weight in buds.
