The perception of cannabis seems to shift from year to year, and from person to person. Decades of misinformation and thinly veiled racism have led to the demonization of a plant that emerging studies are discovering what many of our ancestors intrinsically knew – there are many benefits packed into the humble cannabis plant.
Miami-based, Jamaican, Keri-Ann Evans is an advocate for the plant and passionate participant in the cannabis industry, both within the United States and the Caribbean. She is founder of a cannabis ancillary product outfit called Kreative Kush, which supplies both small and large-scale dispensaries and other cannabis operations with the branding and packaging to stand out in an increasingly cannabis-friendly world. “It’s important for Caribbean people to partake in the industry, and to be taken seriously on the global stage,” Evans explains.
Evans says that with decriminalization of cannabis use in many territories, and outright full legalization in others, many dispensaries have opened across North America and the Caribbean.
She notes that research and legislation are some obstacles still affecting the industry. Cannabis research is not as far along as it could be, with much of the research setback by the pandemic, and there are still decades of legal obstacles to maneuver through.
According to Evans, however, we’re still in a cannabis boom. So, it’s important to be familiar with key industry terms.
Defining Cannabis & CBD
The terms CBD and cannabis are often used interchangeably, she says, with many thinking CBD is short for cannabis. Evans notes, this is not the case. CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Furthermore, the cannabis plant can be classified into two main groups – marijuana and hemp.
Marijuana is the stigmatized plant. It has over 0.3% THC, which provides the psychoactive effect – the feel good/high – that the majority associates with cannabis.
Hemp, however, has less than 0.3% THC and contains mostly CBD. Like THC, CBD is also a compound, but it allows you to forgo the high, while keeping a lot of the other benefits of THC.
Benefits of CBD
Evans explains that the benefits of CBD use include treating anxiety, addressing sleep disorders, pain mitigation, and treating epilepsy and seizures.
Research into the benefits of CBD and cannabis is in its infancy. Evans suggests consulting your physician before exploring CBD products as a treatment for any condition.
