5 Truths About Recreational Marijuana That May Surprise You

Whether you’re new to marijuana or are a regular at our medical and recreational dispensary in Denver, there’s always something new to learn about the plant we know and love. 

As scientists continue to research the properties of the plant, as well as its psychedelic effects and potential health benefits, the information available to the public grows—and with it, awareness of what cannabis is and isn’t. 

Even as professionals in the industry, we sometimes encounter facts about cannabis that make us say, “Wait, really?!” The following are a few pieces of information that may surprise you.

1. Pick your marijuana strain—there are over 700!

Part of what makes a visit to our Colorado dispensary fun is the variety of marijuana strains available. As the customer, you get to pick and choose your favorites, and it seems like there’s always something new to try. 

Have you ever wondered how new strains keep popping up on the menu? The answer is simple: there are hundreds of them in existence! At the time of this 2015 study, experts said there were over 700. 

Some of the strains are one of the three subspecies of cannabis—Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis—but many are crossbred hybrids. 

If we’re being honest, the most exciting thing about strains isn’t their genetic makeup; it’s their wacky, clever, and often humorous names. From Abracadabra to Zombie Virus, you’re guaranteed to find a strain that speaks to you when selecting your flower and pre-rolled joints.

2. Women have a higher tolerance for cannabis than men.

There’s a big gender difference when it comes to cannabis use, and it might not be what you’d expect. 

You know how men often have a higher tolerance for alcohol than women? Well, the opposite is true with cannabis. According to research conducted by Washington State University on rats, females are more sensitive to the effects of THC, particularly during ovulation. Women also build a tolerance for cannabis much easier than their male counterparts. 

3. Mexican immigrants introduced us to recreational marijuana in the early 20th century.

By the 1800s, cannabis was being used by American doctors for a range of medicinal purposes (yes, medical marijuana really is that historic!), from opiate addiction to leprosy. 

But it wasn’t until an influx of Mexican immigrants arrived in the United States following the Mexican Revolution in 1910 that Americans were introduced to recreational marijuana. 
Shortly thereafter, sailors and West Indian immigrants began bringing marijuana to New Orleans from the Caribbean. As a result, recreational cannabis was integrated into the jazz movement—even Louis Armstrong became an early advocate for marjuana!

4. There are over 1,000 slang terms for marijuana in the English language.

Weed, pot, ganja, reefer, Mary Jane—these are the ones everyone knows. And they’re just a handful of the 1,000-plus slang terms in the English language referring to marijuana. Is it a little excessive? Maybe. 
But as Time magazine explains, whenever you’re doing something that’s illegal or frowned upon, you need a way to talk about it without getting caught. Pretty soon, the “powers that be” catch on to your code words and it’s time to create new ones. Now that recreational marijuana use is legal in many states, and adult-use dispensaries are popping up on every corner, there are whole dictionaries devoted to marijuana slang. And why not? After all, it’s pretty fun.

5. It’s possible you can be allergic to cannabis.

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but however shocking, it’s true: you can be allergic to marijuana. 

Most often, these symptoms are fairly mild. Just as some people are prone to stuffy noses and watery eyes from springtime pollen, you can have similar reactions to the pollen and other proteins in the cannabis plant. 

Allergic reactions can occur as a result of oral ingestion or contact with skin (which sadly includes topicals and edibles) in addition to smoking marijuana.

Know what isn’t a surprise? Our products, service, and selection are the best around.

Located steps away from the Denver Art Museum and State Capital, our recreational dispensary is super convenient for locals and visitors. Stop by after a long plane ride to Denver International Airport, on your way to the mountains, or during your lunch break. 

Anyone 21+ is welcome to purchase recreational products.