10 Little-Known Cannabis Facts That Might Surprise You
Cannabis has gone from whispered conversations in back alleys to a full-on cultural reset—especially among Southern creatives, wellness enthusiasts, and those of us reclaiming our connection to the plant. But how much do you really know about Mary Jane? Sure, we discuss strains, edibles, and CBD benefits on a daily basis—but the plant has a deeper, richer story than most people realize.
Whether you’re a curious cook, a budding canna sommelier, or someone who loves collecting fun facts (yes, you, trivia night MVP), this list is for you. Here are 10 intriguing, often-overlooked facts about cannabis that’ll have you saying, “Wait, what?!”
1. Cannabis Has Been Used Medically for Over 5,000 Years
Long before dispensaries and THC gummies, ancient civilizations were harnessing cannabis for healing. In China, it was recorded as early as 2700 BCE as a remedy for ailments like gout, malaria, and inflammation. African herbalists also used cannabis in various forms for digestive issues and as an anesthetic during childbirth. Modern medicine is just catching up.
2. The U.S. Government Grew Weed During WWII
Yep, you read that right. In the 1940s, the U.S. government encouraged farmers to grow hemp for military supplies through a campaign called “Hemp for Victory.” The plant was used to make rope, parachutes, and canvas for ships. So technically, your grandpa might’ve been growing government weed.
3. There Are Over 100 Cannabinoids in the Plant—Not Just THC and CBD
We tend to focus on THC (the high-maker) and CBD (the calm bringer), but cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids. Each one plays a role in how the plant affects your body. For example:
CBG is known as the “mother cannabinoid” and may help with focus and anxiety.
THCV can suppress appetite (yes, the opposite of munchies).
CBN is often used as a natural sleep aid.
4. Women Are Biologically More Sensitive to THC
Studies have shown that women may be more sensitive to THC than men due to higher estrogen levels. That means your experience with edibles or flower might be more intense—even with a lower dose. So, if you're a woman and you're wondering why you feel more confident than the guys, science says you're not imagining it.
5. You Can’t Get High from Raw Cannabis
Surprise! Eating raw cannabis straight off the plant won’t get you high. That’s because the THC exists in its inactive form—THCA—which needs heat (via smoking, vaping, or cooking) to become psychoactive. This process is called decarboxylation, and it’s key if you’re cooking with cannabis.
6. Terpenes Are the Aromatic Compounds That Do More Than Just Smell Good
Those piney, citrusy, floral scents you get from different strains? That’s terpenes doing their thing. But they’re not just for the nose—terpenes also influence how a strain affects your body.
Limonene = mood boost + stress relief
Myrcene = full-body chill
Pinene = mental clarity
Next time you smell a strain, know it’s telling you more than just its flavor profile.
7. Cannabis Can Be Infused Into Just About Anything
We’re not just talking brownies and gummies. Thanks to fat-soluble cannabinoids, cannabis can be infused into:
Olive oil
Honey
Butter
Coconut oil
Alcohol (for tinctures)
Even salt or sugar crystals
That means you can turn your entire dinner party into a low-dose, high-vibe experience.
8. A Real Biochemical Reaction causes the Munchies
Have you ever wondered why you want to devour a whole bag of Hot Cheetos after a joint? THC activates the brain’s olfactory bulb, making smells and tastes more intense, and it increases ghrelin production, also known as the hunger hormone. So it’s not just your imagination—your body is literally in flavor overdrive.
9. Cannabis Was Once in Over-the-Counter Products
Before prohibition, cannabis extracts were a common ingredient in over-the-counter medicine. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, major pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Parke-Davis, sold tinctures for a range of conditions, from menstrual cramps to insomnia. Vintage cannabis medicine bottles are even collector’s items now.
10. It’s Genetically Closer to Hops Than You Think
Cannabis and hops, used in beer, are botanical cousins. Both come from the Cannabaceae family and share similar terpene profiles—which is why some IPA beers have that skunky aroma. So, if you’re a beer lover with a taste for cannabis, your palate may already be tuned into those earthy, bitter notes.
Bonus: Black Communities Have Always Been Innovators in Cannabis Culture
From music and art to wellness and entrepreneurship, Black folks have always been at the center of cannabis culture—even when laws didn’t treat us fairly. Today, more Black women and POC creatives are stepping into the cannabis space as chefs, cultivators, educators, and healers. That’s the energy Honestly Mary Jane is built on.
Final Puff Cannabis isn’t just a plant—it’s a story, a history, and a cultural force. The more we learn about its origins, its uses, and its power, the more we can approach it with curiosity, intention, and respect. Whether you're infusing oils in your kitchen or just soaking in some knowledge, remember: the elevation starts with education.
Got a cannabis fact you think should’ve made the list? Drop it in the comments or tag us at @HonestlyMaryJane. We love hearing your stories, your wisdom, and your high-minded insights.
