From Weed to Wellness

Many people—whether they are scientists or everyday users—try to make sense of cannabis, but they don’t always think deeply about why it affects people so differently. It’s often seen on two poles: either a dangerous drug or a miracle cure. But the truth usually stays somewhere in between and which is rarely discussed here in Kashmir. For some people, cannabis brings calm and focus, and for others, it leads to anxiety or mental confusion. So the question arises, what causes this difference? The answer lies in our brain biochemistry and the nature of the plant itself.

Although cannabis contains a wide variety of compounds, the two most important and discussed ones have significant effects on human health they are, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes the feeling of being “high,” and CBD (cannabidiol), which may help the body heal and achieve balance again. Interestingly, our bodies naturally produce similar compounds, called endocannabinoids especially 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) and anandamide. These help regulate emotions, appetite, pain, mood, and sleep. THC and CBD attach to special receptors in our brain and body that respond to these natural messengers namely CB1 & CB2 Receptors.

THC can give a temporary sense of clarity or relief, especially for those with low natural levels of dopamine or serotonin. But in people with already high baseline activity, it might overstimulate the brain causing restlessness, anxiety, or distorted thoughts. This is why cannabis can feel helpful to one person and uncomfortable to another. It is not just the plant itself that determines our experience with it but our personal brain chemistry, receptor sensitivity, and even personality type. That’s why awareness is key before judging its effects and make generalizations.

Kashmir’s Wild Gift

Cannabis has always grown naturally in Kashmir, where the land and weather suit the plant well. But the wild version here tends to have high THC and low CBD. That means it’s more likely to cause a strong high than offer medical benefits. This chemical imbalance isn’t by design—it’s simply nature, left on its own without any effort to guide it.

Unlike carefully developed strains in medical research abroad, the cannabis in Kashmir hasn’t gone through selective breeding or scientific study to change its chemical profile. What’s missing is research that could help grow varieties with less THC and more CBD, which would be better for medical use. Just like other medicinal plants, cannabis is being studied in labs across the world. With time and effort, growers can use things like soil science, selective breeding, and even gene expression (epigenetics) to guide what kind of cannabis gets produced.

Imagine if cannabis oils made in Kashmir could be customized to match someone’s body type, symptoms, or health history— adjusting the THC:CBD ratio as needed by the epigenetic modification. This isn’t just a dream. In Canada, Israel, and parts of Europe, such studies are already happening. Kashmir can also lead in this direction—if we support safe, well-regulated, science- backed development.

Let science speak, not stigma

CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound known for its healing effects. It doesn’t sedate the body but gently helps restore balance. Studies suggest it can reduce panic, help with sleep, calm an overactive immune system, and encourage healthy inflammation which is important for recovery and healing and even bringing neuroplasticity by enhancing BDNF epression.

CBD has also been tested in clinical trials for easing discomfort in people undergoing through chemotherapy or traum related issues. While it’s not an official treatment for cancer or PTSD, early results suggest it can be a useful part in the existing medication. The key point is CBD doesn’t cause addiction. Though we still need more research, CBD may be safer than some stimulants or psychiatric medications in specific cases. In India, a few Ayurvedic brands have started selling legal CBD oils. Yet many people still don’t know these products exist or don’t trust them. That’s why having open discussions like this matters.

This article doesn’t promote using cannabis. It simply encourages awareness of its scientific side. Like poppies gave us morphine and willow bark gave us aspirin, cannabis also has compounds that could help when used wisely and studied properly.

Sadly, research in India, especially in places like Kashmir, has slowed down. Many avoid discussing cannabis due to cultural beliefs or confusing laws. But this needs to change. With proper studies, safe use, and clear rules, cannabis might someday be seen as just another medical option—one more tool that doctors can consider.

We shouldn’t judge a plant only by its misuse. Nor should we blindly praise it. Kashmir now stands between old fears and new possibilities. The world is starting to see cannabis differently.

Respected medical journals have begun reporting how cannabis compounds may help with conditions like brain inflammation, anxiety, and some forms of epilepsy. Journals like The New England Journal of Medicine and The Lancet Neurology have taken note.

India doesn’t need to follow anyone else. We can lead our own path, shaped by our people and our land. But for that to happen, we need to stop fearing the topic—and start talking.

Cannabis isn’t magic, and it’s not a monster either. It’s just a plant. But it’s one that forces us to ask—what else might we have misunderstood, just because we were told to stay away from it?

Maybe now is the time to ask new questions. Maybe it’s time for Kashmir’s green story to be guided by facts—not fear.

Umair Ashraf, Masters in Psychology, Independent Researcher in Neuroscience