What Is Cannabis? A Complete Guide to the Plant, Its Benefits, and Legal Use in Cape Town

What Is Cannabis? A Complete Guide to the Plant, Its Benefits, and Legal Use in Cape Town

Cannabis is one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history — yet it's only now that we're rediscovering its full potential. From ancient medicine to modern wellness, cannabis has proven itself as one of nature's most versatile plants.

At Green and Purple, we believe that knowledge is the foundation of a great experience. Whether you're a first-time user or a seasoned connoisseur, understanding what cannabis is, how it works, and how to use it safely is the key to getting the most out of it.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the science, the benefits, the different types of cannabis, and what you need to know about using it legally in South Africa.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a flowering plant that has been used for thousands of years for its fibres, seeds, and medicinal properties. It contains over 100 active compounds called cannabinoids, which interact with the body's endocannabinoid system — a network of receptors that helps regulate functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain.

The two most well-known cannabinoids are:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the compound responsible for the psychoactive "high" associated with cannabis.

CBD (cannabidiol) — a non-psychoactive compound known for its therapeutic benefits, including pain relief and anxiety reduction.

While THC and CBD are the most studied, cannabis contains many other cannabinoids — including CBG, CBN, and CBC — each with unique effects and potential benefits.

At Green and Purple, every product we offer is lab-tested to ensure you know exactly what you're consuming — from cannabinoid content to terpene profiles.

The History of Cannabis

Cannabis has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Ancient civilisations — including the Chinese, Egyptians, and Indians — used it for everything from textiles and rope to spiritual rituals and medicine.

In South Africa, cannabis (locally known as dagga) has a long and complex history. It was used by indigenous communities for centuries before colonial laws restricted its use. The turning point came in 2018, when the Constitutional Court decriminalised the private use and cultivation of cannabis for adults — a historic step that continues to shape the local industry today.

Today, Cape Town stands at the heart of South Africa's cannabis renaissance, with a growing community of farmers, dispensaries, and enthusiasts who are reclaiming the plant's place in our culture.

Cannabinoids Explained: THC vs CBD

The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, but two dominate the conversation:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol):

  • Psychoactive — produces the "high"

  • May help with pain, nausea, and appetite stimulation

  • Effects vary depending on dosage and individual tolerance

CBD (cannabidiol):

  • Non-psychoactive — no high

  • Supported by research for anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, and sleep

  • Safe for daily use without impairment

Both compounds work better together — a phenomenon called the entourage effect. When THC and CBD are consumed together, they amplify each other's benefits while reducing potential side effects (like THC-induced anxiety).

How Cannabis Works in the Body (The Endocannabinoid System)

The human body has a built-in system designed to interact with cannabinoids — it's called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is made up of:

  • Endocannabinoids — naturally produced by the body

  • Receptors (CB1 and CB2) — found throughout the brain, immune system, and organs

  • Enzymes — break down cannabinoids after they've done their job

When you consume cannabis, THC and CBD bind to these receptors, helping to regulate functions like:

  • Pain perception

  • Sleep cycles

  • Mood and stress

  • Appetite

  • Immune response

This is why cannabis can affect so many different areas of health — it interacts with a system that's already involved in maintaining balance in the body.

Back to blog