Dear Bowler,

You say po-TAY-to, we say po-TAH-to! In the same way that many people speak the same language with different accents and dialects, pot in the States compares quite similarly to European hashish — with a few subtle distinctions. Not into metaphor? Here it is in plain English (and Latin): Both types of marijuana come from the Cannabis sativa hemp plant, but a subspecies of sativa, called Cannabis indica, is traditionally used for hashish. Indica is known to be slightly more intoxicating than its cousin sativa and is of Asian origin with wide leaflets, compact habit, and early maturation. In contrast, sativa refers to cannabis strains with narrow leaflets and slender habit from Colombia, Thailand, South Africa, and Mexico, and tends to be made into less potent pot.

Users of both drugs get high from the resin content of hemp's flowering tops — especially from the female plants. Most pot in the U.S. is made from the entire plant of Cannabis sativa, including its resin, leaves, and stalks. Chopped up and combined, this method of using the entire plant dilutes the potency of the resin. Hashish is usually created from only the resin of Cannabis indica. The sticky substance is collected and pressed into cake-like lumps, making it more potent than pot. When the resin is extracted with solvents, it can be concentrated into thick hash oil. Both pot and hash can be smoked or eaten. Sensemilla (pot without seeds) can be as potent as hash.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active ingredient in marijuana that acts upon the nervous system. Short-term problems associated with the use of pot, hash, and sensemilla include extreme paranoia, anxiety, and panic attacks. These symptoms can occur after users smoke or eat too much pot or hash or use the drug without ensuring their surroundings are safe and trusted friends are nearby. Whether choosing to use pot or hashish in New York (where, by the way, neither substance is legal) or in Amsterdam, it's important to know that what you're ingesting comes from a reliable, trusted source and to partake slowly and moderately to avoid unpleasant side-effects.

Alice

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