What is cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, pot, or weed, is a plant. The cannabis plant contains a number of chemical compounds called cannabinoids that may affect the brain and other parts of the body’s nervous system. Parts of the cannabis plant that may be consumed include the leaves, flowers, and buds. Cannabis can be consumed in a number of ways, including smoked, vaporized, applied to the skin, cooked in food, or brewed into tea. Cannabis can be used for medical and non-medical purposes.

The most researched cannabinoid is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is responsible for the high and intoxication effects. THC has some therapeutic effects, but it can also have harmful effects. Harmful effects may be greater when the strength of THC is higher.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is another type of cannabinoid. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication. It may be used for its therapeutic effects.