Weed

Weed is a common name for cannabis, a plant in the genus Cannabis. The term typically refers to preparations that contain significant levels of cannabinoids used for recreation or medicine, whereas hemp refers to Cannabis plants bred to contain low levels of THC.

Chemistry: The principal psychoactive chemical is THC; CBD is non-intoxicating and has potential therapeutic effects. Many cannabis products also contain terpenes and other cannabinoids.

Uses: Recreational use produces euphoria and relaxation; medical uses include pain relief, nausea reduction, appetite stimulation, and management of certain conditions like multiple sclerosis spasticity. The evidence supporting specific medical uses varies by condition and product.

Legal status: Jurisdiction dependent. Some countries or states have legalized medical use; some allow recreational use; others prohibit any possession. In many places hemp with low THC is regulated separately, often as an agricultural product.

Safety and risks: Cannabis can impair memory, coordination, and judgment; risks include acute intoxication, potential dependence with heavy use, and possible triggers for psychiatric symptoms in vulnerable people, especially with early use. Quality and contamination concerns exist with unregulated products, and driving or operating machinery should be avoided during intoxication.

Production and regulation: Cannabis is cultivated for flower, which is dried for smoking or vaporizing, or processed into extracts, edibles, or topicals. The industry is regulated through licensing, testing, and age limits in many jurisdictions, with product formulations and potency often subject to specific rules.