cannabis

Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that includes species such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The plants are grown for fiber, seed, and flowers rich in chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The most well known is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component. Cannabidiol (CBD) and many other cannabinoids occur in smaller amounts. Varieties classified as hemp are typically low in THC, with legality often tied to THC thresholds.

Medical and therapeutic uses of cannabis and its derivatives have been studied for chronic pain, chemotherapy‑induced nausea, multiple sclerosis–related spasticity, and certain epilepsies. THC acts mainly as a partial agonist at CB1 receptors in the brain, producing psychoactive effects; CBD has limited CB1 activity and may modulate several receptor pathways. The body’s endocannabinoid system regulates pain, mood, appetite, and immune function, and is a target of cannabinoids.

Agriculturally, hemp is used for fiber, textiles, paper, building materials, biodegradable plastics, and food products such as hemp seeds and oil. Recreational use involves inhalation or ingestion to achieve mood alteration and euphoria, typically influenced by THC potency and product form. Legal frameworks vary widely, with some jurisdictions permitting medical and/or recreational use, while others prohibit possession or sale or regulate it as a controlled substance.

Safety and regulation address product quality, contaminants, and consumer information. Adverse effects can include impaired cognition, memory, and motor coordination, particularly with high-THC products or heavy use; long‑term use may be associated with dependence in some individuals. Regulation commonly includes licensing, product testing for potency and contaminants, packaging requirements, age limits, and warnings about interactions with other medicines.