ganja

Ganja is a common term for cannabis, referring to the dried flowering tops of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The word ganja comes from the Hindi-Urdu ganjā, itself from Sanskrit gañjā, and has long been used in South Asian and Caribbean contexts to denote cannabis in various preparations. In Jamaica, ganja has cultural resonance within Rastafari and broader popular usage.

Cannabis contains cannabinoids, of which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive component and cannabidiol (CBD) is non-intoxicating. Potency varies by strain and processing. Ganja and other cannabis products are commonly consumed by smoking or vaporizing, and may also be prepared in foods or brewed as beverages. Effects range from euphoria and altered perception to impaired memory and coordination.

Historically, cannabis has been used for medicinal, ceremonial, and recreational purposes for millennia. In the Indian subcontinent, ganja has long-standing cultural associations; in the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, it is linked to spiritual practice and social life. In many countries, traditional use coexists with modern medical and recreational programs, as opinions and laws shift.

Legal status varies widely. Some jurisdictions prohibit cannabis entirely, others permit medical use, and a growing number allow adult possession and sale. International treaties regulate cannabis, but enforcement and policy details differ among states and countries. Research into medical benefits and risks continues, with attention to cognitive, mental health, and dependency considerations.