what is cannabis

Cannabis is a product derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, known for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects. It comes in various forms including dried flowers and leaves, hash (compressed resin), extracts like oils and shatter, and edibles such as candies and baked goods. Cannabis contains over 100 chemical substances called cannabinoids. The most notable cannabinoid is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for the psychoactive "high" experienced when using cannabis. Another important cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD), which does not cause a high and can counteract some negative effects of THC. The plant is native to tropical and temperate climates but is now cultivated worldwide. Cannabis can be consumed by smoking, vaping, or eating. It has various effects on the mind and body, including euphoria, altered perception, relaxation, increased appetite, and in some cases, anxiety or paranoia at high doses. It is also used medicinally for certain conditions. In summary, cannabis is both a genus of plants and a term for the drug products made from those plants, containing compounds that have psychoactive and medicinal properties. It is known by many names including marijuana, weed, pot, and herb. This overview combines botanical, chemical, and usage aspects of cannabis to give a comprehensive understanding of what it is.