What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). It grows wild in many of the tropical and temperate areas of the world. It can be grown in almost any climate, and is increasingly cultivated by means of indoor hydroponic technology.

The main active ingredient in cannabis is called delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol, commonly known as THC. This is the part of the plant that gives the "high." There is a wide range of THC potency between cannabis products.

Cannabis is used in three main forms: marijuana, hashish and hash oil. Marijuana is made from dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It is the least potent of all the cannabis products and is usually smoked or made into edible products like cookies or brownies. Hashish is made from the resin (a secreted gum) of the cannabis plant. It is dried and pressed into small blocks and smoked. It can also be added to food and eaten. Hash oil, the most potent cannabis product, is a thick oil obtained from hashish. It is also smoked.

Cannabis is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (known as "joints") or in special waterpipes ("bongs"). These pipes or bongs can be bought or made from things such as orange juice containers, soft drink cans or even toilet rolls.

How Many People Use Cannabis?

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.3% of Americans aged 12 or older had used marijuana within the previous 30 days. The average age at first use was 17.9 years old.

Though use of marijuana among Washington state youth has remained relatively stable over the last several years, youth perception of harm from use of marijuana has been steadily decreasing, which means that fewer adolescents believe marijuana use is harmful. Marijuana is the second most-commonly used substance among 12th graders (alcohol is the first), with 27% of high school seniors reporting current (past 30-day) use.

Other Names for Cannabis

Cannabis is also known as marijuana, grass, pot, dope, Mary Jane, hooch, weed, hash, joints, brew, reefers, cones, smoke, mull, buddha, ganga, hydro, yarndi, heads and green.

Why Do People Use Cannabis?

Most people who use cannabis do so to experience a sense of mild euphoria and relaxation, often referred to as a "high." Cannabis causes changes in the user's mood and also affects how they think and perceive the environment, e.g. everyday activities such as watching the television and listening to music can become altered and more intense.

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cannabis?

The short-term effects of using cannabis may include:

• Feeling of well-being;
• Talkativeness;
• Drowsiness;
• Loss of inhibitions;
• Decreased nausea;
• Increased appetite;
• Loss of co-ordination;
• Bloodshot eyes;
• Dryness of the eyes, mouth, and throat;
• Anxiety and paranoia.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cannabis?

There is limited research on the long-term effects of cannabis. On the available evidence, the major probable adverse effects are:

• Increased risk of respiratory diseases associated with smoking, including cancer;
• Decreased memory and learning abilities;
• Decreased motivation in areas such as study, work or concentration.

There is also much concern about the link between cannabis use and mental health problems and the risk of dependence. But we are willing to believe that the benefits of the medical use of cannabis are more than unexpected.