What is Cannabis?
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Cannabis is known by many names including marijuana, weed, pot, hash—and others. Cannabis refers to the greenish or brownish material that comes from the dried flowering tops/buds & leaves of the plants, Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica.
Cannabis contains over 140 cannabinoids – chemicals that affect how our brain functions and affects our mental state and physical movements.
The most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are cannabinoids, chemical compounds found in cannabis. Cannabinoids change how signals are sent in our brains and affect our mental and physical state.
THC is found in higher concentrations in non-medical cannabis. It is the main psychoactive compound of cannabis, meaning it changes our brain function and our ability to think, our mood, and our behavior.
The concentration of THC in cannabis products can vary. Since THC is the compound that causes impairment, it is important to know about the product you are using. The THC concentration in dried cannabis has increased from an average of 3% in the 1980s to around 15% today. Some strains can have as high as 30% THC. This is why it’s important to know what you’re using and practice Safer Use.
CBD is found in higher concentrations in medical cannabis. It is mainly used for its therapeutic effects for reducing pain and inflammation, nausea, anxiety, seizures, and spasms.