Cannabis, also commonly known as marijuana, weed, or pot, is a plant that has been used for recreational, medicinal, and ritualistic purposes for thousands of years. The plant contains over a hundred different compounds known as cannabinoids, the most well-known of which are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds interact with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, leading to the various effects associated with cannabis use.

The effects of cannabis can vary widely depending on factors such as the strain, the dose, the method of consumption, the user's tolerance, and their individual physiology. Generally, effects can include relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time and space, increased appetite, and heightened sensory perception. However, cannabis can also cause negative effects, especially at high doses, such as anxiety, paranoia, impaired memory and cognition, and psychomotor impairment. Long-term use can also lead to cognitive deficits and mental health issues, particularly in individuals who begin using cannabis at a young age or those with a predisposition to mental health disorders.

THC and CBD are both cannabinoids but they have different effects. THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis — the "high" — and can induce feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and heightened sensory perception. However, it can also lead to less desirable effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive impairment. On the other hand, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a high. It has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anti-seizure properties. In fact, a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex has been approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of certain severe forms of epilepsy.

Cannabis can be consumed in several ways. It can be smoked in a pipe, bong, or as a joint or blunt. It can be vaporized, which heats the cannabis without combustion, reducing the amount of harmful byproducts. Cannabis can also be consumed orally, as in edibles, tinctures, or capsules. Finally, it can be applied topically in creams or oils, which are primarily used for localized pain or inflammation. The method of consumption affects the onset and duration of effects: inhalation produces rapid effects and oral consumption produces more delayed but longer-lasting effects.

In Canada, cannabis is legal for both medical and recreational use. In many other countries, cannabis is illegal or decriminalized to varying extents. Always be sure to understand and abide by the laws in your location.

Cannabis has been studied for a variety of medical applications. THC can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and stimulate appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS. Both THC and CBD have analgesic properties and can be used to manage chronic pain. As mentioned, CBD is used to treat certain severe forms of epilepsy. Other potential applications, which require further research, include multiple sclerosis, PTSD, anxiety, and inflammation.

Yes, despite common misconceptions, you can become addicted to cannabis. This is especially true for individuals who begin using in their teens or who use cannabis daily. This condition, known as cannabis use disorder, is characterized by an inability to stop using cannabis even when it interferes with many aspects of one's life. Symptoms of withdrawal can include cravings, irritability, mood difficulties, sleep disturbances, and various forms of physical discomfort.