Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including medicinal, recreational, and industrial uses. The scientific name of the plant is Cannabis sativa, although there are other species like Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis.
The primary active compounds in marijuana are cannabinoids, the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with marijuana use, producing feelings of euphoria or a "high." CBD, on the other hand, does not produce psychoactive effects and is often sought for its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Marijuana can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, vaporizing, ingesting in the form of edibles, or applying topical products. Its legal status varies widely around the world, with some places having legalized it for recreational or medicinal use, while others maintain strict prohibitions.
In addition to its psychoactive and medicinal properties, marijuana has been used industrially to produce hemp, which is used in textiles, paper, and biodegradable plastics, among other products.