Cannabis (drug)

Cannabis (drug)
Name	Cannabis
Caption	Cannabis sativa plant
Other names	Marijuana, weed, pot, ganja, etc.
Uses	Recreational, medicinal, spiritual
Routes of administration	Smoked, vaporized, ingested, sublingual
Legal status	Varies by jurisdiction; illegal in many countries, decriminalized or legalized in others.

Cannabis (drug). Cannabis, a psychoactive drug derived from plants of the genus Cannabis, is used for recreational, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Its primary psychoactive constituent is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce a range of effects. The plant has a long and complex history of human use, leading to diverse legal, medical, and cultural landscapes worldwide.

Etymology and terminology

The term "cannabis" originates from the Greek word ''kánnabis*, itself likely borrowed from a Scythian or Thracian term. The word "marijuana" is thought to have entered English usage from Mexican Spanish in the early 20th century. Numerous other slang terms exist globally, such as "ganja," which derives from Sanskrit and is common in Jamaica and the Indian subcontinent. The World Health Organization and major scientific publications typically use "cannabis" as the standard term, while legal statutes like the Controlled Substances Act in the United States often employ "marijuana."

History

Cannabis use dates back millennia, with evidence of cultivation in Neolithic China and ritual use described in ancient Vedic texts of India. It spread along trade routes like the Silk Road to the Middle East and Africa. In the 19th century, it was incorporated into Western medicine, listed in the United States Pharmacopeia. The 20th century saw a global shift toward prohibition, influenced by international treaties like the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and campaigns by figures such as Harry J. Anslinger of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics. The Counterculture of the 1960s reignited widespread recreational use in the Western world.

Pharmacology and effects

The primary psychoactive compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mimics the neurotransmitter anandamide by binding to CB1 receptors in the central nervous system. Another major cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), is non-intoxicating and modulates THC's effects. When consumed, often by smoking or ingestion, effects can include altered perception, euphoria, increased appetite, and impaired short-term memory. Acute adverse effects may involve anxiety or paranoia, while chronic heavy use is associated with risks like cannabis use disorder and potential exacerbation of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.

Medical uses

Medical cannabis is used to alleviate symptoms of various conditions. It is approved in multiple jurisdictions for treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite in patients with HIV/AIDS, and reducing spasticity in multiple sclerosis. The Food and Drug Administration has approved synthetic THC medications like dronabinol and plant-derived CBD treatments such as Epidiolex for severe epilepsy syndromes. Research continues into its potential efficacy for chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder, and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Legal status and regulation

Legal status varies dramatically, from total prohibition to full legalization. In the United States, it remains a Schedule I drug under federal law, but many states like California and Colorado have legalized recreational use under frameworks like the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act. Countries such as Canada and Uruguay have national legalization regimes. International law, governed by treaties overseen by the International Narcotics Control Board, conflicts with these national policies. Regulation often involves licensing for cultivation, testing for potency and contaminants, and taxation, as seen with systems in the Netherlands.

Society and culture

Cannabis has profound cultural footprints, central to the Rastafari movement in Jamaica and celebrated on events like 4/20. It has been referenced in works by artists from Shakespeare to Bob Marley and films like Reefer Madness. The debate over legalization involves numerous advocacy groups, including the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and Drug Policy Alliance, and opposition from organizations like Smart Approaches to Marijuana. Its economic impact is significant in legal markets, contributing to state revenues in Colorado and creating a multi-billion dollar industry with major companies like Canopy Growth Corporation.

Category:Cannabis (drug)