Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the Cannabaceae family that has been used for thousands of years for medicine, wellness, textiles, food, and recreation. The plant contains over 500 components, including more than 100 cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). These cannabinoids, along with terpenes and flavonoids, contribute to cannabis’s wide range of effects.
There are three main species of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Each has slightly different growth characteristics, cannabinoid profiles, and traditional uses. Modern cultivation often crossbreeds these species to produce specific effects, potencies, and flavors.
The term “cannabis” is often used interchangeably with marijuana (high-THC cannabis) and hemp (cannabis with very low THC, under 0.3% in Canada and the U.S.). While marijuana is commonly associated with psychoactive effects due to THC, hemp is primarily grown for industrial uses, CBD extraction, and wellness products.
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FAQ
Not exactly. Cannabis refers to the entire plant genus, while marijuana refers specifically to cannabis strains high in THC.
Hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, used for CBD products and industrial purposes.
Yes. Cannabis was federally legalized in Canada in 2018 for both medical and recreational use.
Cannabis (Marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know. (n.d.). NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know