Marijuana is a term commonly used to describe cannabis plants and products that contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. Unlike hemp, which legally contains less than 0.3% THC in Canada and other regions, marijuana typically has much higher concentrations of THC and is cultivated for recreational and medicinal purposes.
Marijuana has been used for thousands of years in cultural, spiritual, and medical practices. Modern strains are often bred to produce specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles, resulting in a wide variety of effects, flavors, and potencies. While marijuana is most often associated with smoking and inhalation, it is also consumed through oils, edibles, capsules, tinctures, and topicals.
In Canada, marijuana was legalized federally in 2018, making it available for both medical and recreational use through licensed producers and retailers. Outside of Canada, laws vary widely, with some countries allowing only medical use and others still prohibiting cannabis altogether.
Although marijuana is best known for its psychoactive properties, research has shown that it may also provide therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, nausea reduction, appetite stimulation, and improved sleep. These effects largely depend on the balance of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and others) and the specific strain consumed.
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FAQ
Marijuana refers specifically to cannabis with higher THC levels, while cannabis is the broader plant genus.
Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana has higher THC levels and produces intoxicating effects.
Yes. Marijuana was legalized in 2018 for both medical and recreational use under federal regulation.
Legislative Services Branch. (2025, March 12). Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Cannabis Act. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-24.5/