Cannabis (drug)

Cannabis (drug)

Cannabis (/ˈkænəbɪs/), also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used primarily for medical or recreational purposes. The main psychoactive component of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids.

Etymology

The word "cannabis" is derived from the Greek κάνναβις (kánnabis) for "hemp", while the word "marijuana" comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word mallihuan, meaning "prisoner". The term "marijuana" was popularized in the U.S. during the 1930s by advocates of prohibition who sought to exploit racism and xenophobia.

Medical use

Medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, can refer to the use of cannabis and its cannabinoids to treat disease or improve symptoms; however, there is no single agreed-upon definition. The rigorous scientific study of cannabis as a medicine has been hampered by production restrictions and by the fact that it is classified as an illegal drug by many governments.

Recreational use

Cannabis is often used for its mental and physical effects, such as a "high" or "stoned" feeling, a general change in perception, euphoria (heightened mood), and an increase in appetite. Short term side effects may include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety.

Related terms

• Cannabinoid
• Tetrahydrocannabinol
• Medical cannabis
• Recreational drug use
• Psychoactive drug

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cannabis (drug)
• Wikipedia's article - Cannabis (drug)

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