Cannabis 101

What is cannabis? 

Cannabis is a plant containing various chemical compounds that can have mind-altering effects. It may be used recreationally or medically and can be smoked, vaped, or ingested in food or beverages. 

What’s the difference between cannabis, THC, and CBD? 

Cannabis is a plant that contains the compounds tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).  Both THC and CBD belong to the cannabinoid compound group. These compounds are the active components of the plant. 

THC is a compound that can induce feelings of euphoria or relaxation. In other words, THC is what gets users “high.”  The strength of THC’s effects on a user depends on the form and the amount THC present in a product.  

CBD on the other hand is a compound and, by itself, doesn’t cause users to get “high”. There’s limited research demonstrating that CBD has health benefits—such as improving sleep or pain—that non-FDA approved products often market. A person might still use a product that contains CBD because it may cause relaxation, especially when THC is also present. Other research demonstrates that some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite from using products containing CBD.  

Are there different types of cannabis? 

The different types of cannabis—also known as strains or chemovars—are known as sativa, hybrid, and indica.  While cannabis’ effects can vary from person to person, some general differences between each strain include: 

• Sativa: This strain has more THC than CBD. It’s known for causing euphoria, reduced anxiety, and energization.  
• Indica: A strain that contains higher levels of CBD. The THC content depends on the product and may be higher or lower than the CBD content. This form of cannabis is known for causing relaxation, reducing pain and nausea, and for heightening appetite.  
• Hybrid: This is any form of cannabis that has been produced by breeding different types of cannabis plants together. Most hybrid strains are bred to increase the THC content; however, this may vary depending on the product. This strain has a range of effects due to having different ratios of THC and CBD. It may cause heightened relaxation, reduced anxiety and stress, and can reduce symptoms of chemotherapy for those who use it medicinally.  

In addition to the different cannabis strains, there are also many synthetic cannabinoids—also referred to as K2—on the market. These often contain a much higher THC content and typically have more adverse effects than cannabis. 

What are the different uses of cannabis? 

Cannabis is often used either recreationally or medically. Recreational use describes the use of cannabis in social situations or out of enjoyment of its effects. Medical cannabis is available in certain states and may be used for its therapeutic and pain-relieving effects. It’s crucial to note that just because a product is marketed for medical use, does not mean it’s approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does, however, approve of certain cannabis-related products and cannabis-derived products for medical use. 

What are the short-term effects of cannabis?  

Cannabis may have a range of effects, which vary depending on factors such as: 

• Method of use 
• Product’s ingredients 
• Strain 
• Dosage 
• Potency 
• The user’s history of medical conditions 
• Experience with cannabis use 
• Age, sex, and genetic makeup 

List adapted from National Institute on Drug Abuse 

Typically, cannabis is associated with pain and nausea relief as well as feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but may also cause: 

• Temporary anxiety; panic or paranoia; or hallucinations 
• Distorted perceptions 
• Impaired reactions 
• Increased or irregular heart rate  
• Vomiting or nausea 
• Muscle twitches and tremors 

List adapted from NYC Health 

What about cannabis for medical use? 

Medical use of cannabis involves prescribing a non-combustible form of cannabis to help manage symptoms of a medical condition and to provide therapeutic or palliative benefits. It is different than recreational use because it involves a prescription from a health care provider and taking the cannabis in controlled circumstances. 

The policies and regulations for medical use of cannabis may vary from state to state and require the supervision of a healthcare provider. In some states, it may involve registering with the state’s department of health and receiving cannabis through approved and registered entities such as hospitals or community organizations.  

Where is cannabis legal? 

Recreational and medical cannabis use has been legalized in many states across the US, with varying regulations. Even in states where cannabis is legal, there may still be polices against its use in places such as workplaces, schools, and college campuses. If you’re considering purchasing cannabis, it’s recommended that you visit a licensed dispensary to avoid getting a product with unlisted ingredients and varying adverse effects. For countries outside of the US, regulations also vary. Differences in regulations may be partially attributed to cultural differences regarding cannabis use and stigma.