Cannabis is a plant with a rich history of medical use, known for its relaxing and calming effects. Here’s everything you need to know about its medical properties and uses.
What is cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as weed or marijuana, refers to a genus, or category, of plants in the 170-species-strong family of flowering Cannabaceae plants. The cannabis flower is harvested, dried, and consumed for various purposes, both recreationally and medically.
The cannabis plant has a lengthy and storied history. Archaeological evidence points to its use in human civilizations around the globe for millennia.
Types of cannabis plants
Cannabis is divided into multiple well-known subspecies, including Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Each subspecies is known for distinct growth patterns, potency, and effects.
Cultivators started creating hybrid strains by crossbreeding two or more plants with specific cannabis genetics. Hybrids can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or a balanced strain.
| Cannabis variety | Sativa | Indica | Hybrid | Ruderalis |
| Plant appearance | Tall plant with long, slim leaves | Short plant with broad leaves | Depends on the dominant genetics of the parent plant | Short, petite plant |
Are marijuana, hemp, and cannabis the same thing?
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants that include hemp, often called the “sober” cousin due to its low THC content, and marijuana, which is a slang term for high-THC cannabis. While hemp and marijuana are indeed both cannabis plants, they have some key differences that are important to understand.
The first difference is a legal one. In the US, a plant is only considered hemp if it contains less than 0.3% THC. If a plant contains higher levels of THC, it is legally classified as marijuana.
Cannabis with THC content over 0.3% remains federally illegal, although many states operate legal medical cannabis programs, and some states like Massachusetts operate legal adult-use cannabis programs. While this THC threshold is largely arbitrary, it does get to the heart of a true chemical difference between hemp and marijuana. Hemp varieties of cannabis produce more CBD, while marijuana produces higher levels of THC.
The second difference is what the plants look like. Hemp plants generally grow differently than marijuana, appearing taller and stalkier with a thick stem. The leaves generally have seven long and skinny points.
Marijuana, on the other hand, does not always reach the same heights. Depending on the variety, marijuana can appear short and bushy, taller and stalkier, or a combination of traits. The leaves also vary, appearing short and fat or long and skinny.
The third and final main difference is how each plant is used in the US today. Hemp is cultivated and harvested for many purposes, including for its bast fibers sourced from the thick stem. These fibers are used in many industrial applications like textiles and paper. The plants are also sources of hemp seed and hemp seed oil for cooking and eating. Hemp plants are also bred for high CBD content, harvested from its resin-rich flowers.
Marijuana is mainly cultivated for the development of cannabinoid products, harvested for its THC-rich flowers. While other parts of the plant can be used, marijuana’s highly-regulated nature makes it difficult to source and use leaves and stalks for other purposes.
| Hemp | Marijuana | |
| Cannabinoid content | High CBD | High THC |
| Appearance | Tall stalks, skinny leaves | Typically shorter, but appearance varies |
| Common uses | Cannabinoids, food, industrial | Cannabinoids |
How does cannabis work? The chemical properties of cannabis
Cannabis contains many compounds, including aromatic terpenes and phytocannabinoids. Scientists have discovered more than 100 phytocannabinoids in cannabis so far, the most common being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
These phytocannabinoids behave similarly to the endocannabinoids your body produces naturally. Certain phytocannabinoids and your body’s endocannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which works to keep your body in a state of homeostasis. This system has receptors from head to toe, impacting your nervous system, skin, brain, and digestive system, among many other organs.
Cannabis plants are made of cannabinoids and terpene profiles, which are responsible for the different effects and characteristics of cannabis products. Potency and flavor can greatly impact cannabis consumption, leading to unique experiences.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and receptors responsible for mood regulation, pain, appetite, and sleep.
The two main cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), both causing different effects in the body. THC is a psychoactive cannabis compound, causing the “high” effects. The THC levels determine the potency of the cannabis product. CBD is a non-intoxicating compound, known for its therapeutic benefits.
Cannabis also may have additional cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and other cannabinoids.
Terpene profiles
Terpenes are natural chemical compounds that are responsible for a plant’s unique taste and flavor. In cannabis plants, terpenes go hand in hand with cannabinoids and other chemical compounds to produce aroma, as well as potential therapeutic benefits.
The most common terpenes found in cannabis plants include:
- Limonene: citrusy aroma, with potential uplifting or stress-relieving effects
- Myrcene: peppery, earthy, musky aroma, with potential sedating effects
- Linalool: floral aroma with potential stress relief and antimicrobial properties
- Humulene: earthy, herbal aroma with potential anti-inflammatory effects
- Pinene: pine-like aroma with potential anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator effects
The effects and benefits of consuming cannabis
Cannabis products are used for various purposes, both recreational and to help with medical conditions. Recreationally, cannabis can be consumed both in social and private settings to promote relaxation or uplift the mood.
Medical cannabis can be used to reduce the symptoms of various health challenges, such as nausea and anxiety. One of the most prominent medical uses of cannabis is for managing chronic pain caused by injury, surgery, or damage to the nervous system.
Cannabis consumption methods
Consuming cannabis can be personalized, depending on individual needs and tolerance. The most common ways to consume cannabis include:
- Smoking: By using joints, blunts, bongs, and pipes
- Vaping: By using vaporizers and vape pens
- Dabbing: By using dab tools, like an electronic device
- Edibles: Foods and beverages infused with cannabis
- Topically: Patches, balms, lotions, oils, and other skincare products infused with cannabis
Side effects of cannabis
Cannabis has a few potential side effects that can get worse depending on the potency and individual tolerance to the substance. Increased anxiety, paranoia, and dependency are potential risks when consuming high levels of cannabis more frequently.
The most common side effects of cannabis include:
- Munchies (increased appetite)
- Dry mouth and increased thirst
- Dry and red eyes
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Increased anxiety
How to choose the right cannabis
To choose the right cannabis for you, the first thing you should do is consider a few key factors, such as:
- Medical history: Consider your mental and physical health when choosing the cannabis product to consume.
- Reason for consumption: Determine if you want a recreational or therapeutic use of cannabis and what kind of desired effects you want to achieve.
- Method of consumption: Some cannabis products deliver effects faster than others. Smoking cannabis products usually produces immediate effects, while topical and oral products take more time to reach the bloodstream.
- The chemical properties: Taste, flavor, and potency are personal preferences when choosing the right cannabis product for you.
- Where to buy: Find a legitimate cannabis dispensary to get the best quality cannabis.
The effects of cannabis use can depend on numerous factors, including potency, way of consumption, and individual tolerance of the consumer. Understanding the differences and similarities of cannabis variants can enhance the overall cannabis experience.
Sources:
“Hemp vs. Cannabis: What’s the Difference?” https://www.healthline.com/health/hemp-vs-marijuana Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
“7 U.S. Code § 5940 | U.S. Code | US Law.” https://law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/7/5940. Accessed 6 Jul. 2020.
“The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An ….” 14 Dec. 2018, https://brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/. Accessed 6 Jul. 2020.
