Marijuana is a psychoactive drug made from the cannabis plant that mainly affects how the brain works. It is often used both recreationally and, in some places, for certain medical purposes.
Drug classification
Marijuana (cannabis) is classified as a psychoactive, mind‑altering drug because it changes mood, thinking, and perception. Many health and research organizations also group THC‑containing marijuana with hallucinogens, since it can cause changes in sensory perception, though its effects are usually milder than classic hallucinogens.
What it is made of
Marijuana usually refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. Its main intoxicating component is THC (delta‑9‑tetrahydrocannabinol), while other cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) do not cause a “high” and may be used for medical purposes in specific, approved medicines.
How it is used
People can use marijuana by smoking it, vaping it, eating it in edibles, or using concentrated extracts such as oils. These different forms can change how fast the effects start and how strong they are, but they all rely on THC and other cannabinoids acting on the brain.
Legal and medical context
In many countries and at the U.S. federal level, marijuana is still treated as an illegal drug with a high potential for misuse, though some regions allow medical or recreational use under local law. Separate from the plant itself, several THC‑ or CBD‑based medicines have been approved to treat specific conditions like chemotherapy‑related nausea or certain forms of epilepsy.
Key points table
Aspect| Marijuana description
---|---
Drug type| Psychoactive, mind‑altering drug; often classified among
hallucinogens. 159
Source| Dried parts of the Cannabis sativa plant (flowers, leaves, stems,
seeds). 135
Main active chemical| THC (causes the “high”); also contains other
cannabinoids like CBD. 15810
Typical uses| Recreational use and, where allowed, symptom‑focused medical
use. 58910
Legal status| Varies by region; often illegal nationally but permitted locally
in some areas. 910
