QUICK FACTS

Cannabis refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The plant has many different chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has intoxicating—mind altering—effects.

Cannabis products with THC can cause changes in mood, thoughts, and perceptions of reality. These products can also cause harmful health effects on the brain and other parts of the body. In recent years, there have been big increases in the variety of cannabis products and how much THC they have, as well as a greater variety of ways people can consume them. Unless mentioned otherwise, the information on this webpage is about cannabis products with THC.

NIDA funds research on the health effects of cannabis products, including impacts on the developing brain and on mental health. The institute also supports research on prevention and treatments for cannabis use disorder, the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the public health impacts of cannabis policies.

Cannabis, which some people call marijuana, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa L plant. The plant contains at least 125 different cannabinoids,1 including delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant. It has intoxicating effects, meaning it can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions.

The Cannabis sativa L plant also contains non-intoxicating cannabinoid compounds like cannabidiol (CBD). CBD products are marketed for a variety of uses. Cannabis sativa L plants containing very small, non-intoxicating amounts of delta-9 THC, which are also called hemp, are mainly used for textile fiber and for their edible seed oils.

_____________________________

LEARN MORE

Safe Storage – Preventing Accidental Exposure Fact Sheet

Preventing Youth Use

Cannabis and Driving Don’t Mix