Marijuana Definition: Understanding Its Characteristics and Uses

The term ‘marijuana’ is derived from the Mexican Spanish ‘marihuana’. It is commonly used in reference to cannabis, a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant. This drug is mainly used for medicinal or recreational purposes. The Cannabis plant is indigenous to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Marijuana comprises of the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis plant. It contains mind-altering compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, and other similar compounds. Most people use marijuana by smoking hand-rolled cigarettes often referred to as joints, or through pipes or water pipes known as bongs.

In recent years, marijuana has also been consumed in vapor form, commonly known as ‘vaping’. This involves inhaling marijuana in a mist or vapor form rather than smoke. It can also be ingested when it is mixed into foods such as cookies, brownies, or candies; or brewed as tea. High concentrations of THC or older plants can also result in a resinous substance known as hashish, which is typically consumed orally or smoked.

Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which categorizes drugs according to their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety or dependence liability.

Although its non-medical use is illegal in many parts of the world, the changing regulatory landscapes in various countries, including the United States, have allowed for increasing limelight on the medical potential of marijuana. Various cannabinoids from the Cannabis plant, such as cannabidiol (CBD), are subject to medical research.

CBD tablet, a byproduct of the marijuana plant, is widely used for its therapeutic attributes. It has been reported to provide relief from a variety of symptoms including pain, inflammation, anxiety, and seizures without the mind-altering effects of marijuana. CBD tablets are not psychoactive, and hence, do not create the ‘high’ associated with marijuana use. Research is ongoing into the various therapeutic and medicinal uses of CBD, with initial studies showing promising results.

In conclusion, the term marijuana is used to describe the harvested and dried parts of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It has properties that can alter the mind and body. The use and effects of marijuana, both medical and recreational, greatly depend on how it is used and the particular strain of the plant. With growing interest in the potential medical uses of marijuana and its derivatives like the CBD tablet, it is clear that our understanding of this plant and its capabilities are ever-evolving.