Legalizing Marijuana – Cannabis IN America

Cannabis, also known as marijuana[7] and by numerous other names,a[›] is a preparation of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine.[8][9] The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); it is one of 483 known compounds in the plant,[10] including at least 84 other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV).[11][12]

Cannabis is often consumed for mental and physical effects, such as heightened mood, relaxation,[13] and an increase in appetite.[14] Possible side-effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, red eyes,[13] and feelings of paranoia or anxiety.[15] Onset of effects is within minutes when smoked and about 30 minutes when eaten.[16] They last for between two and six hours.[