Marijuana commonly known as ganga, pot, weed, and maryjane are terms used for dried flowers and leaves of the plant Cannabis sativa. The most potent portion of the mind altering chemicals known as "cannabinoids " is contained in the flowers. The leaves contain a lesser dose of the same chemicals and have become a renowned symbol of marijuana. Different strands of the Cannabis sativa produces different amounts and mixtures of cannabinoids; varying with genetics, the growing techniques, timing of the harvest and even how it is dried.
The main psychoactive ingredient is delta-9-tetrahydrocannaninol better known as THC is most responsible for its intoxicating effects. Recently, it has been discovered that there are more than sixty cannabinoids found in marijuana. Although the effects of the other cannabinoids are less understood, they are not very effective and do not produce a "high " in the absence of THC. However, they interact in combination with the THC to intensify its effects in a variety of ways: speeding up or slowing down its inception and impacting how long the "high " lasts. The parts of the plant, different strands, environments and techniques all impact the mixes and potency of the chemicals. .
One ingredient in particular known as cannabidiol or CBD has been claimed to calm the anxiety that can be produced through the consumption of high doses of THC. It is important to note, that alone it does not produce a "high ". It has been receiving increasing attention from both scientists and marijuana providers because some research is suggesting that it may cause antipsychotic activity. Conducting more studies on the potency and combination of these chemical variations and how they affect people could drastically improve the knowledge of the mental health and public health implications of marijuana consumption (Caulkins, Hawken, Kilmer, Kleiman 2012). .
What are the effects of Marijuana?.