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What is Cannabis?

A plant native to Central Asia that is considered to be the most widely used illegal drug in the world, and is the third most commonly consumed drug after alcohol and tobacco.

Proof of its widespread use is the fact that a large percentage of drug offenses are cannabis-related.  Despite a growing relaxation in the enforcement of cannabis laws, cannabis-related offenses make up more than 70% of drug arrests.

The Basics

What it is, what it looks like, the difference between Indica vs Sativa, and its average THC content

Cannabis sativa is the plant that marijuana, hashish, and hash oil comes from. The leaves and flowers can be dried and smoked, baked into foods, or used to make tea. Cannabis is known by many names, including grass, pot, dope, ganja, green, hash, and mary jane. Learn more about the basics... of using cannabis.

Effects of Cannabis


When cannabis is ingested, it can produce feeling of relaxation or drowsiness. This drug can also make the user feel nervous or even paranoid. Some people who use cannabis feel hungry after using and describe getting the "munchies." Using cannabis may affect the user's short-term memory and coordination. Learn more about the effects... of doing marijuana.

Cannabis Dosage and Amounts Taken

How strong is a certain dose of cannabis, can it be mixed with tobacco?

The strength of the cannabis depends on the amount of THC (9-delta tetrahydrocannabinol) in the dose. Some users mix the cannabis or hashish with tobacco before smoking.

Dangers and Long-Term Effects of Cannabis Abuse

What are the perils of smoking cannabis, the dangers of paranoia, what is the truth about schizophrenia and cannabis?

When cannabis is used over a long time, it can irritate the user's respiratory system and can lead to bronchitis and the possibility of lung cancer1. Lack of motivation and difficulty concentrating are other long-term effects. Long-term use can also cause the user to develop schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness. Learn more about the dangers and long term effects... of cannabis abuse.

Cannabis Addiction and Tolerance

How addictive is it? Is addiction a myth? Do I have a problem? Signs and symptoms of cannabis abuse and dependency

Cannabis is psychologically addictive and may become physically addictive with regular use. Withdrawal symptoms may last for up to seven days when a person stops using cannabis. Learn more about marijuana addiction... and the effects of long-term use. Or, find out about marijuana rehab programs that can help addicts overcome their dependency.

Marijuana Overdose Symptoms, Signs, and What to Do

Can you overdose on cannabis?

There is essentially little to no risk of overdosing on cannabis. You would need to ingest a massive amount (thousands of times the amount needed to get high) for the dose to be fatal.

In any case, should you or someone you are with possibly experience marijuana OD symptoms, we recommend that you call your local emergency line. You can also check out our list of US poison control centers and addiction resources at our drug emergencies resource page. Please consider seeking treatment once the emergency is neutralized.

Mixing Marijuana with Other Drugs

What are the effects of mixing cannabis with alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, tobacco and other drugs?

Mixing cannabis with alcohol can be a recipe for disaster, since both of these drugs affect motor skills and coordination. Driving or attempting to operate machinery while under the influence is more difficult, since reaction time is slowed. Learn more about mixing... cannabis and other substances.

Weed Drug Tests and Detox

What are the detection times? How long does cannabis stay in my system? Will I pass a cannabis drug test?

THC, the active ingredient in "weed" binds with fat cells in the body, even though the drug itself doesn't have any lasting effects. It's possible to test positive for cannabis on a drug test even if you haven't used it for some time. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, shaking, and loss of appetite. Sleep disturbances are not uncommon for former users. Cannabis detox should be supervised by trained personnel for safety reasons. Learn more about cannabis drug testing and how long it takes to detox... from marijuana.

Legality, The Laws of Possession, Use, and Distribution of Pot

Is cannabis illegal? I got caught with cannabis, am I going to jail? How long are sentences for cannabis dealers; what about just possession of pot for recreational use? Is it a felony?

Cannabis is a controlled substance in the United States, making it illegal to possess, grow, or sell it. It is also an illegal substance in the U.K., and possessing or selling it can land you in prison.  Learn more about the legal and criminal aspects... of the drug.

Spiritual or Medicinal Use of Marijuana

Can cannabis be used for purposes other than recreational, like spiritual or medicinal?

Cancer, glaucoma, and AIDS patients claim that using cannabis helps to relieve their symptoms. In some cases, cannabis has been approved for medical use by individuals in the United States.

In the Media

Why do celebrities use cannabis? Pop culture and cannabis in the mainstream press.

Smoking cannabis is commonly featured or referenced in many Hollywood movies. This fact probably contributes to making cannabis more widespread, as it constantly keeps cannabis in the public eye, for better or worse. Below are some examples of media attention heaped on the drug.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can marijuana make you sterile? How bad is smoking marijuana compared to smoking tobacco?Can cannabis make you schizophrenic?

A number of questions are commonly asked about cannabis and its effects, its origins. From the ordinary and logical line of questions to the often bizarre, we present answers to questions... about this drug.

Sample questions posed by visitors to the site:

» Is cannabis more potent now than in the past?

» How long does cannabis remain detectable on a urine drug test?

» Is it safe to smoke marijuana during pregnancy?

» What is a blunt?

Related Site Links

» the gallery: cannabis pictures

» hash pictures: soap bar hash

» the gallery: marijuana pictures: skunk

Offsite Links

» are you dependent? self-test and help for cannabis addicts

» cannabis images through history an archive

» massive resource

» A brief history of the criminalization of cannabis

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