While many drugs clearly fall into the category of either stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen, cannabis exhibits a mix of all properties, perhaps leaning the most towards hallucinogen or psychedelic properties, though with other effects quite pronounced as well. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is typically considered the primary active component of the cannabis plant, but scientific studies have suggested that certain other cannabinoids like CBD may also play a significant role in its psychoactive effects.

Cannabis, a fast-growing bushy annual with dense sticky flowers, produces the psychoactive THC. Cannabis is the most widely used illegal psychoactive and has a long history of recreational, industrial, and medicinal use. In addition the fibrous stalks of the plant are used to produce clothing and rope.

Although the medicinal value of cannabis is still hotly debated, it does have several well-documented beneficial effects. Among these are:

* the amelioration of nausea and vomiting

*stimulation of hunger in chemotherapy and AIDS patients

*lowered intraocular eye pressure(shown to have benefit in treating glaucoma)

*general analgesic effects(pain reliever)

Less confirmed studies have shown cannabis may be beneficial in treating multiple sclerosis and depression. Synthesized cannabinoids are also sold as prescription drugs, including Marinol( dronabinol in the U.S.) and Cesamet( nabilone in the U.S.)

Abuse of cannabis may lead to:

*a subjective change in perception and, most notably, mood.

*short term physical and neurological effects include:

*increased heart rate

*lowered blood pressure

*impairment of short-term memory

*working memory

*psychomotor coordination

*concentration

Addiction is still widely debated related to physical dependence, physiological dependence, on the other hand, is certainly prevalent, especially in cases related to chronic or heavy daily usage.

Individuals who are predisposed to substance dependence are at a much greater risk of abusing cannabis. Some of the chief hazzards associated with the abuse of cannabis are:

*overeating and reduced physical activity resulting in weight gain

*sinusitis

*pharyngitis

*bronchitis

*emphysema and pulmonary dysplasia may occur with chronic heavy use

Marijuana smoke contains even larger amounts of carcinogens than tobacco.

This is a condensed description for cannabis/marijuana. For more information refer to resources such as the Physicians' Desk Reference(PDR) or http://en.wikipedia.org

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