DEFINITION

• Cannabis refers to a genus of flowering plants, including 3 separate species: C. sativa, C. indica and C. ruderalis.
• Street names for cannabis are numerous, and include: marijuana, pot, weed, herb, buddha, nugs, grass, trees, Mary Jane.
• Cannabis is most often consumed by smoking dried plant material, but vaporization and oral administration is also fairly common.
• The primary psychoactive component is Δ⁹ -tetrahydrocannabinol, also called Δ⁹-THC or simply THC.
• THC exhibits its psychoactive effects via agonism of the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor.
• Cannabis intoxication involves disruptive behavioral or psychological changes after cannabis use, with expected physical changes, +/- perceptual disturbances[1].
• Cannabis withdrawal refers to disruptive signs and symptoms of abstinence, including physical symptoms, that occur in heavy users[1].
• Cannabis use disorder refers to disruptive overuse of the drug. Besides overuse, elements of cannabis use disorder may include loss of control, wasted time, a strong drive to use, social disruption, dangerous use, use despite problems in various areas, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms[1].