By: Juan Sebastian Chaves Gil
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, has been the subject of interest, debate, and controversy for centuries. This versatile plant has played roles in medicine, religion, recreation, and industry. However, its complex history and diverse uses have led to a wide range of opinions and regulations worldwide. In this article, we will explore exactly what cannabis is, its chemical composition, its effects on the body and mind, as well as its medicinal and recreational applications.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Cannabaceae family. The most common varieties of cannabis are Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The plant produces chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with the most famous being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Another important compound is cannabidiol (CBD), which does not produce psychoactive effects but has various medicinal effects.
The cannabis plant has been used by humans for millions of years due to its medicinal, industrial, and recreational characteristics. Some historical uses of the cannabis plant from millions of years ago included nutrition through its leaves and seeds, the use of its stems for making ropes, and its seeds for essential oil production. On the other hand, its most relevant use today is the production of psychoactive drugs, consumed by society for various purposes, whether medicinal, recreational, etc. “The psychoactive characteristics of cannabis are mostly attributable to the presence of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the primary cannabinoid that alters consciousness.
In 2014, according to UN data, approximately 3% of the world’s adult population consumed marijuana during that year. UN estimates suggest that between 127 million and 233 million people may have consumed this substance, with an average of around 182 million consumers. Despite its illegal status in many places, marijuana use is widespread in certain countries. For example, in the United States in 2016, 51% of the population had consumed marijuana at some point in their lives, with 12% in the last year and 7.3% in the last month.
The use of cannabis has a long history dating back to the third millennium BCE. It was introduced to the New World by the Spanish in the 16th century. However, from the second half of the 20th century onwards, the use, possession, and sale of cannabis and products containing its psychoactive component, the cannabinoid, began to be considered illegal in most countries around the world. Since then, many countries have tightened their control over the distribution of this substance. Despite its illegality, medicinal cannabis has been authorized in some European countries, as well as in Paraguay, Ecuador, Canada, Australia, and several states in the United States.
