Cannabis, also known as marijuana among several other names,a[] is a preparation of

the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine.[7][8][9] The main psychoactive
part of cannabis istetrahydrocannabinol (THC); one of 483 known compounds in the plant,
[10]

including at least 65 other cannabinoids.[11] Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporization, within

food, or as an extract.[12]
Cannabis is often used for its mental and physical effects, such as a "high" or "stoned" feeling, a
general change in perception, euphoria(heightened mood), and an increase in appetite.[12][13] Short
term side effects may include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills,
red eyes, and feelings of paranoia or anxiety.[12][14][15] Long term side effects may include addiction,
decreased mental ability in those who started as teenagers, and behavioral problems in children
whose mothers used cannabis during pregnancy.[12]Onset of effects is within minutes when smoked
and about 30 to 60 minutes when cooked and eaten. [12][16] They last for between two and six hours.[16]
Cannabis is mostly used recreationally or as a medicinal drug. It may also be used for religious or
spiritual purposes. In 2013, between 128 and 232 million people used cannabis (2.7% to 4.9% of the
global population between the ages of 15 and 65).[17] In 2015, 43% of Americans had used cannabis
which increased to 51% in 2016.[18] About 12% have used it in the past year, and 7.3% have used it
in the past month.[19] This makes it the most commonly used illegal drug both in the world and the
United States.[12][17]
The earliest recorded uses date from the 3rd millennium BC.[20] Since the early 20th century,
cannabis has been subject to legal restrictions. Thepossession, use, and sale of cannabis is illegal in
most countries of the world.[21][22] Medical cannabis refers to the physician-recommended use of
cannabis, which is taking place in Canada, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, and 23 U.S.
states.[23] Cannabis use started to become popular in the US in the 1970s.[24] Support for legalization
has increased in the United States and several US states have legalized recreational or medical use.
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