Cannabis

Highlights

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An older woman kneeling outside and trimming plants in a garden.
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  • Cannabis refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The plant has many different chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has intoxicating—mind altering—effects.
  • Cannabis products with THC can cause changes in mood, thoughts, and perceptions of reality. These products can also cause harmful health effects on the brain and other parts of the body. In recent years, there have been big increases in the variety of cannabis products and how much THC they have, as well as a greater variety of ways people can consume them. Unless mentioned otherwise, the information on this webpage is about cannabis products with THC.
  • NIDA funds research on the health effects of cannabis products, including impacts on the developing brain and on mental health. The institute also supports research on prevention and treatments for cannabis use disorder, the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis, and the public health impacts of cannabis policies.

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