Introduction

Common hemp

Cannabis (/ˈkænəbɪs/ ^ⓘ) is agenus offlowering plants in the familyCannabaceae that is widely accepted as beingindigenous to and originating from the continent ofAsia. However, the number of species is disputed, with as many as three species being recognized:Cannabis sativa,C. indica, andC. ruderalis. Alternatively,C. ruderalis may be included withinC. sativa, or all three may be treated assubspecies ofC. sativa, orC. sativa may be accepted as a single undivided species.

The plant is also known ashemp, although this term is usually used to refer only tovarietiescultivated for non-drug use. Hemp has long been used forfibre,seeds and theiroils,leaves for use asvegetables, andjuice. Industrial hemp textile products are made from cannabis plants selected to produce an abundance of fibre.

Cannabis also has a long history of being used formedicinal purposes, and as arecreational drug known by several slang terms, such asmarijuana,ganja,pot orweed. Variouscannabis strains have been bred, often selectively to produce high or low levels oftetrahydrocannabinol (THC), acannabinoid and the plant's principalpsychoactive constituent. Compounds such ashashish andhash oil are extracted from the plant. More recently, there has been interest in other cannabinoids likecannabidiol (CBD),cannabigerol (CBG), andcannabinol (CBN). (Full article...)

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