Marijuana Basics

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids). These compounds include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is impairing or mind-altering, as well as other active compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a “high”.  When someone smokes marijuana, THC is rapidly passed from the lungs into the bloodstream and then carried to the brain and other organs in the body. 

What is Medical Marijuana?

The term medical marijuana refers to using the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant or its basic extracts that may treat symptoms of illness and other conditions. The two main cannabinoids from the marijuana plant that are of medical interest are THC and CBD. Certain compounds in marijuana products may affect your brain or body in harmful ways, which could offset any potential benefits for medicinal use. In addition, no federal standards have been implemented for the quality and safety of marijuana products sold in state-based medical marijuana dispensaries. These products are not approved by the FDA. An individual seeking medical marijuana must have a debilitating medical condition to qualify and receive a written provider certification. The potential risk and benefits of using marijuana for a medical condition should be discussed with your health care provider.

Are there any FDA-approved medications that contain CBD or THC?

Yes. The FDA has approved one plant-based marijuana drug (Epidiolex), which contains purified cannabidiol (CBD) from the marijuana plant. The drug is approved for treating seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome) as well as seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors to form in many parts of the body.

The FDA has also approved two medicines (dronabinol [brand names: Marinol and Syndros] and nabilone [brand name: Cesamet]) made from a synthetic or lab-made chemical that mimics tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These medicines are used to treat nausea in patients with cancer who are having chemotherapy treatment and to increase appetite in individuals with AIDS who do not feel like eating (wasting syndrome).

What are other names for Marijuana?

Cannabis, Pot, Weed, Ganja, Dope, Grass, Mary Jane, Joint, Blunt, and 420.

Have more questions? Visit the CDC's FAQ webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/faq/index.html