Marijuana Substance Guide
Street names: Weed, pot, grass, Mary Jane, dope, ganja, reefer
Marijuana in the United States
Marijuana, or cannabis, is a plant that goes by many names, and it’s used for nearly as many reasons – from pain and disease management to treating anxiety and depression to “getting high.”
Once an illicit drug, it’s now legal in 24 U.S. states, and about 23% of Americans report using it in the last year. In fact, in 2022, daily marijuana use surpassed daily alcohol use among Americans for the first time in history.
As cannabis laws change across the country, more people have become curious about using it for enjoyment or medicinal purposes. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence about the benefits of marijuana for conditions like poor sleep, there are few controlled studies that prove these benefits to be real.
Coupled with the potential negative consequences of regular use, it’s more important than ever to understand how marijuana works in the body from sources based on science and statistics to help people make informed choices.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana comes from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It contains more than 100 active compounds, called cannabinoids. The two most well-known are:
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THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – causes the “high”
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CBD (cannabidiol) – non-intoxicating and often used for medical purposes
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), about 17.7% of people aged 12 or older in the U.S. reported using marijuana in the past year.
Marijuana consists of dried leaves and flowers from the hemp plant. Marijuana can also be concentrated into a resin (hashish) or hash oil, which are more potent.
Resources About Marijuana Use
Marijuana & the Human Body
There are short and long-term effects, depending on how much is used, how often, how it's consumed, and more.
THC vs. CBD
Did you know that cannabis contains more than 100 different compounds? They're called cannabinoids.
Current Research on Use
Still illegal at the federal level, marijuana is harder for scientists to study with evidence-based, clinical trials.
Resources About Marijuana & Young People
Educating Young People About Marijuana
It might seem a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a “big, important talk.”
Signs a Teen May be Using Marijuana
Some parents will see signs everywhere, but for others, it will seem to come out of nowhere.
Dos & Don’ts of Suspected Use in Teens
Learn more about how marijuana affects teens and get tips for starting real conversations.
