Cannabis

What is cannabis?

Cannabis is a drug made up of the leaves, flowers, and buds of the cannabis plant. Cannabis may be used for medical and non-medical reasons.

There are more than 100 different chemical compounds, or cannabinoids, in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the 2 most known and most often studied.

THC changes how you think, act, and feel and can make you feel "high".
CBD can make you feel relaxed without the "high".

There are many types (strains) of cannabis. Each strain has a different amount of THC and CBD so the effects are different for each. For example, if a strain of cannabis has more THC than CBD, it's more likely to change how you:

think, act, and feel
move your body (your coordination)
make decisions (your judgment)

How is cannabis used?

Current as of: October 16, 2019

Author: Addiction and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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