Marijuana has become increasingly popular from the middle of the 20th century to today, but as it becomes more legalized within the United States and more broadly used by younger age groups, the specifics of how it is produced and administered is often easily forgotten and overlooked.
While the substance is referred to by a variety of names, the most common are weed, marijuana, and cannabis. According to the World Health Organization, these terms are used to refer to the "psychoactive preparations of the cannabis plant" (WHO, 2). There are three preferred strains of the cannabis plant known as Cannabis sativa, indica, or ruderalis. Each strain provides different neurological effects based on their cannabinoids, which are a variety of chemical compounds that act on the composition, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics (movements), and pharmacodynamics (effects and movements) of the plant. The main cannabinoid that is produced and sought after by users is THC. The World Health Organization establishes THC to be found in a resin that coats the flower tops and upper leaves of the plant (WHO, 3). Most other cannabinoids produced are weak or inactive but others such as CBD have the ability to modify the psychoactive effects of THC.
There are many ways to consume marijuana but the most common forms of consumption are through the plant itself or a cannabis resin. While the plant can only be smoked by using special pieces (such as pipes or bongs) or joints, the resin can be consumed in a plethora of ways including through food, bongs (specifically), and in more recent years - through vaporizers. Cannabis smokers obtain the THC through inhaling the smoke or vapor which directly releases the cannabinoid into the bloodstream. TCH is released into the blood after only a few minutes, allowing for a peak at around 15 minutes - decreasing by 2-3 hours after consumption.
If you have ever heard the phrase "there's a science to smoking" hopefully this basic introduction into what weed is and how it is used provides insight into the accuracy of the saying. Smoking and consuming marijuana should always be done safely, but in order to do so it is incredibly important to understand - well, some of the basics.