CANNABIS
Psychoactive plant containing THC and CBD; acts on endocannabinoid receptors producing euphoria, sedation, and altered perception.
Cannabis contains over 560 identified constituents, with Δ9-THC responsible for most psychotropic effects and non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD, CBC, and CBG offering potential medicinal properties. Evidence for therapeutic use in conditions such as chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea is moderate, while efficacy data in older adults remain lacking. Adolescent use is associated with chronic cognitive, psychosocial, psychiatric, and physical outcomes, and cannabis use disorder is well-documented across age groups. Prenatal exposure carries possible perinatal and longitudinal neurodevelopment risks. Acute pediatric toxicity can include encephalopathy, coma, and respiratory depression.