What Is Cannabis? Everything You Need to Know About the Plant, the Product, and the Culture

What Is Cannabis? Everything You Need to Know About the Plant, the Product, and the Culture

From ancient medicine to modern dispensaries, cannabis has always been more than just a plant. Cultures around the world have used cannabis for healing, rituals, and industry. Today, it’s at the center of a booming market, intense policy debates, and groundbreaking medical research. But what exactly is cannabis? Whether you’re curious about its effects, confused by the terminology, or exploring it for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—clearly and without judgment.

Quick Answer: What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family that contains naturally occurring compounds known as cannabinoids. When the flowers of these plants are harvested and dried, you’re left with a product that can be used for therapeutic, medical, or industrial purposes. The most well-known cannabinoid is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which produces psychoactive effects. Another major cannabinoid, CBD (cannabidiol), does not cause a “high” but may contribute to other therapeutic outcomes.

You might know cannabis by other names like marijuana, weed, ganja, bud, kush, Mary Jane, or reefer—these terms typically refer to the psychoactive form of cannabis that contains THC. See full glossary below.

Intro to Cannabis: Understanding the Plant

Cannabis refers to a genus of plants that includes three primary species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These plants can be male or female, but it’s the female flowers that are prized for their high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating everything from mood to appetite to pain response. There are two key receptor types: CB1 (mostly in the brain and central nervous system) and CB2 (found in the immune system and other parts of the body). When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they influence a variety of bodily functions.

Terpenes are another class of compounds found in cannabis that affect aroma, flavor, and possibly even how cannabinoids work. Think citrus, pine, or lavender—those familiar scents are the work of terpenes like limonene, pinene, and linalool.

Explore the full spectrum of cannabis  in our article, Cannabis 101

A Brief History of Cannabis

Cannabis has been used for thousands of years across continents and cultures. Ancient texts from China and Egypt reference its use for pain relief and spiritual rituals. In the early 20th century, cannabis faced global prohibition driven by political and social forces, especially in the U.S. under the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937.

Today, cannabis is re-emerging in the medical world, with research ongoing into its potential benefits for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, and more. Legalization movements across the U.S. and globally have also revived interest in cannabis as a natural therapeutic option.

Cannabis Strains, Phenotypes, and Clones

Cannabis strains are unique varieties bred to emphasize specific traits such as flavor, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Strains are often categorized as Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid, though these labels are more cultural than scientific.

Each strain can produce multiple phenotypes based on how genes are expressed under different environmental conditions. Think of phenotypes like siblings: same parents, different personalities. One might smell like citrus while another leans earthy, even though they share the same strain name.

A clone is a genetic replica of a particular plant, made by cutting and rooting a stem from a “mother” plant. This ensures consistency in cannabinoid levels, flavor, and growing behavior, making clones invaluable for growers who want repeatable results.

Cannabinoids and How They Work

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds unique to cannabis and hemp. When consumed, they interact with the endocannabinoid system by signaling CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors, affecting mood and cognition. CBD interacts differently, influencing receptor activity without strong psychoactive effects.

Other cannabinoids include:

  • CBG (Cannabigerol): Considered a precursor to other cannabinoids.
  • CBN (Cannabinol): Often associated with aged cannabis and a more relaxing experience.

The interplay between cannabinoids, consumption method, and your own body chemistry shapes your overall experience. In PA, patients often begin with lower doses and adjust slowly over time, a process known as titration. We say “Start low and go slow.” 

Terpenes and the Entourage Effect

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive scents and flavors—from citrusy and fruity to earthy or skunky. These same compounds are found in other plants like lavender, citrus fruits, and pine.

Common terpenes include:

  • Myrcene (herbal, sedative)
  • Limonene (citrus, uplifting)
  • Pinene (pine, alertness)
  • Linalool (floral, calming)
  • Caryophyllene (spicy, anti-inflammatory)
  • Humulene (hoppy, appetite-suppressing)
  • Terpinolene (complex, fresh)
  • Ocimene (sweet, herbal)

Together, terpenes and cannabinoids contribute to what’s known as the entourage effect—the idea that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation.

Glossary: Other Names for Cannabis

Cannabis goes by many names depending on cultural, historical, or slang references. Some of the most common include:

  • Marijuana
  • Weed
  • Pot
  • Herb
  • Ganja
  • Mary Jane
  • Reefer
  • Bud
  • Chronic
  • Skunk
  • Tree
  • Hash
  • Hemp
  • Kush
  • Flower
  • Blunt
  • Joint
  • Spliff
  • Bhang
  • Doobie
  • Jazz Cabbage
  • Devil’s Lettuce
  • Electric Lettuce
  • MJ
  • Magic Dragon
  • Wacky Tobaccy
  • Aunt Mary

The Plant That Changed the Conversation

Cannabis is more than a single compound or product. It’s a plant with a complex history, a rich chemical profile, and growing relevance in medicine, wellness, and industry. As research and regulations evolve, so will our understanding.

If you’re a registered patient in Pennsylvania, stay informed: the rules could change at any moment. Subscribe to our newsletter for up-to-date guidance on new product formats, rule changes, and educational content tailored to PA’s medical cannabis community.