Cannabis is a plant known by quite a few different names.
It has a confusing legal status, long history and complex chemistry.
Over the last few years, the status and perception of cannabis has changed greatly. Multiple states have legalized medical marijuana and more and more are legalizing recreational use for adults 21 years of age and older. As negative connotations with cannabis continue to disappear, the population is becoming more curious about the plant. For anyone just starting out with cannabis, there is a lot to learn. From the unfamiliar terms to the multitude of products, the first trip to the dispensary can be intimidating. People sometimes confuse the psychoactive cannabis plant with another common variety called hemp. The two are actually very different from each other. Cannabis plants that produce less than 0.3% THC are classified as industrial hemp and legal under federal law. The cannabis that is used as a medicinal treatment and for the euphoric effects has been cultivated and used in everything from religious ceremonies to medicine for thousands of years. Marijuana has been documented in ancient China, Greece, India, the Middle East and cultures around the world. It is an extremely durable plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. At the present time, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. Laws from one state to another vary greatly. There are states that allow reciprocity of medical marijuana cards from other states. It is never legal at any level to transport cannabis across state lines. Even if the consumer is traveling from a state where cannabis is legal into another state where it is legal, the products cannot be legally transported. Consumers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the state’s specific laws before purchasing or possessing marijuana.