Cannabis
Drugs April 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1093/hesc/9780197841402.003.0010 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis |
| Key points | The chapter argues that cannabis is one of humanity's earliest cultivated plants and has been used medically and ritually across ancient cultures. It contends that cannabis is the most used illicit drug worldwide, with use shaped by age, gender, and geography, and that its effects arise from THC and CBD acting on the endocannabinoid system, producing both acute effects such as euphoria and impaired coordination and chronic impacts including cognitive deficits and addiction risk, alongside therapeutic applications in epilepsy and chronic pain. |
Abstract
This chapter examines cannabis, tracing its historical role in human history, concluding that it is one of humanity’s earliest cultivated plants. The chapter then looks at its use in medicine and rituals across ancient cultures. Globally, cannabis ranks as the most used illicit drug, with usage patterns influenced by factors such as age, gender, and geography. Legal and cultural perspectives continually evolve, with laws ranging from strict prohibition to full legalization for medical and recreational purposes. The psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis arise from phytocannabinoids like Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), which interact with the endocannabinoid system to influence mood, pain, appetite, and cognition. Finally, the chapter addresses the acute effects of cannabis, such as euphoria and impaired coordination, alongside chronic impacts, including cognitive deficits, addiction risks, and its therapeutic applications in conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain.