Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified on the plant. Although the chemical formula for THC (C₂₁H₃₀O₂) describes multiple isomers, the term THC usually refers to the Delta-9-THC isomer with chemical name (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is a terpenoid found in cannabis and, like many pharmacologically active phytochemicals, it is assumed to be involved in the plant's evolutionary adaptation against insect predation, ultraviolet light, and environmental stress. THC was first discovered and isolated by Israeli chemist Raphael Mechoulam in Israel in 1964. It was found that, when smoked, THC is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, attaching itself to endocannabinoid receptors located in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These are the parts of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, pleasure, coordination and movement.

THC, along with its double bond isomers and their stereoisomers, is one of only three cannabinoids scheduled by the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (the other two are dimethylheptylpyran and parahexyl). It was listed under Schedule I in 1971, but reclassified to Schedule II in 1991 following a recommendation from the WHO. Based on subsequent studies, the WHO has recommended the reclassification to the less-stringent Schedule III. Cannabis as a plant is scheduled by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (Schedule I and IV). It is specifically still listed under Schedule I by US federal law under the Controlled Substances Act for having "no accepted medical use" and "lack of accepted safety". However, dronabinol, a pharmaceutical form of THC, has been approved by the FDA as an appetite stimulant for people with AIDS and an antiemetic for people receiving chemotherapy under the trade names Marinol and Syndros. (Full article...)

Flowering Cannabis indica plant

Reefer Madness (originally made as Tell Your Children), a 1936-1939 American propaganda exploitation film revolving around the melodramatic events that ensue when high school students are lured by pushers to try marijuana — from a hit and run accident, to manslaughter, suicide, attempted rape, and descent into madness. Originally financed by a church group under the title Tell Your Children, the film was intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale attempting to teach them about the dangers of cannabis use. However, it was purchased by producer Dwain Esper, who re-cut the film for distribution on the exploitation film circuit through the 40s and 50s. Although finding a popular audience as a cult film, critics have panned it as one of the worst films ever made.

• ... that the passage of the A.B. 390 by California's Public Safety Committee marked the first time in United States history that a bill legalizing marijuana passed a legislative committee?
• ... that the American television program Cannabis Planet features horticulturist and author Ed Rosenthal as a cannabis "expert"?

Cannabis Cannabis by country Cannabis by year Cannabis by continent Cannabis in Oceania Cannabis-related lists Cannabis in Latin America Cannabis activism Cannabinoids Cannabis cultivation Cannabis culture Cannabis and health Hemp History of cannabis Cannabis industry Medicinal use of cannabis Cannabis and the military Cannabis organizations People involved in cannabis Cannabis politics Preparations of cannabis Cannabis prohibition Cannabis and religion Cannabis research Cannabis smoking Cannabis trafficking Works about cannabis Cannabis stubs

7 November 2023 – 2023 United States elections

Cannabis in the United States

Cannabis in Ohio

In Ohio, voters approve the 2023 Ohio Issue 2 to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. (The Columbus Dispatch)