Cannabis

Cannabis is a flowering plant used for medicinal and industrial purposes for thousands of years by many cultures across the globe. It contains at least 113 naturally occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Some cannabis varieties contain a psychoactive cannabinoid called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that induces a range of subjective effects dependent on the dose. Another cannabinoid named cannabidiol (CBD) does not cause intoxication but is used for health benefits. Research into medicinal applications of cannabinoids has revealed a multitude of positive effects across a variety of conditions with the strongest evidence for pain reduction, PTSD, epilepsy, cancer and symptoms related to cancer treatments, and neurodegenerative diseases. As a result, many have either legalized medical cannabis use and/or decriminalized personal use, and at least 15 states have fully legalized cannabis use.

Cannabis-assisted psychotherapy is an approach where a person consumes cannabis with the intention of exploring emotions, thoughts and sensations under the guidance of a therapist. Under the relaxing effects of cannabis, a person may more easily approach and work with difficult emotions from a different self view point. This technique is relatively novel and encompasses other therapeutic practices such as breathing and relaxation exercises. Cannabis-assisted psychotherapy is only available in states where cannabis is legal.