What Plant Does Pot Come From

Pot, or marijuana, is a widely debated and controversial drug that has been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes for thousands of years. While many know it as a green, leafy substance, few actually know the plant it comes from. Pot is derived from the cannabis plant, specifically the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant known as Cannabis sativa.

The Cannabis Plant

The cannabis plant is a woody annual that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. The plant is native to Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, but it is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world, such as South America, Europe, and the United States.

The cannabis plant is dioecious, meaning it has male and female parts. The female part of the plant is the most commonly used in the production of pot. The plant can grow to be up to 18 feet tall and has leaves that are either serrated or deeply lobed with serrated edges.

Types of Cannabis

There are many types of cannabis plants, but the two most widely known are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Cannabis sativa is known for its cerebral and energetic effects, while Cannabis indica is known for its relaxing and sedative effects.

A third type of cannabis, known as Cannabis ruderalis, is low in THC (the psychoactive compound that produces the "high" associated with pot) and is typically used for industrial purposes such as making paper and textiles.

The Pot-making Process

The process of making pot involves several steps. First, the leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds of the plant are harvested, then dried and cured in a process that can take up to several weeks. The THC content of the plant is highest when the flowers are mature, so it is important to time the harvest correctly.

After the plant material is cured, it is typically ground up and rolled into cigarettes or smoked through a pipe. Other methods of consumption include using a vaporizer, which heats the plant matter without combustion, or cooking the dried plant material into food products such as pot brownies or gummies.

The Effects of Pot

Pot has both immediate and long-term effects on the body. The immediate effects of pot include altered perceptions, impaired memory and concentration, increased heart rate, and dry mouth. The long-term effects of pot use include lung damage (if smoked), addiction, and the potential for psychotic disorders in people who are genetically susceptible.

While pot is still illegal in many parts of the world, it is becoming more widely accepted for medicinal and recreational purposes. Understanding where the drug comes from and how it affects the body is important for making informed decisions about its use.

Conclusion

Pot, or marijuana, is derived from the cannabis plant, specifically the flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. The cannabis plant is dioecious and can grow to be up to 18 feet tall. There are many types of cannabis plants, including Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, which are known for their different effects. The pot-making process involves several steps, including harvesting, curing, and preparation for consumption. Pot has both immediate and long-term effects on the body, and understanding its effects is important for making informed decisions about its use.