The hemp plant Cannabis sativa which is the source of marijuana (leaves) and hashish (flowering tops and resin), grows wild or is cultivated in temperate to tropical climates. It is a hardy weed and thrives in a wide variety of locations around the world. It is also cultivated for industrial (fibre and seed) and horticultural purposes.
Legal hemp production for cellulose fibre and oil leads to illegal use as drugs.
Historically, marijuana has been used as a botanical medicine since the 19th and 20th centuries. The use of cannabis in modern medicine is increasing, as is the regulated cultivation of the plant to obtain drugs. Marijuana's claim as a potential panacea is now backed up by countless studies crediting its healing potential to its cannabidiol content. There is actually an endocannabinoid system in the human body. This ancient biological system was first described in the journal Science in 1992 and is said to be responsible for releasing human cannabinoids that interact with cannabinoid receptors found in the cell membranes of virtually all tissues: brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and immune system. Both the therapeutic and psychoactive properties of marijuana occur when a cannabinoid activates a cannabinoid receptor.
There's still ongoing research as to how far they impact your health, but to date, it's known that cannabinoid receptors play an important role in many body processes, including metabolic regulation, cravings, pain, anxiety, bone growth and immune function. Overall, it's said that cannabinoids bring balance to your tissues and biological systems.