What is Cannabis? The Complete 101 Guide
Everything you need to know about marijuana, from basic science to safe consumption
By The Library Team | Licensed NJ Dispensary (RE000228) | Last Updated: December 2025
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, or pot, is a flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae that contains over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. Native to Central Asia, cannabis has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, recreational, and industrial purposes.
The cannabis plant produces resinous flowers rich in cannabinoids, with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) being the two most prominent and well-studied compounds. When consumed, these cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to produce various effects.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)
The primary psychoactive compound that produces the "high" feeling, including euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
Typical range: 10-30% THC in flower products
CBD (Cannabidiol)
Non-intoxicating compound that does not produce a high. Often used for relaxation, wellness, and to balance THC effects.
Available in various ratios with THC (1:1, 2:1, etc.)
Cannabis vs. Hemp vs. Marijuana: What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:
Cannabis
The scientific genus name for the plant. Both hemp and marijuana are types of cannabis.
Marijuana
Cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC content. This is what's sold at licensed dispensaries for recreational and medical use.
Hemp
Cannabis plants with 0.3% THC or less. Federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill and used for CBD products, textiles, and industrial purposes.
Types of Cannabis: Indica, Sativa & Hybrid
Cannabis strains are traditionally categorized into three main types based on their effects and characteristics:
Indica
Known for relaxing, sedating effects. Indica strains are ideal for evening use, stress relief, and sleep support. Often described as producing a "body high."
Learn more in our complete indica guide.
Sativa
Known for energizing, uplifting effects. Sativa strains are better for daytime use, creativity, social activities, and focus. Often described as producing a "head high."
Read our complete sativa guide.
Hybrid
A balanced combination of indica and sativa genetics. Hybrids can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or evenly balanced. Most modern cannabis strains are hybrids, offering a mix of effects.
Modern Understanding: Scientists now recognize that indica/sativa classifications are oversimplified. Effects are better predicted by a strain's cannabinoid and terpene profile rather than its category. Our budtenders can help you find strains based on your desired effects.
Cannabis Product Types
Cannabis is available in many forms, each with different onset times, durations, and experiences:
Flower (Buds)
Dried cannabis buds, the most traditional form. Smoked in pipes, bongs, or rolled into joints.
Onset: 5-10 minutes | Duration: 2-4 hours
Pre-Rolls (Joints)
Pre-rolled cannabis cigarettes ready to smoke. Convenient for beginners who don't want to roll their own.
Onset: 5-10 minutes | Duration: 2-4 hours
Edibles
Cannabis-infused gummies, chocolates, beverages, and baked goods. Processed through the digestive system.
Onset: 30-90 minutes | Duration: 4-8 hours
See our edibles dosing guide
Vape Cartridges
Concentrated cannabis oil in cartridges for vape pens. Discreet, portable, and precise dosing.
Onset: 1-5 minutes | Duration: 2-3 hours
Learn more: Vape cartridge guide
Concentrates
Highly potent cannabis extracts including wax, shatter, live resin, and rosin. For experienced users.
Potency: 60-90% THC | Onset: Immediate
Learn more: Complete concentrates guide
Tinctures
Liquid cannabis extracts taken under the tongue (sublingual). Allows precise dosing with droppers.
Onset: 15-45 minutes | Duration: 4-6 hours
How Does Cannabis Work?
Cannabis works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system discovered in the 1990s. The ECS plays a role in regulating:
- • Sleep and circadian rhythm
- • Mood and stress response
- • Appetite and metabolism
- • Pain perception
- • Memory and learning
- • Immune function
When you consume cannabis, cannabinoids like THC bind to receptors in the ECS (primarily CB1 receptors in the brain), producing various effects. CBD works differently, influencing the ECS indirectly and modulating how other cannabinoids interact with receptors.
For deeper scientific information, see our cannabis plant anatomy guide.
Beginner Tips: Start Low & Go Slow
The #1 rule for cannabis beginners: Start with a low dose and wait to feel the effects before consuming more.
Choose Your Consumption Method
Smoking/vaping provides fast effects (good for controlling dose). Edibles are slower but longer-lasting. New users often prefer vapes or low-dose edibles (2.5-5mg THC) for control.
Start With Low THC
Look for products with 10-15% THC or less. Consider balanced CBD:THC ratios (1:1 or 2:1 CBD) for gentler, more manageable effects.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Try cannabis for the first time at home with trusted friends. Have snacks and water available. Put on relaxing music or a comfortable show.
Wait Between Doses
Smoking/vaping: Wait at least 15-30 minutes before consuming more. Edibles: Wait a full 2 hours before taking more. This is crucial!
Talk to Our Budtenders
Our West Orange team loves helping beginners! We'll recommend products based on your preferences, experience level, and desired effects. No question is too basic.
What to Expect: Cannabis Effects
Cannabis effects vary based on strain, dose, consumption method, and individual factors like tolerance and body chemistry. Here's what to expect:
Common Positive Effects
- • Relaxation and stress relief
- • Euphoria and elevated mood
- • Laughter and sociability
- • Enhanced sensory perception
- • Increased appetite ("munchies")
- • Pain and discomfort relief
- • Creativity and altered thinking
Possible Side Effects
- • Dry mouth ("cottonmouth")
- • Red or dry eyes
- • Increased heart rate
- • Temporary memory impairment
- • Slowed reaction time
- • Anxiety or paranoia (if too much)
- • Dizziness or lightheadedness
If You Feel Uncomfortable or "Too High"
- • Stay calm: Remember that no one has ever fatally overdosed on cannabis. The effects will pass.
- • Hydrate: Drink water and eat a light snack
- • Try black pepper: Smelling or chewing black peppercorns can help reduce anxiety
- • Find comfort: Move to a quiet, comfortable space and breathe deeply
- • Distract yourself: Put on calming music or a familiar TV show
- • Rest: Lie down if needed; sleep can help if effects feel overwhelming
- • Call a friend: Talking to someone you trust can provide reassurance
New Jersey Cannabis Laws
New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis for adults 21+ in November 2020, with legal sales beginning in April 2022. Here's what you need to know:
Purchase Requirements
- • Must be 21 years or older with valid government-issued ID
- • No medical card required for recreational purchases
- • Out-of-state visitors can purchase with valid ID
Purchase Limits (Per Transaction)
- • Flower: Up to 1 ounce (28 grams)
- • Concentrates: Up to 5 grams
- • Edibles: Up to 1,000mg THC
- • Combinations of products with equivalent limits
Consumption Rules
- • Legal: Private residences only
- • Illegal: Public spaces, parks, sidewalks, vehicles
- • Landlords and employers may still prohibit use
- • Some municipalities may allow consumption lounges
Important Safety Rules
- • Never drive under the influence of cannabis (DUI laws apply)
- • Keep all products in child-resistant packaging
- • Store away from children and pets
- • Do not transport across state lines (federal law)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis
What is cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a flowering plant containing over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which produces psychoactive effects or a "high," and CBD (cannabidiol), which is non-intoxicating and used for wellness purposes.
Is cannabis legal in New Jersey?
Yes, recreational cannabis is legal in New Jersey for adults 21 and older. New Jersey voters approved cannabis legalization in November 2020, and recreational sales began in April 2022. You can purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries like The Library in West Orange without a medical card.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the "high" feeling, including euphoria and altered perception. CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and does not produce a high. CBD is often used for relaxation and wellness purposes. Many products contain different ratios of THC to CBD.
What are the different types of cannabis strains?
Cannabis strains are typically categorized as Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid. Indica strains tend to produce relaxing, sedating effects ideal for evening use. Sativa strains are energizing and uplifting, better for daytime activities. Hybrids combine characteristics of both and can be indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced.
How do I consume cannabis?
Cannabis can be consumed in several ways: smoking flower (dried buds), vaping concentrates or flower, eating edibles (gummies, chocolates), using tinctures (liquid drops under the tongue), or applying topicals (creams and balms). Each method has different onset times and duration of effects.
What should first-time cannabis users know?
First-time users should follow the "start low and go slow" approach. Begin with a low dose (2.5-5mg THC for edibles or one small puff for smoking), wait to feel effects before consuming more, stay hydrated, be in a comfortable environment, and avoid mixing with alcohol. Effects can take 30-90 minutes for edibles.
How much cannabis can I buy in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, adults 21+ can purchase up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower per transaction. Equivalent limits apply to other products: up to 5 grams of concentrates, 1,000mg of THC in edibles, or proportional combinations of different product types.
Where can I legally consume cannabis in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, cannabis can only be legally consumed in private residences. Public consumption is prohibited, including in parks, sidewalks, vehicles, and most public spaces. Some municipalities may have designated consumption lounges, but these are not yet widely available.
What are the effects of cannabis?
Cannabis effects vary by strain, dose, and individual. Common effects include relaxation, euphoria, altered perception, increased appetite, and pain relief. Possible side effects include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, and temporary memory impairment. Effects typically last 2-4 hours when smoked and 4-8 hours with edibles.
Do I need a medical card to buy cannabis in NJ?
No, you do not need a medical card to purchase cannabis in New Jersey. Adults 21 and older can buy recreational cannabis from licensed dispensaries with a valid government-issued ID. Medical patients with a valid NJ medical marijuana card may receive additional benefits like tax exemptions.
Continue Your Cannabis Education
Leaves of Cannabis
Fan leaves, sugar leaves & identification guide
Cannabis Culture
5,000 years of history, traditions & community
What is Indica?
Complete guide to indica strains and effects
What is Sativa?
Everything about sativa strains
Cannabis for Sleep
Best strains and products for rest
Cannabis for Anxiety
Calming strains and CBD options
THC Detection Times
How long cannabis stays in your system
Tolerance Break Guide
Reset your tolerance in 21 days
Your First Visit
What to expect at the dispensary
Ready to Begin Your Cannabis Journey?
Visit The Library in West Orange for personalized guidance from our expert budtenders. We'll help you find the perfect products for your needs.
Educational Purposes Only: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical concerns. Must be 21+ to purchase cannabis in New Jersey. The Library holds NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228. Please consume responsibly.
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Legal Notice: This website is intended for adults 21 years of age and older. Cannabis products have not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of using cannabis products.