ABSTRACT
The psychodelics encompass a major group of drugs and substances of abuse that was originally named, “psychedelics,” by H. Osmond in order to differentiate them from “hallucinogens.” Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. There are several species of cannabis, including Cannabis lativa and Cannabis sativa. Cannabis sativa is the principal variety from which marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil are prepared. Cannabis is produced worldwide as illustrated by the names given to the many varieties that are distributed and sold across the United States. “Marijuana” is the dried, shredded plant form of cannabis. “Hashish” is prepared from the dried resin and compressed flowers of the cannabis plant and is generally light brown to black in color. Endocannabinoids typically are produced in response to increased intracellular calcium concentrations at postsynaptic sites—“in response to sustained synaptic activity”.
