Issues & Trends

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis species, with pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike the main psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce euphoria or intoxication.

E-cigarettes and Vaping

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems, are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which typically contains nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other chemicals. Some common nicknames for e-cigarettes include e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, and mods (customizable, more powerful vaporizers).

Marijuana

Cannabis refers to the entire plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds, from species such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The cannabis plant contains over 480 chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for its mind-altering effects. Marijuana specifically refers to the psychoactive parts of the cannabis plant, primarily from Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, that are used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of substances that act on the central nervous system to speed up mental and physical processes in the body. Stimulants make people more alert, increase their attention, and raise blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. This class of drugs includes both legal substances, such as ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin, as well as illicit substances like cocaine, crack, and methamphetamine, all of which can be abused.

Alcohol

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which is a psychoactive and toxic substance with dependence-producing properties. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, affecting nearly every organ in the body, especially the brain. It is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream, where it begins to take effect almost immediately.