Cannabis, marijuana, weed: you’ve heard all three words, but what actually is cannabis? This beginner’s guide explains what cannabis is, how it works, the difference between cannabis, marijuana and hemp, and how to buy it legally in Salem, Oregon.
📍 The Joint on Market · 3270 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301 · Adults 21+
Cannabis is one of the most searched topics in the world. Every month, hundreds of thousands of people type “cannabis,” “weed” or “marijuana” into Google, and tens of thousands ask the simple question: what is cannabis?
It’s a fair question. Cannabis has dozens of names, hundreds of strains, a long history and laws that change from state to state. If you’re new to it, the whole topic can feel confusing.
At The Joint on Market, a licensed marijuana dispensary in Salem, Oregon, we answer these questions every day. This guide covers the basics in plain English, so you know exactly what cannabis is before you ever walk into a dispensary.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a flowering plant that has been grown by humans for thousands of years for food, fiber, medicine and its mind-altering effects. Botanically, cannabis is a genus of plants in the Cannabaceae family. The three types most people talk about are:
- Cannabis sativa: typically tall plants with narrow leaves
- Cannabis indica: typically shorter, bushier plants with broad leaves
- Cannabis ruderalis: a small, hardy type used mainly in breeding
When people talk about cannabis today, they usually mean the dried flowers (buds) of female cannabis plants, which contain the compounds that produce cannabis’s effects. Those compounds are called cannabinoids, and the two best known are THC and CBD.
Cannabis definition in simple terms
If you want a one-line cannabis definition: cannabis is a plant whose flowers contain THC, CBD and other natural compounds that affect how you feel when you smoke, vape, eat or drink it.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is cannabis that contains enough THC to make you feel “high.” In everyday speech and in Oregon law, “marijuana” refers to cannabis plants and products that contain more than a tiny amount of THC. That’s the kind sold at licensed marijuana dispensaries.
The word “marijuana” became common in the United States in the early 1900s. Today, many people in the industry prefer “cannabis” because it’s the plant’s scientific name, but both words are used everywhere, including on official Oregon government websites.
Marijuana definition
A simple marijuana definition: marijuana is the dried flower, leaves and extracts of cannabis plants that contain THC, the compound that produces a high.
What Is Weed?
Weed is slang for marijuana. It’s the most common casual name for cannabis in the US. You’ll also hear pot, bud, grass, herb, ganja, Mary Jane, reefer and dozens of other nicknames.
So when someone asks “what is weed?”, the answer is simple: weed is marijuana, and marijuana is cannabis that gets you high.
Is Cannabis Weed? Is Weed Marijuana?
These are two of the most common questions people search, and the answer to both is yes, mostly.
- Is cannabis weed? Weed is a type of cannabis. All weed is cannabis, but not all cannabis is weed. Hemp is cannabis too, and hemp won’t get you high.
- Is weed marijuana? Yes. “Weed” and “marijuana” mean the same thing: cannabis with enough THC to produce a high.
Here’s a simple way to remember it:
| Term | What it means | Gets you high? |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | The plant family and everything made from it | Depends on the type |
| Marijuana | Cannabis with meaningful THC | Yes |
| Weed / pot | Slang for marijuana | Yes |
| Hemp | Cannabis with 0.3% delta-9 THC or less by dry weight | No |
Cannabis vs. Hemp: What’s the Difference?
Hemp and marijuana are the same plant species. The difference is how much THC they contain.
Under US federal law, hemp is cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Hemp is grown for fiber, seeds, oils and CBD products, and it won’t get you high.
Marijuana contains more THC than that limit, often much more. Modern marijuana flower commonly tests at 15% to 30% THC.
How Does Cannabis Work?
Cannabis works because your body already has a system built to respond to it, called the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors found throughout your brain and body. It helps regulate things like mood, appetite, sleep, memory and how you sense pain. Your body naturally makes its own cannabinoid-like molecules to keep this system balanced.
When you consume cannabis, plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with these same receptors:
- THC binds strongly to receptors in the brain, which is what creates the “high”: changes in mood, perception, appetite and time.
- CBD works differently. It doesn’t produce a high and may soften some of THC’s effects.
Cannabis also contains terpenes, the aromatic oils that give each strain its smell, from citrus to pine to diesel. Many people believe terpenes help shape each strain’s effects.
What Is THC?
THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s responsible for the euphoria, relaxation, giggles, munchies and altered perception people associate with weed. The more THC a product contains, the stronger its effects tend to be. That’s why every product at a licensed Oregon marijuana dispensary shows its THC content on the label.
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the second best-known cannabinoid. It’s non-intoxicating, so it won’t get you high. Many people choose CBD-rich or balanced THC:CBD products when they want a gentler experience. For more on wellness-focused products, see our guide on where to buy medical cannabis.
Types of Cannabis: Indica, Sativa and Hybrid
At a dispensary, cannabis strains are usually grouped into three categories:
- Indica: often described as relaxing and body-focused, popular in the evening
- Sativa: often described as uplifting and energizing, popular during the day
- Hybrid: a cross of both, with effects that can lean either way
These labels are a helpful starting point, but every strain is different. THC level, terpenes and your own body all play a role. That’s why our budtenders ask how you want to feel rather than just which category you want.
Forms of Cannabis You Can Buy
Cannabis comes in far more forms than just a joint. Here are the most common products you’ll find at a licensed marijuana dispensary:
- Flower: the dried buds of the cannabis plant, smoked or vaporized
- Pre-rolls: ready-made joints filled with ground flower
- Edibles: gummies, chocolates and drinks infused with cannabis. See where to buy edibles and THC gummies.
- Vapes: cartridges and disposables filled with cannabis oil. See where to buy THC vapes, hash and oils.
- Concentrates: potent extracts like wax, shatter, rosin and live resin
- Tinctures: liquid cannabis extracts taken by dropper
- Topicals: creams and balms applied to the skin
Fun fact: the famous “liquid marijuana” cocktail doesn’t contain any cannabis at all. Read why in our post on the liquid marijuana drink.
Is Cannabis Legal?
It depends where you are.
In Oregon
Yes. Oregon voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, and adults 21 and older can legally buy cannabis from OLCC-licensed dispensaries with valid ID. You can consume it on private property, but not in public, and never while driving. Oregon also sets daily purchase and possession limits.
Federally
Under federal law, most marijuana is still a controlled substance. In April 2026, the federal government moved FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, and a broader proposal to reschedule all marijuana went through a DEA hearing process, with legal challenges still pending at the time of writing. Because of federal law, cannabis can’t be taken across state lines, even between two legal states. Learn more in Can a Dispensary Ship to Another State?
For more on buying safely and legally, read Is Buying Weed Online Legal and Safe?
Is Cannabis Addictive?
Cannabis is generally considered less addictive than substances like alcohol, nicotine or opioids, but it can be habit-forming. Some people who use cannabis frequently develop cannabis use disorder, which means they find it hard to cut back even when it causes problems. The CDC estimates that roughly 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have some degree of marijuana use disorder.
The risk is higher for people who start young and for those who use high-THC products every day. Signs to watch for include needing more to feel the same effect, cravings, and irritability or trouble sleeping when you stop.
If you choose to use cannabis, these habits help keep it healthy:
- Use it occasionally rather than all day, every day.
- Take regular tolerance breaks.
- Choose lower-THC or balanced products.
- Never use it to escape problems you’d rather face.
If you’re worried about your use, talk to a doctor or contact SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
What Does Cannabis Feel Like?
Everyone experiences cannabis differently, but common effects include:
- Relaxation and a calmer mood
- Euphoria or giggliness
- Heightened senses (music, food and colors may seem more intense)
- Increased appetite (“the munchies”)
- Changes in how you perceive time
- Dry mouth and red eyes
Too much THC can cause anxiety, paranoia, a racing heart or dizziness. That’s why the most important advice for beginners is to start low and go slow, especially with edibles, which can take up to two hours to kick in.
How to Use Cannabis Responsibly
- Buy from a licensed dispensary. Licensed products are lab tested and clearly labeled.
- Start with a low dose. Especially if you’re new or trying a new product.
- Don’t mix with alcohol. Combining the two makes effects stronger and less predictable.
- Never drive high. It’s dangerous and illegal.
- Store it safely. Keep cannabis locked away from children and pets.
- Know the law. Consume only where it’s allowed and never take cannabis across state lines.
Where to Buy Cannabis in Salem, Oregon
Now that you know what cannabis is, the next question is where to get it. Adults 21+ can buy legal cannabis at licensed Oregon dispensaries like The Joint on Market, at 3270 Market St NE in Salem.
Here’s how easy it is:
- Browse our menu in our online shop.
- Visit us on Market Street or place your order online.
- Show your ID (21+, valid government-issued photo ID).
- Get friendly advice from our budtenders, who’ll help you choose the right product.
First time? Our beginner’s guide to buying weed walks you through everything, and our guide to where to buy weed near me explains your options around Salem.
Cannabis FAQs
What is cannabis in simple words? Cannabis is a plant whose flowers contain natural compounds, mainly THC and CBD, that affect your mood and body when you smoke, vape, eat or drink it.
Is cannabis the same as marijuana? Marijuana is cannabis that contains enough THC to get you high. Hemp is also cannabis, but it has very little THC.
Is weed marijuana? Yes. Weed is slang for marijuana.
Is cannabis weed? Weed is a type of cannabis. All weed is cannabis, but hemp is cannabis that isn’t weed.
Is cannabis addictive? Cannabis can be habit-forming, especially with frequent, high-THC use. Using it occasionally and taking tolerance breaks lowers the risk.
Is cannabis legal in Oregon? Yes. Adults 21+ can buy recreational cannabis at licensed Oregon dispensaries with valid ID.
Where can I buy cannabis in Salem? At licensed dispensaries like The Joint on Market, 3270 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301. You can also shop online.
Explore Cannabis at The Joint on Market
Cannabis doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re curious about your first edible or looking for a new strain, our team at The Joint on Market is here to help, with lab-tested Oregon cannabis, fair prices and zero judgement.
📍 3270 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301
For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children. Do not drive or operate machinery under the influence of cannabis. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. It is illegal to take cannabis across state lines. This article is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice.