We’ve complied a list of 100 facts about cannabis. Cannabis remains one of the most misunderstood plants on earth, despite its ancient history and modern renaissance.
Here’s a snapshot of what makes cannabis so remarkable:
- Cannabis has been used by humans for over 5,000 years
- Contains over 100 different cannabinoids (THC and CBD being the most famous)
- Legal for adult use in 24 US states as of 2023
- Was used medicinally in ancient China, Egypt, and India
- The human body has an endocannabinoid system specifically receptive to cannabis compounds
- Industrial hemp (cannabis with <0.3% THC) has over 25,000 known uses
- Cannabis plants can be male, female, or hermaphroditic
- Terpenes give cannabis its distinctive aromas and improve effects
- New York legalized adult-use cannabis in March 2021
- Cannabis was used as medicine in the US until 1937
In our experience at Stoops NYC, we’ve found that cannabis education creates confident consumers. When you understand what you’re consuming, you’re empowered to make choices that improve your experience rather than detract from it.
As New York’s cannabis market continues to mature, we believe an informed community is a healthier community. That’s why we’ve compiled these 100 facts about cannabis to serve as your comprehensive guide.
100 Facts About Cannabis
Use & Prevalence
1. Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the U.S., with an estimated 61.9 million Americans using it in 2022.
2. National sales topped $25 billion in 2021 and now support more than 428,000 jobs.
3. In 2024, the U.S. legal cannabis market was valued at around $38.5 billion, and is projected to nearly double in five years.
4. New York’s cannabis market is on track to reach $4.2 billion by 2027.
5. Gallup finds 68 % of Americans now favor legalization, with Gen Z leading the shift.
Legal & Regulatory Status
6. 24 states now allow adult use and 38 recognize medical programs.
7. Under U.S. federal law, cannabis remains a Schedule I substance, meaning it is considered to have high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
8. Many states (including New York) have legalized adult-use cannabis, but federal law still prohibits interstate transport.
9. Unlicensed cannabis products (especially online) are often mislabeled: one study found nearly 70% of CBD products had incorrect concentrations or unexpected THC.
10. New York’s 2021 Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act set a progressive tone: 50 % of licences target social-equity applicants, and 40 % of tax revenue flows back to communities harmed by past enforcement.
11. Hemp was federally legalized under the U.S. 2018 Farm Bill, defined as cannabis with ≤ 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Historical & Cultural Facts
12. The oldest known evidence of cannabis use was found in 2700-year-old graves in China, and possibly 8,000 years in Neolithic Asia.
13. The term “canvas” derives from “cannabis”, because hemp fibre was historically used to make sails.
14. The “War on Drugs” era heavily impacted cannabis users, especially within Black and Brown communities—a legacy still being addressed today.
15. Cannabis has played roles in religious, spiritual, and healing traditions across cultures—from Hindu rituals to Scythian steam-baths described by Herodotus.
16. In the early twentieth century, the Marihuana Tax Act (1937) and later the Controlled Substances Act (1970) criminalised cannabis nationwide in the U.S.
17. The “indica vs sativa” distinction is more marketing than science—recent 2022 research found “sativa/indica” labels don’t reliably predict chemical makeup.
Plant Biology & Constituents
18. The cannabis plant contains over 100 identified cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
19. THC is the primary psychoactive compound that produces the “high,” while CBD typically does not cause significant intoxication.Female plants create the sticky buds we enjoy, while males supply pollen for breeding.
20. Under ideal conditions a single season can yield a 20-foot giant.
21. Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which is why cannabis edibles often include oils or fats for proper absorption.
22. Full-spectrum extracts retain more of the plant’s natural compounds (cannabinoids + terpenes) than isolates.
23. Solventless extracts (e.g., rosin) aim to preserve flavour and terpene profiles without using chemical solvents.
24. Nano-emulsified cannabinoids (in some edibles/beverages) are broken down into tiny particles, purportedly speeding onset and improving bio-availability.
25. While THC is the primary psychoactive compound, other cannabinoids like CBG, CBC, CBN are gaining interest for nuanced effects.
Therapeutic & Medical Uses
26. There is established evidence that cannabinoids can help manage nausea and vomiting in advanced cancer or HIV/AIDs patients.
27. CBD has been approved by the FDA (in the form of Epidiolex) to treat certain rare childhood epilepsies.
28. Despite increasing use, strong clinical evidence is still lacking for many conditions where cannabis is claimed to help.
29. Beyond nausea control, FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids such as dronabinol (THC) and nabilone (Cesamet) are officially indicated for chemotherapy-induced nausea & vomiting and for appetite stimulation in HIV/AIDS-associated weight loss.
Cognitive & Brain-Health Effects
30. A large brain-imaging study found that 63% of heavy lifetime users of cannabis showed reduced brain activity during working memory tasks.
31. Cannabis use affects brain regions responsible for memory, attention, decision-making, coordination, and reaction time.
32. Use during adolescence is associated with a higher risk of cognitive and mental-health issues later in life.
Physical & Cardiovascular Health
33. Regular inhalation of cannabis is linked to respiratory issues such as large airway inflammation and chronic bronchitis.
34. Using cannabis while pregnant has been linked to lower birth weight and developmental risks for infants.
Addiction, Dependence & Use Disorders
35. Around 22%-30% of daily or near-daily cannabis users may develop cannabis use disorder.
36. Starting cannabis use at a younger age, or using high-THC products, increases the risk of dependence.
37. “Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome” (CHS) — characterized by vomiting and abdominal pain — has been reported in chronic heavy users.
Potency, Products & Trends
39. THC concentrations in legal cannabis have steadily increased over the decades; this rise is linked to higher risk for adverse effects.
40. Modern concentrates and nano-emulsions allow fast onset and high potency; this requires careful dosing and awareness of effects.
41. Although many users perceive cannabis as safer than alcohol, epidemiological data suggest both carry significant risks; cannabis use was linked to a ~20% increased stroke risk in one review
42. Potency has skyrocketed—from 2 % THC in the 1970s to 15–25 % in today’s flower, while concentrates top 80 %.
Social, Cultural & Historical Context
43. Cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years — evidence of its use dates back to at least 500 BCE in Central Asia.
44. The term “cannabis” stems from the Greek kánnabis and earlier Scythian and Akkadian references such as qunubu.
45. Large-scale legalization and commercial markets reflect cultural shifts: in certain U.S. states daily cannabis use now rivals or surpasses daily alcohol use.
46. Archaeological evidence indicates cannabis was domesticated in East Asia during the early Neolithic period (around 12,000 years ago) and used for fiber and psychoactive purposes.
47. In the Altai Mountains of Central Asia, burial mounds dating to the 5th–2nd century BCE included wooden tents and vessels used to burn cannabis, suggesting ritual use by Steppe peoples.
48. The term “cannabis” derives from the Scythian word kan(n)aB-, which evolved through Greek kánnabis and Latin cannabis, linking the plant’s name to its ancient use across Eurasia.
49. Cannabis has served as an entheogen (sacramental plant) in the Indian subcontinent since the Vedic period (circa 1500 BCE), and evidence suggests similar use in ancient China around 2,500 BCE.
50. Modern large‐scale legalization has helped transform cannabis from illicit substance to mainstream culture; in the U.S., daily or near‐daily use of cannabis now rivals that of alcohol in some states.
Consumption, Regulation & Risk Mitigation
51. Second-hand cannabis smoke includes many of the same particulates found in tobacco smoke; non-smokers exposed in enclosed spaces had measurable THC in their blood in one study. National Institute on Drug Abuse+1
52. Legal possession limits (e.g., many U.S. jurisdictions allow up to 3 ounces of flower for adult use) define safe boundaries to avoid enforcement issues.
53. Label accuracy and testing matter: Buying from licensed dispensaries ensures lab-verified potency, controlled dosing, and safer intake than unregulated products.
54. Storage matters: light, heat, oxygen degrade cannabinoids/terpenes and reduce product quality over time.
Consumer Facts
55. If you’re shopping at a licensed dispensary, check that the product has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing lab-tested potency and purity.
56. Always start “low and slow” with edibles—effects take time and going too heavy can be overwhelming.
57. Take care if transporting cannabis across state lines—it is still federally illegal and can lead to major legal trouble.
58. Cannabis products vary widely—flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates—and each has different onset, duration and effect profiles.
59. The flavor of high-quality cannabis often reflects its terpene profile: citrus, pine, berry, spice, herbs—look beyond “just THC %”.
60. Micro-dosing (e.g., 2-5 mg THC) is increasingly popular for subtle relief without heavy intoxication.
61. Vegan, gluten-free and clean-label edibles are increasingly common. Check ingredients and dosing.
62. If trying high-potency flower or concentrates for the first time, choose a safe setting and preferably a trusted source.
63. Mixing cannabis with alcohol can amplify effects unpredictably—exercise caution.
64. Tolerance builds over time—regular users may need higher doses for the same effect. Periodic breaks (“T-breaks”) can reset sensitivity.
65. Even in places where consumption is legal, many hotels, short-term rentals and apartments enforce no-smoking rules—always check.
66. Proper dose and onset information is especially important for visitors or tourists unfamiliar with the effects and local regulations.
67. Label reading is key: know the ratio (THC:CBD), the type of extract, whether it’s full-spectrum or isolate, production method, and whether it’s vegan-friendly.
Cannabis Holidays
Myths, Safety Tips & Responsible Use
Even in 2026, myths linger. Let’s clear a few:
- Gateway drug? No causal link proven.
- Completely harmless? Roughly 9 % of users develop problematic patterns.
- Smoke is “clean”? Combustion creates irritants; vapour and edibles reduce inhalation risks.
- All CBD is legal? Only hemp-derived CBD with <0.3 % THC is federally permitted.
- Double-dose edibles after 30 min? Effects can take two hours.
Learn More About Cannabis
These 100 facts only scratch the surface of its rich history, diverse consumption methods, complex genetics, and growing role in wellness and recreation.
If you’re looking for deeper insights, strain guides, industry news, and NYC-based cannabis culture, make sure to check out the Stoops NYC Cannabis Blog. We’re constantly breaking down the plant in a way that’s easy to understand, backed by research, and rooted in real dispensary experience—so you can shop smarter, stay informed, and enjoy the best of what cannabis has to offer.