Cannabis is a tall annual weed that can grow in most fertile areas.   It is typically three to four feet tall, but can grow as tall as 14 ft (Liska 48).  The leaves (and its five to seven leaflets) are green for most of the year, but change colors when cannabis blooms.  The flower can range in color, including red and violet, but is usually yellow (as illustrated in the picture).  Interestingly, female and male plants exists, and can be distinguished from each other by their bloom.
 

Adémas, a wide variety of cannabis exists.  In fact, scientists have identified more than a hundred species.  In the U.S., C. sativa is the predominant wild-growing form of marijuana (Liska 48). Uses:      In addition, various parts of the marijuana plant can be used in number of ways.  For example, Cannabis is a source of hemp fiber, which is a cheap and durable.  In fact, several groups who lobby for the decriminalization of marijuana argue that hemp fiber is a more cost efficient alternative to cotton.       Furthermore, the seeds of marijuana are rich in oil and, due to the high concentration of fat within the seeds, they serve as a valuable source of food.  The oil is even used in numerous cosmetic products, including lotions and balms (Liska 48).

Photograph courtesy of Jean Hanamoto

    Yet, hemp fiber and Cannabis seeds (and their usefulness) are eclipsed by the infamous leaves and the flowering tops, whose proper preparation yields marijuana, pot, ganja, and weed.  Typically, the drug is prepared by drying the leaves and flowers and then grinding them together.  Thereafter, the dried amalgam is typically smoked or consumed orally.