A general account of Narcotics: Cannabis, Opium, Tobacco
1. Marijuana (Bhang):- Botanical Name:- Cannabis sativa Family:- Cannabaceae Cannabinoids:- > These are the group of chemicals, which interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the plant Cannabis sativa. > Leaves, flowers tops and resins of Cannabis are used in combinations in production of marijuana, hashish, charas, ganja, etc. > These drugs are taken by inhalation and oral ingestion and affect cardiovascular system of the body. 2. Opium Poppy (Afim or Post):- Botanical Name:- Papaver somniferum Family:- Papaveraceae Economic Importance:- > It is a herb, now grown on a large scale in UP., Jullundur and Hoshiarpur districts of Punjab, M.P. and Rajasthan. > Opium is the dried juice which exudes from the injured immature capsules of this plant. > It is highly useful for mankind in relieving the pain, if used in limited doses, mainly due to the presence of some alkaloids. But its heavy doses and ...