Is marijuana the same as cannabis? What is THC? Terms to know as states vote on legal weed

With marijuana on the ballot in four states on Election Day, voters may feel overwhelmed with industry jargon they see online.

Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Florida voters will have the opportunity to express if they'd like to legalize marijuana in their states on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Meanwhile in Massachusetts, where marijuana is medically and recreationally legal already, voters will decide whether to legalize psychedelics.

When reading up about different legislation, here are some terms voters should familiarize themselves with.

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Marijuana is all of the products in the Cannabis sativa plant that contain the highest levels of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol.

Consuming marijuana, either by smoking it or taking in edible form, can have intoxicating effects and can trigger changes in mood or thoughts.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, cannabis and marijuana are different.

Cannabis refers to all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Marijuana, on the other hand, refers to specific products from the Cannabis sativa plant that contain substantial amounts of THC.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly known as THC, is the substance found within the Cannabis sativa plant that is primarily responsible for marijuana's psychological effects on a user.

Cannabinoids are the chemicals found within the Cannabis sativa plant. There are more than 100 cannabinoids, according to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, but the most common are THC and cannabidiol, or CBD.

Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10 are just three of the more than 100 cannabinoids that exist.

Under federal law, Delta 8 and Delta 10 are legal for consumer purchase and usage. Delta 9, on the other hand, is not legal under federal law. States are permitted to write their own legislation about Delta 9 possession, consumption and distribution. Debates about the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana are largely about Delta 9.

Delta 9 is the most abundant form of THC found in the Cannabis sativa plant, according to Healthline. Out of the three popular cannabinoids, Delta 9 produces the most psychoactive effects. Delta 9 can be used for a plethora of reasons, including to help with anxiety, insomnia, low appetite, muscle pain and nausea.

Delta 8 and Delta 10 are both extracted from hemp-derived CBD.

Often referred to as "marijuana-lite" or "diet weed," Delta 8 is commonly used to calm nausea, boost appetite, ease pain, boost mental health and prevent vomiting during cancer treatments, according to WebMD.

Delta 10 has a lesser THC potency than Delta 8 or Delta 10, meaning users typically experience less psychoactive effects.

All three cannabinoids can show up on a drug test.

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a chemical compound that can be bound in both the Cannabis sativa and hemp plants. Under federal law, CBD is legal.

CBD does not contain THC, so it is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a user to get "high," or have psychoactive effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD product, a prescription oil called Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures.

While cannabis and marijuana should not be used interchangeably, marijuana and hemp can, as they are of the same species, according to Healthline.

Where the two differentiae, however, is the amount of THC they contain. Healthline reports that hemp contains 0.3% or less THC by dry weight. Because the THC level is so low, it is unlikely to get a user high.

In addition to its medicinal and beauty uses, hemp is also used for a variety of commercial and industry products, like rope, clothing, paper, bioplastics and even biofuel.

Edibles are marijuana-infused products that users may eat or drink. Cookies, cakes, brownies, gummy candies and soft drinks are some of the most popular types of edibles.

Pot, Mary Jane, grass, reefer, green, hash, ganja and doobie are just a few of the ever-growing list of slang terms used in exchange for marijuana.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.