What is the term used to describe the plant Cannabis sativa L. and its components?

The term that describes the plant Cannabis sativa L. and its components is "Marihuana." This term specifically refers to the psychoactive parts of the cannabis plant that are used for recreational or medicinal purposes. Marihuana encompasses not only the dried flowers and leaves of the plant but also products derived from it that are used to produce psychoactive effects due to the presence of compounds known as cannabinoids, such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Other terms presented in the choices refer to different aspects of cannabis or entirely different plants. For instance, cannabinoids are the chemical compounds produced by cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system but do not encompass the plant as a whole. Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that is cultivated primarily for industrial uses, such as producing fiber and seeds, and contains very low levels of THC. Opium, on the other hand, comes from the opium poppy and is unrelated to cannabis. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing the broader context of cannabis, its uses, and its regulatory status.