What substance, derived from Cannabis plants, is known to cause perceptual distortions?

Marijuana, derived from the Cannabis plant, contains various compounds known as cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the most well-known. THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana use. It interacts with the brain's endocannabinoid system, binding to cannabinoid receptors that influence various cognitive and perceptual processes. This interaction can lead to perceptual distortions, such as altered sensory perception, enhanced visual and auditory experiences, and changes in the sense of time.

In contrast, the other substances listed do not originate from cannabis and have different mechanisms of action. Cocaine is a stimulant that affects dopamine levels and increases alertness, while heroin is an opioid that primarily causes euphoria and pain relief. LSD, while it causes perceptual distortions as well, is a hallucinogenic compound derived from a completely different source—ergot fungus—and interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. Thus, marijuana is specifically recognized for its association with the perceptual changes linked to its cannabis origin and THC's psychoactive properties.