Marijuana (Cannabis, Weed)

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana (also called cannabis or weed) is a psychoactive substance, which means it has mind-altering (“high”) effects. It comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. But there are manufactured (synthetic) forms, as well. Other common names for it include pot and dope.

People often use the terms “marijuana” and “cannabis” interchangeably. But there are differences. Cannabis (pronounced “KAN-uh-bis”) refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, including its dried flowers, leaves, stems and seeds. Marijuana (pronounced “mar-uh-WAH-nuh”) refers to parts or products from the plant that contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the main chemical (cannabinoid) that causes mind-altering effects.

It can be consumed in many ways. Examples include:

• Smoking (in a joint, blunt or pipe)
• Vaping
• Infusing it in drinks
• Mixing it into foods (edibles)
• Inhaling oil concentrates (dabbing)
• Applying it to your skin (creams and patches)

Scientifically, there are many unknowns regarding marijuana. Researchers are still studying the short- and long-term effects of this substance.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are the active ingredients that lead to cannabis’s effect on your body. You have cannabinoid receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate several functions, like mood, memory and appetite.

Your body naturally makes certain types of cannabinoids. When you consume them from outside sources, they overly activate your receptors. This leads to various effects and symptoms.

The Cannabis sativa plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids. The most well-known ones are:

• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the main cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive (“high”) effect.
• Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD has non-psychoactive effects. It may help manage conditions like epilepsy, neuropathic pain and inflammation.

What does weed do to your body?

When you smoke marijuana, THC quickly passes from your lungs into your blood. Your blood carries THC to your brain and other organs. Your body absorbs THC more slowly if you eat or drink it, typically 30 minutes to one hour.

THC overly activates parts of your brain that contain the highest number of endocannabinoid receptors. This leads to a series of effects. You might experience things that are different from what someone else feels. In addition, different episodes of marijuana use can cause a range of effects in the same person.

What are the effects of marijuana?

Marijuana has a wide range of short-term and long-term effects. Factors that may influence what you experience from marijuana include:

• Your genetics, age and sex
• The amount and strength of it
• How you consume it
• How long you’ve used it
• How frequently you use it
• If you take medications and/or use other substances

Researchers are still learning about its effects, especially long-term ones.

Short-term effects

Short-term effects of marijuana use may include:

• Happiness or euphoria
• Relaxation or sleepiness
• Anxiety or panic
• Impaired memory
• Issues with thinking and problem-solving
• Impaired judgement and decision-making
• Issues with coordination and slowed reaction time
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or appetite changes
• Increased heart rate
• Bloodshot eyes

If you consume marijuana in high doses, you may experience:

• Delusions
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

Long-term effects

So far, studies show the following long-term effects of marijuana use:

• Brain changes: Marijuana use during adolescence or young adulthood may affect brain development. It may cause long-term issues with attention, memory and learning.
• Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: Long-term use of high doses of THC increases your risk for frequent, severe vomiting.
• Lung and blood vessel damage: Smoking it can damage your lungs and small blood vessels. It can also increase your risk of stroke, heart disease and other vascular diseases. Vaping THC is linked to lung injury.
• Mental health complications: Frequent use is linked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia or other forms of psychosis in people who are already at risk of these conditions.

Studies show long-term use of marijuana is also associated with:

• Gum disease
• Impaired sperm development, which can affect fertility
• More frequent pain crises in people with sickle cell disease

What are the benefits of marijuana?

Some U.S. states have medical marijuana laws that certify marijuana use for symptom management of specific conditions.

But scientists and healthcare providers can’t state any general benefits of marijuana with certainty. This is because there isn’t enough research yet, especially on the long-term effects.

In addition, this substance tends to affect people in many ways. Individuals may report certain personal benefits. But researchers can’t make any broad conclusions regarding its usefulness.

What are the risks of marijuana?

A significant risk of marijuana use is developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). This is one type of substance use disorder (SUD). People who use it every day or almost every day are at the greatest risk of CUD.

Marijuana use is also linked to an increased risk of injury among adults over 65 and motor vehicle crashes.

In addition, some cannabis/marijuana products can be contaminated with microorganisms, pesticides or other harmful substances. And some products contain amounts of cannabinoids that are much higher than what’s stated on their labels.

Marijuana and pregnancy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly advises against the use of CBD, THC and marijuana in any form during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Marijuana use during pregnancy may:

• Affect fetal brain development
• Increase the risk of a newborn with low birth weight
• Increase the risk for preterm birth and potentially stillbirth

Breast milk can contain THC for up to six days after use. So, you should avoid marijuana use while breastfeeding. THC may affect your baby’s brain development.

Marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke. Because of this, you should avoid smoking weed around babies or children.