Marijuana

Marijuana is a psychoactive substance that can cause short-term cognitive changes and long-term health risks, with potential for addiction.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mix of dried, crumbled parts from the marijuana plant. It contains chemicals that act on the brain to alter mood or consciousness.

How do people use marijuana?

Methods of use include smoking (cigarettes, cigars, or pipes), mixing it into food, brewing it as tea, "dabbing" (smoking oils), and "vaping" (using electronic vaporizers).

What are the effects of marijuana?

Short-term effects: While high, users may experience altered senses, a distorted sense of time, mood changes, problems with body movement, impaired thinking and memory, and increased appetite.

Long-term effects: These include potential problems with brain development (especially if use began in the teenage years), chronic coughing and breathing issues from frequent smoking, and risks to child development if used during pregnancy.

Can you overdose on marijuana?

It is possible to overdose if a very high dose is taken. Symptoms include anxiety, panic, and rapid heartbeat. In rare cases, it can cause paranoia and hallucinations. There are no reports of people dying from using just marijuana.

Is marijuana addictive?

Yes, it is possible to become addicted to marijuana, particularly with daily use or if use began during the teenage years. Addiction is characterized by a strong need for the drug and the need for higher doses to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, anxiety, and cravings.

What is medical marijuana?

While the marijuana plant contains chemicals that may help with certain health conditions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the plant itself as medicine, and it remains illegal at the national level. However, the FDA has approved two drugs containing THC (to treat nausea from chemotherapy and weight loss in AIDS patients) and one liquid drug containing CBD (to treat severe childhood epilepsy). Research into cannabinoids is ongoing.