How Cannabis Use Affects Your Health

Cannabis, also known as weed, dope, or marijuana, is the part of the cannabis plant that is smoked or ingested. It is used recreationally or as medicine. The mind-altering compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The other major compound found in cannabis is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is often used for its medicinal properties and does not create the “high” often associated with cannabis use. Cannabis is becoming legal in an increasing number of states and is often used recreationally for the “high,” euphoric feeling that THC gives. People also use cannabis to manage pain and for relaxation. When you consume cannabis, it passes into your bloodstream and can cause effects such as increased hunger, laughter, heightened senses, and altered perception of time.

Cannabis can have a wide range of effects on your health. Read on to learn about some of these effects and get answers to frequently asked questions.

THC is the primary mind-altering chemical that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. People who use cannabis most commonly Trusted Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Governmental authority Go to source smoke the dried flowers of the plant, also known as buds, or inhale their vapors. They may also mix the dried flowers in food or smoke a resin extracted from the plant.

When cannabis enters the body, the bloodstream carries THC to the brain. Once there, it temporarily over-activates areas involved in sensations, memory, movement, and other functions.

Many people experience pleasant effects, such as euphoria and a feeling of relaxation. Others may experience less pleasant effects, such as paranoia, fear, or anxiety. However, this is more common Trusted Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Governmental authority Go to source with large doses or with those who are inexperienced.

Using cannabis before the age of 18 may affect Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source how the brain builds connections for things such as memory and attention. Trouble with focus or remembering things may become permanent, but more research is needed.

Cannabis may cause Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source your heart to beat faster and may increase your blood pressure during use. Smoking cannabis might also increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system.

Cannabis enters the lungs when smoked. There are several ways to smoke cannabis, including:

• joints, when rolled up using cigarette paper
• water pipes, such as bongs
• blunts, which are rolled with a wrapper made of tobacco

Inhaling cannabis smoke can damage Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source your lungs, since the smoke contains irritants, toxins, and carcinogens. Carcinogens are chemicals known to cause harm to cells.

More research is needed to understand the effects smoking cannabis has on  respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Regular cannabis smoking may lead to Trusted Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Governmental authority Go to source breathing issues, such as excess phlegm, airway inflammation, persistent cough, and chronic bronchitis. It can also increase your risk of lung infections.

Some people may experience undesirable side effects from consuming cannabis, such as feelings of anxiety or paranoia.

Long-term cannabis use has also been linked to some mental health conditions. Studies suggest Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source that cannabis use may worsen some cases of depression, and it may accelerate the onset of schizophrenia and similar disorders in those who are predisposed.

Cannabis plants are now being grown to have a higher potency of THC than in previous decades. Because of this, illnesses related to cannabis are becoming more common, typically with heavy use.

Illnesses that may result from cannabis use include: Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source

• cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping
• acute psychosis
• ingestion-related illnesses

Studies suggest that compounds found in cannabis may help Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source manage some of the side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. They may also help alleviate neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by nerve damage.

However, smoking cannabis can deliver toxins and carcinogens to the body, which are harmful to the lungs and cardiovascular system. More research is needed to fully understand the effects cannabis use might have on cancer.

Using cannabis during pregnancy may be Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source harmful to the fetus’s health. THC and other chemicals pass through your system to the fetus and may harm its development.

Some research shows that cannabis use during pregnancy can cause health problems in newborns, including lower birth weight and atypical neurological development.

Studies also suggest that using cannabis while pregnant could be linked to problems with attention, behavior, and memory later in the child’s life.

Cannabis can be used to treat certain side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting. It can also be used to manage chronic pain. Studies suggest that people with multiple sclerosis may benefit from synthetic cannabinoids to help alleviate pain and reduce spasticity.

Those with the neurodegenerative illness known as Parkinson’s disease have also reported Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a lower level of disability when using cannabis.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about cannabis.

Cannabis use may have some harmful effects, such as worsening cases of depression or psychosis. Cannabis can also cause anxiety and impair your sense of perception. Refrain from certain activities, such as driving, when using cannabis.

Using cannabis can cause altered perception and sense of time, increased hunger, relaxation, changes in mood, and impaired memory.

Depending on the dose, traces of cannabis can stay in your system for up to 2–5 days Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source after ingestion.

Cannabis can provide benefits, such as pain relief or relaxation. It can also be potentially harmful if consumed regularly or in large doses, or if smoked.

If you are considering cannabis for medical use, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.