Cannabis and Its Components

Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical substances. Over 100 of these are known as cannabinoids which have effects on the cell receptors in the brain and body altering how they behave and communicate. Two of the most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

THC

THC is the most researched cannabinoid. THC is responsible for the high and intoxication you will feel from cannabis. THC content can be as low as 0.3% and as high as 30%. The greater the percentage the more potent the cannabis is.^[1]

CBD

Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxication and is the cannabinoid that is mostly studied for its therapeutic effects.^[2]

Cannabis Impairment and Safety Risk

The THC in cannabis can affect your

• coordination,
• reaction time,
• ability to pay attention,
• decision-making abilities, and
• ability to judge distances.

Side effects from cannabis can endure for weeks after last use. Combining cannabis with alcohol greatly increases the risk of injury and death from accidents. Additionally combining cannabis with other psychoactive substances can increase the effects of the drug.

Addiction to Cannabis

Contrary to popular belief people can become addicted to cannabis when use is frequent and heavy. Additionally, frequent use can cause a tolerance to develop causing the individual to consume more to get the same high. Addiction can develop at any age however youth are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing.^[3]

Problematic cannabis use can result in

• failing to fulfill major duties at work, school or home;
• giving up important social, occupational or recreational activities because of cannabis use;
• consuming it often and in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended; or
• being unable to cut down on or control cannabis use.

Health Effects of Cannabis^[4]

Short-term health effects of cannabis include

• feeling high;
• a sense of well-being;
• relaxation;
• heightened sight, taste, smell, or sound;
• confusion or sleepiness;
• impaired ability to remember, concentrate, pay attention, or react quickly; and
• anxiety, fear, and panic.

Cannabis can also lead to

• damage to blood vessels (if smoking),
• decreased blood pressure, or
• increased heart rate.

Psychotic episodes may also occur, characterized by

• paranoia,
• delusions, and
• hallucinations.

Long-term health effects of cannabis include

• poor memory,
• poor concentration, and
• decreased ability to make decisions.

The long-term effects on the body of smoking cannabis are similar to those of tobacco, and include

• bronchitis,
• lung infections,
• chronic cough, and
• increased mucus in the chest.

Cannabis and Mental Health

Cannabis has been found to increase the risk of mental illnesses such as psychosis or schizophrenia. Frequent use of cannabis has also been associated with and increased risk of suicide, depression, and anxiety disorders. Combining tobacco with cannabis can increase the strength of some psychoactive effects.^[5]

Cannabis and Pregnancy

Click here for information on how cannabis can affect pregnancy.