Cannabis/Marijuana

Cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed, pot) is the most popular drug in the United States. There are over 17.7 million people use cannabis daily or nearly every day (compared to 17.4 million daily or nearly every day alcohol users). This number continues to increase especially with the legalization of cannabis in many states. Marijuana/cannabis is still illegal federally.

While many people claim that cannabis has numerous health effects, it also has many harms. Of note, cannabis is habit forming, meaning people can become addicted to it. Cannabis also damages the lungs, heart, and brain. Below is an infograph showing the dangers of cannabis use.

Joints-Spliffs-&-Blunts-Infographic.pdf

Cannabis use on the adolescent brain

Studies continue to show that using cannabis in adolescence has negative impacts on brain development. Specifically, THC (the active chemical in marijuana) impacts the he frontal lobe of the brain, which is critical for important functions like cognition and impulse control. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that develops last, which makes it particularly vulnerable to substances like cannabis. THC also targets areas of the brain responsible for attention and executive functioning (organization, time management, problem solving). Overall, there are no studies showing that marijuana is helpful for adolescents. In fact, marijuana use during adolescence severely impacts brain development and leads to dependence in adulthood.

Not your grandma's cannabis

The potency of cannabis has rapidly increased in the past decade. Back in the 1960's and 1970's when people were smuggling marijuana into the U.S., the average THC content in marijuana was about 2-4%. Marijuana cultivators have created strains of cannabis that are 20% THC content. Additionally, marijuana concentrates can be up to 98% THC content. These more potent strains of marijuana are dangerous because they have a high risk of being abused, cause addiction, and lead can trigger underlying psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. There is a growing body of evidence showing the link between cannabis use and psychosis. Below are headlines from national news organizations.

Types of cannabis/marijuana products

Flower- This is the most traditional form of cannabis. These cannabis buds are often rolled in paper or packed in a glass pipe and smoked.

Edibles- THC is now infused into chocolates, gummies, beverages, and other foods. Edibles are often dosed based on the mg of THC per serving.

Vapes- THC oil can be put into electronic vaporizers. This method of use is discrete and offers minimal smell when smoke is exhaled.

Topical Creams- These are often prescribed to treat physical pain. Topicals are infused with THC and rubbed on the skin.

Tinctures- THC is infused into a liquid form and dispensed using a dropper.

Transdermal Patches- THC can be released slowly through a patch placed on the skin. This type of product is most common for those being treated for physical pain.

As you can see, cannabis concentrates come in several different forms. These concentrates can be up to 98% THC content. The use of THC concentrates is often referred to as "dabbing".

What's the risk?

Cannabis can be helpful with certain conditions although it has a high potential for abuse. Other conditions linked to chronic and excessive cannabis use include:

Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
Psychosis/Schizophrenia
Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome- A condition that causes recurrent vomiting due to cannabis use
Lung diseases including bronchitis and pneumonia
Respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, excessive coughing, increased risk of stroke & heart attack
Impaired ability to concentrate, learn new material, remember details
Impaired functioning including reduced reaction times and impaired decision making
Lowered IQ (especially if used before the brain is fully developed)

Can I overdose on marijuana?

While it's nearly impossible to overdose on marijuana/cannabis to the point of death, you can having an accidental poisoning. An accidental poisoning is defined as consuming excessive amounts of cannabis to the point you are unable to function. In many instances, people who experience an accidental poisoning are taken to the hospital for observation. For anyone using marijuana, it's important to understand the products you are consuming and how much THC content the products contain.

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