Cannabis produces psychoactive cannabinoid chemicals such as THC as well as non psychoactive chemicals such as CBD. It has a long history of medicinal, recreational, and industrial use. It's legal status is changing across the US and is currently legal in Portland, Oregon. Learn more about it on Erowid or read on!
Categories of effects come from Erowid
Positive
mood lift, euphoria
increased giggling and laughing
relaxation, stress reduction
creative, philosophical, abstract, or deep thinking
increased awareness of senses
change in experience of muscle fatigue; pleasant body feel; increase in body/mind connection
pain relief
nausea reduction, increased appetite
Neutral
general change in consciousness
increased appetite, snacky-ness
slowness (slow driving, talking)
change in vision, such as sharpened colors or lights
closed-eye visuals (somewhat uncommon)
tiredness, sleepiness, lethargy
stimulation, inability to sleep (less common)
blood-shot eyes
mouth dryness, sticky-mouth (varies with strain)
interruption of linear memory; difficulty following a train of thought
racing thoughts (especially at high doses)
time sense altered
Negative
coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems
difficulty with short-term memory during effects and during periods of frequent use
racing heart, agitation, feeling tense
mild to severe anxiety
panic attacks in sensitive users or with very high doses
headaches
dizziness, confusion
lightheadedness or fainting
possible psychological dependence on cannabis
clumsiness, loss of coordination at high doses
nausea, especially in combination with alcohol, some pharmaceuticals, or other psychoactives
can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders
“Greening out” refers to an uncomfortable experience where someone has used a high dose of cannabis
Using too much cannabis can lead to symptoms such as:
Racing heart
Agitation or feeling tense
Anxiety, paranoia, or confusion
Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
Nausea and vomiting
Remember that each person’s reaction will look different
Other risks of using cannabis
It is not possible to die from a high dose of cannabis
While rare, chronic use of high potency products can lead to a disorder called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) which causes severe nausea and vomiting that often requires medical treatment
How you respond will depend greatly on the individuals needs and preferences
It is not possible to die from using too much cannabis. You can provide reassurance to others in the space and the individual if they ask.
On the same note, if it seems helpful you can reassure the individual that they are safe, their experience is normal, and that it will not last forever.
Try to move the person out of stressful or overly stimulating environments
Sometimes it helps to sleep it off or to lay down and rest.
For some people, putting on comforting music or a TV show can provide a good distraction
Encourage the person to drink water or eat food
Some people report that chewing on black peppercorns or lemon rinds can help ease the anxiety of this experience