Cannabis (Marijuana)


Cannabis (marijuana) can lead to a relaxing high, intense laughter, increased appetite, and an intensification of bodily sensations, including sound, taste, and touch.

Drug Class:
No specific class
Individual drugs:
low-grade marijuana (<1% THC), high-grade marijuana (4-8% THC), hashish (7-14% THC) hash oil (up to 50% THC)
Common Terms:
cannabis, ganja, green, herb, leaf, marijuana, mary-jane, pot, skunk, weed
Consumption and Standard Dose:

Smoked or ingested:
  • Rolled as "joints" and smoked. Also smoked through pipes, bongs, hookas and other devices.
  • Can be prepared in butter or oil and cooked directly into food.
The Buzz:
  • Initial relaxation, stimulation and elevation of mood with enhanced sensations and appetite.
  • Later, drowsiness and sedation.
Overdose and other negative effects:
  • Higher doses may lead to mild hallucinations, anxiety or paranoia.
  • Reddening of eyes and dryness of mouth.
  • Mouth, throat and lung damage when smoked.
  • Lung damage: Many people who use marijuana smoke it, and often inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in their lungs for a greater period of time than tobacco smokers. As well, marijuana smoke tends to be hotter when it reaches the lungs than tobacco smoke.
  • Injury: Marijuana, especially in high doses, can impair coordination. Risk of injury when driving or engaging in other physically complex tasks may be increased as a result.
  • Dependence (addiction): Long-term daily use of marijuana may lead some users to become dependent.
  • Brain Changes: Research to-date suggests that marijuana use does not lead to permanent changes in memory, cognitive function, or learning. Some research suggests that long-term use may have an impact on the user's ability to organize and integrate complex information. Research suggests that being high on marijuana does not impair the retrieval of information learned previously. However, in high doses marijuana may interfere with the user's ability to transfer new information into long-term memory.
Dangerous Drug Combinations:
  • Possible interactions with heart and blood pressure medications as marijuana increases heart rate.