cannabis 101
What is Cannabis?
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis is derived from the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa). It grows wild in many of the tropical and temperate areas of the world. It can be grown in almost any climate, and is increasingly cultivated by means of indoor hydroponic technology.
The main active ingredient in cannabis is called delta-9 tetrahydro-cannabinol, commonly known as THC. This is the part of the plant that gives the "high." There is a wide range of THC potency between cannabis products.
Cannabis is used in three main forms: dried flowers/leaves, hashish and hash oil. Cannabis flower is the least potent of all the cannabis products and is usually smoked or made into edible products like cookies or brownies (see Factsheet: Edibles). Hashish is made from the resin (a secreted gum) of the cannabis plant. It is dried and pressed into small blocks and smoked. It can also be added to food and eaten. Hash oil, the most potent cannabis product, is a thick oil obtained from hashish. It is also smoked.
Cannabis is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (known as "joints") or in special waterpipes ("bongs"). These pipes or bongs can be bought or made from things such as orange juice containers, soft drink cans or even toilet rolls.
How Many People Use Cannabis?
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7.3% of Americans aged 12 or older had used cannabis within the previous 30 days. The average age at first use was 17.9 years.
Though use of cannabis among Washington state youth has remained relatively stable over the last several years (see Healthy Youth Survey), youth perception of harm from use of cannabis has been steadily decreasing (meaning: fewer adolescents believe cannabis use is harmful). Cannabis is the second most-commonly used substance among 12th graders (alcohol is the first), with 27% of high school seniors reporting current (past 30-day) use.
Other Names for Cannabis
Cannabis is also known as marijuana, grass, pot, dope, Mary Jane, hooch, weed, hash, joints, brew, reefers, cones, smoke, mull, buddha, ganga, hydro, yarndi, heads and green.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cannabis?
The short-term effects of using cannabis may include:
Feeling of well-being
Talkativeness
Drowsiness
Loss of inhibitions
Decreased nausea
Increased appetite
Loss of co-ordination
Bloodshot eyes
Dryness of the eyes, mouth, and throat
Anxiety and paranoia
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cannabis?
There is limited research on the long-term effects of cannabis. On the available evidence, the major probable adverse effects are:
Increased risk of respiratory diseases associated with smoking, including cancer
Decreased memory and learning abilities
Decreased motivation in areas such as study, work or concentration
WHY DO PEOPLE USE cannabis?
Most people who use cannabis do so to experience a sense of mild euphoria and relaxation, often referred to as a "high." Cannabis causes changes in the user's mood and also affects how they think and perceive the environment, e.g. everyday activities such as watching the television and listening to music can become altered and more intense.
Are there short-term dangers of smoking cannabis?
Discomforts associated with smoking cannabis include dry mouth, dry eyes, increased heart rate and visible signs of intoxication such as bloodshot eyes and puffy eyelids. Other problems may include:
Impaired memory and ability to learn
Difficulty thinking and problem solving
Anxiety attacks or feelings of paranoia
Impaired muscle coordination and judgment
Increased susceptibility to infections
Dangerous impairment of driving skills. Studies show that it impairs braking time, attention to traffic signals and other driving behaviors.
Cardiac problems for people with heart disease or high blood pressure, because cannabis increases the heart rate
It is very rare to overdose from cannabis, which sets it apart from most drugs. Higher concentrates increases risk.
Are there long-term consequences to smoking cannabis?
Respiratory problems
Someone who smokes cannabis regularly can have many of the same respiratory problems as cigarette smokers. Persistent coughing, symptoms of bronchitis and more frequent chest colds are possible symptoms. There are over 400 chemicals that have been found in cannabis smoke. Benzyprene, a known human carcinogen, is present in cannabis smoke. Regardless of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by cannabis smokers and the level of carbon monoxide are 3 to 5 times higher than in cigarette smoke. This is most likely due to inhaling cannabis more deeply, holding the smoke in the lungs and because cannabis smoke is unfiltered.
Memory and learning
Recent research shows that regular cannabis use can compromise the ability to learn and to remember information by impairing the ability to focus, sustain, and shift attention. One study also found that long-term use reduces the ability to organize and integrate complex information.
In addition, cannabis impairs short-term memory and decreases motivation to accomplish tasks, even after the high is over. In one study, even small doses impaired the ability to recall words from a list seen 20 minutes earlier.
Fertility
Long-term cannabis use suppresses the production of hormones that help regulate the reproductive system. This can cause decreased sperm counts, possible erectile dysfunction (heavy users) and irregular periods (heavy users). These problems would most likely result in a decreased ability to conceive but not lead to complete infertility.
Is cannabis addictive?
No one would argue that cannabis is as addictive as alcohol or cocaine. However, it's wrong to say that it is not at all addictive. More and more studies are finding that cannabis has addictive properties. Both animal and human studies show physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms from cannabis, including irritability, restlessness, insomnia, nausea and intense dreams. Tolerance to cannabis also builds up rapidly. Heavy users need 8 times higher doses to get the same effects as infrequent users.
For a small percentage of people who use it, cannabis can be highly addictive. It is estimated that 10% to 14% of users will become heavily dependent. More than 120,000 people in the US seek treatment for cannabis addiction every year. Because the consequences of cannabis use can be subtle and insidious, it is more difficult to recognize signs of addiction. Cultural and societal beliefs that cannabis cannot be addictive make it less likely for people to seek help or to get support for quitting.
How do I recognize a problem with cannabis?
Some warning signs are:
More frequent use
Needing more and more to get the same effect
Spending time thinking about using cannabis
Spending more money than you have on it
Missing class or failing to finish assignments because of cannabis
Making new friends who do it and neglecting old friends who don't
Finding it's hard to be happy without it
Because THC is fat soluble and remains in the body for up to 3 weeks, it's important to remember that withdrawal symptoms might not be felt immediately. If you find that you can't stop using cannabis, then remember, there's help on campus.
Is cannabis illegal?
In November 2016, California passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMA), legalizing recreational cannabis use for adults 21 years of age or older. On January 1, 2018, California began its first day of adult-use cannabis sales, making recreational dispensaries officially open to the public. For more detailed information regarding CA state law click here.
However, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of, or the attempted manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or sale of cannabis (medicinal cannabis is not allowed, nor is it a defense to a violation of any University policy or campus rule) is illegal on campus. See the UCSC University Policy on Drugs in the Student Handbook.
What about the medical use of cannabis?
Under the California Medical Marijuana law there are several qualifying conditions that allow users to use cannabis medically. However, at UCSC medical cannabis is not allowed, nor is it a defense to a violation of any University policy or campus rule.
How do I help a friend who's having trouble with drugs?
If you are concerned about a friend's drug or alcohol use, this website contains information about different ways to help them.