What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is the hemp plant from which marijuana and hashish are produced. Hashish consists of resinous secretions of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is a tobacco-like substance.

Cannabis includes the following:

  • Marijuana (pot, grass, joints, reefer, roaches, weed, Mary Jane), smoked or taken orally
  • Tetrahydorcannabinol, smoked or taken orally
  • Hashish, smoked or taken orally
  • Hashish oil, smoked or taken orally

Marijuana depresses brain activity, leading to a dreamy state in which ideas seem disconnected and uncontrollable. Time, color, and spatial perceptions may be distorted and enhanced. Marijuana generally relieves tension and provides a sense of well-being, often referred to as a "high." This high seems to be related to the setting in which the drug is taken as well as the user's mood before taking the drug; if the user is depressed, marijuana may make him or her more so. People who use large quantities of marijuana become disoriented and may experience toxic psychosis—not knowing who they are, where they are, or what time it is.

Possible Effects

Use of cannabis products may cause the following:

  • Euphoria followed by relaxation
  • Changes in appetite
  • Loss of coordination
  • More vivid sense of taste, sight, smell, and hearing
  • Panic reactions
  • Impaired short-term memory, shortened attention span, and delayed reflexes
  • Birth defects, if used during pregnancy
  • Fast heart rate and pulse
  • Breathing problems
  • Relaxed inhibitions
  • Disoriented behavior
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dry mouth

Stronger doses of cannabis products can cause the following:

  • Fluctuating emotions
  • Fragmentary thoughts
  • Disorientated behavior
  • Psychosis

Cannabis also irritates the lungs and respiratory system, and may lead to bronchitis and lung cancer.

Symptoms of Overdose

  • Fatigue
  • Lack of coordination
  • Paranoia
  • Psychosis

Withdrawal Syndrome

Cannabis can be psychologically addicting. Stopping the use of an addictive drug can cause painful physical and psychological symptoms. This is called withdrawal. When stopping use of a cannabis product, the following withdrawal symptoms may occur:

  • Increased muscle activity, such as jerkiness
  • Insomnia
  • Hyperactivity
  • Sometimes decreased activity

Signs of Possible Misuse

  • Animated behavior, loud talking, followed by sleepiness
  • Dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes
  • Distortions in perception; hallucinations
  • Distortions in depth and time perception
  • Loss of coordination