Author: Gary Jackson

Cannabis Marijuana National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 4 Feb 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Feb 2024), ASHP (updated 12 Feb 2024) and others. It is important to note that the federal government still considers cannabis an illegal drug and the distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime. Under the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is still considered by the federal government a Schedule 1 drug. Multiple US states, territories and the District of Columbia have legalized the use of recreational marijuana; however, not all of these states permit the commercial production or retail sale of recreational cannabis.

But if you orally ingest cannabis, such as in a capsule or food, it may be several hours before you feel anything. Do not leave prescription THC medications (dronabinol, nabilone), marijuana, hash oil, or cannabis-infused edibles any place where children, pets, or anyone else may unknowingly consume the product. States laws exist that require certain amounts to be placed in a locked and secure container or area. States that have legalized marijuana for recreational or medical consumption have laws in place that make it illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana; review each states law carefully.

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As reported by de Moraes Barro and colleagues, babies born to adolescents who used marijuana during pregnancy have shown adverse neurological behavior effects of the newborns in the first 24 to 78 hours after delivery. Harvard Health also reports that the risk of a heart attack is several times higher in the hour after smoking marijuana, and this should be a red flag for anyone with a history of heart disease. Marijuana (cannabis) is a green, brown or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana is used as a psychoactive, mind altering recreational drug and for certain medical ailments.

cannabis drugs

It is important to note that the federal government still considers marijuana an illegal drug and that the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a federal crime. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 drug. Rules surrounding recreational use of marijuana vary by state or territory. Check the laws in each area, as differences exist for quantity allowed, plant growing, and retail sales, among other factors.

Medical uses

Feeling of a relaxed state, euphoria (“high”), and an enhanced sensory perception may occur. Some people who are novice users may feel anxious, paranoid, or have a panic attack, especially if they use higher amounts or higher strengths of THC. If it is, consider talking to a doctor or pharmacist beforehand to make sure it won’t interact with any medications or supplements you take. A doctor can also help you weigh the potential benefits and risks to your health.

  • Additional states continue to undertake or pursue citizen petitions in the future to legalize the recreational use of cannabis.
  • Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome typically leads to persistent vomiting without breaks.
  • While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved the use of the marijuana plant as medicine, many states have legalized marijuana use.
  • Dronabinol (Marinol and Syndros), and Epidiolex will cause a positive urine test result for THC.
  • People have reported symptoms such as anxiety and paranoia, and in rare cases, an extreme psychotic reaction (which can include delusions and hallucinations) that can lead them to seek treatment in an emergency room.
  • In many places marijuana use is considered illegal for any purpose.

The devices concentrate the THC from the marijuana into a storage unit and the person then inhales the vapor, not the smoke. Some vaporizers use a liquid marijuana extract that can be extremely high in THC content and can be dangerous to novice users, resulting in emergency room admissions. Cannabis is a term that’s being increasingly used to refer to weed or marijuana. Regardless of what you call it, cannabis has a range of short- and long-term effects, which can be both beneficial and harmful. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who start using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder than those who start using it later in life.

Hash oil

The active agent that leads to the “high” is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), marijuana is the most abused drug in the U.S. But cannabis remains illegal under federal law in the United States. The research supporting CBD use for inflammation and pain is promising. The use of CBD-based prescription medication Epidiolex to reduce some kinds of seizures is well established. The short-term effects of cannabis can also vary based on your method of consumption.

  • The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
  • In Australia, it is legalized only in the Australian Capital Territory.
  • Many more large, long-term studies in humans are needed to fully understand the lasting effects of cannabis use.
  • In the United States, for example, several states have legalized recreational and medical cannabis.
  • The goal of these studies is to strengthen the evidence regarding cannabis components and whether they have potential roles in pain management.

Per federal law, cannabis (marijuana, hashish) is a schedule I drug. Most reports do not show an association between marijuana use and preterm birth. However, as noted by ACOG, studies have suggested the use of marijuana with tobacco may increase the risk for preterm delivery. In addition, research demonstrates that babies born to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy at least once per week (or more) were smaller than those born to mothers who used the drug less frequently. These rules can and have change based on political changes that may occur in the legislature. However, the FDA has approved several drugs that contain individual cannabinoids.