What is marijuana (THC)?
Marijuana is a plant that contains a chemical, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH), which has mind and mood altering effects (makes the user “high”). The marijuana plant also contains other chemicals such as cannabidiol (CBD) which is available to use medicinally and recreationally.
https://medlineplus.gov/marijuana.html
Your Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is part of the body’s nervous system first identified in 1992 by researchers exploring THC. While experts are still trying to fully understand the ECS, so far we know it plays a role in regulating a range of functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility. The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don’t use cannabis!
To carry messages, endocannabinoids connect (or bind) to receptors throughout the body. Experts have identified two types of receptors, CB1 and CB2.
CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system.
CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells.
When marijuana is used, THC floods the ECS and disrupts the endocannabinoid’s signaling processes. Because the EC system was discovered recently, there is still a lot we don’t fully understand about how it functions and how THC and other cannabinoids from the marijuana plant, like CBD, interact with it.
What does THC Do?
THC is the chemical within marijuana that gets users, “high.” It causes short and long-term effects.
Short Term Effects
Altered senses and perception of time
Changes in mood
Increased appetite
Trouble with body movement and coordination
Difficulty in problem solving, thinking and memory
These effects can make everyday activities such as driving, working, or doing homework, caring for children or others dependent on your care, difficult and potentially dangerous.
Long Term Effects
Respiratory issues such as coughing or difficulty breathing if marijuana is smoked, “dabbed” or vaped.
Problems with brain development, especially if marijuana is used during adolescents.
Not much research has been done to fully understand the long-term health effects of marijuana use. Users are potentially taking large health risks by consuming marijuana and THC.
https://medlineplus.gov/marijuana.html
Methods of THC Delivery
Marijuana legalization and retail has diversified the ways in which THC can be consumed. Marijuana plant can be smoked, or concentrated into an oil to be “dabbed”. THC extracts have become very popular and are used to make a variety THC infused foods including gummies, candies, baked goods and more. THC specific vape (electronic cigarette) products are available, although many vapes intended for nicotine use can be used to deliver THC as well.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-parents-need-to-know/want-to-know-more-some-faqs-about-marijuana
Where can I find more information about the risks and health effects of marijuana use?
Today, it is more important than ever to seek information about substance misuse prevention from credible sources. Some common questions are listed below along with trusted sources to find an answer.
How does marijuana affect your health?
We still don’t know a lot about how marijuana affects our long term health, making marijuana use very risky!
https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects.html
What is “dabbing”
It is not just a cool dance move…
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-concentrates
What are edibles?
Edibles are quickly becoming a very popular THC delivery method through the retail and medicinal markets. The THC extracts used to make edibles are incredibly potent, many consumers accidentally overdose because it is hard to tell how much THC is being consumed in each serving. Some edibles have deceiving serving sizes. for example, one cookie could be considered 2-3 servings, meaning consumers may take in 2-3 times the THC than intended.
https://www.justthinktwice.gov/article/drug-alert-marijuana-edibles
Adolescent use and brain development
Teens should not be using marijuana, regardless of the legal status (THC or CBD products),
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/effects-of-marijuana-on-teenage-brain
Marijuana Legalization and the Impact on Youth: Community Alliance’s Position Statement
Additional Sources to Consider
For youth:
http://headsup.scholastic.com/students/endocannabinoid
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/teens
About THC:
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
Marijuana and Public Health: