Cannabis laws have changed significantly in many parts of the world. Some countries and regions allow cannabis for medical purposes, recreational adult use, or both, while others continue to prohibit it.
Legalization, however, does not mean that cannabis is harmless. Laws determine whether and under what circumstances cannabis may be possessed or used; they do not remove the potential health and safety risks associated with cannabis.
Understanding those risks can help adults make better-informed decisions and recognize situations in which cannabis use may require additional caution.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant containing many naturally occurring chemical compounds called cannabinoids. One of the best known is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces many of the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis.
Another well-known cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). CBD does not produce the same intoxicating effects as THC, although CBD products can still have side effects and may interact with medicines.
Cannabis products vary considerably in their THC and CBD concentrations. Some modern products can contain high levels of THC, which can increase the likelihood of unwanted effects.
How Cannabis Can Affect the Brain and Body
Cannabis can affect people differently depending on the amount used, THC concentration, method of consumption, frequency of use, age, other substances being taken and individual health circumstances.
Short-term effects can include:
- impaired attention and concentration;
- slower reaction time;
- problems with coordination;
- altered perception;
- impaired short-term memory;
- increased heart rate;
- anxiety or panic in some people;
- dizziness or drowsiness.
Because judgment, coordination and reaction time can be affected, cannabis use can create important safety concerns when driving or operating machinery.
Cannabis and Driving
Driving after using cannabis can be dangerous.
Cannabis can impair reaction time, attention, coordination and decision-making—abilities that are important for safe driving. Combining cannabis with alcohol can cause greater impairment than using either substance alone.
A person should not drive or operate dangerous machinery while impaired by cannabis.
Legal limits and driving laws differ between countries and regions, so people should also understand the laws where they live.
Cannabis and Heart Health
Cannabis can affect the cardiovascular system. Shortly after use, it may increase heart rate and can cause changes in blood pressure.
Research continues into the relationship between cannabis and cardiovascular disease. Some studies have identified associations between cannabis use and cardiovascular problems, but association does not necessarily prove that cannabis directly caused those conditions.
People with heart disease, previous stroke, high blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions should discuss cannabis use with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, weakness on one side of the body or other symptoms suggesting a heart attack or stroke require urgent medical attention.
Cannabis and Mental Health
Cannabis can also affect mental health.
Some people experience anxiety, panic, paranoia or confusion after using cannabis, particularly with higher-THC products.
Cannabis use has also been associated with an increased risk of psychotic symptoms and disorders, particularly among people who use cannabis frequently, begin using it at a younger age or use products containing high concentrations of THC.
Anyone experiencing severe confusion, hallucinations, extreme paranoia or other serious psychological symptoms after cannabis use should seek appropriate medical care.
Can People Become Dependent on Cannabis?
Yes. Some people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, meaning that cannabis use becomes difficult to control and continues despite causing problems.
Possible warning signs include:
- repeatedly using more cannabis than intended;
- unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop;
- spending considerable time obtaining, using or recovering from cannabis;
- continuing despite problems at work, school or home;
- giving up important activities because of cannabis;
- needing increasing amounts to achieve similar effects;
- experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping.
Anyone concerned about their cannabis use can speak with a doctor, addiction specialist or another qualified healthcare professional.
Cannabis During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Cannabis should not be regarded as a harmless way to manage pregnancy symptoms.
THC can reach the developing fetus during pregnancy, and cannabis chemicals can also pass into breast milk.
Health authorities including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against cannabis use during pregnancy. People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should discuss cannabis or cannabinoid products with a qualified healthcare professional.
Children and Accidental Cannabis Exposure
Cannabis products should always be kept securely away from children.
Edible cannabis products can be particularly concerning because they may resemble sweets, chocolates, baked foods or other ordinary foods.
Children who accidentally consume THC-containing products can become seriously unwell.
If a child may have consumed cannabis, contact your local poison-control service or appropriate medical service promptly. Seek urgent medical care if the child develops severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures or extreme drowsiness.
Smoking Cannabis and Lung Health
Smoking cannabis exposes the lungs to smoke containing irritants and potentially harmful chemicals.
Regular cannabis smoking can be associated with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and increased mucus production.
Using cannabis in another form does not automatically make it risk-free. Edible cannabis, for example, may take longer to produce noticeable effects. Taking additional doses before the first dose has taken full effect can lead to unexpectedly strong intoxication.
Cannabis and Medicines
Cannabis and cannabinoid products may interact with some prescription and non-prescription medicines.
Potential interactions depend on the cannabis product, dose, other medicines and the person's medical conditions.
People taking regular medication—particularly those being treated for chronic medical conditions—should discuss cannabis or cannabinoid use with a doctor or pharmacist rather than assuming that a product is safe because it is described as “natural.”
Legal Does Not Mean Risk-Free
Many substances and activities that are legal still carry health risks.
Where cannabis is legal, regulation may establish rules covering matters such as minimum age, possession limits, product testing, packaging, sales and driving.
These regulations can reduce certain risks, but they cannot eliminate all potential health consequences of cannabis use.
Cannabis laws also vary considerably around the world. A product that is legal in one country, state or province may be restricted or prohibited elsewhere.
Reducing Harm
For adults who live somewhere cannabis use is legal and choose to use it, several precautions may help reduce risk:
- Do not drive or operate machinery while impaired.
- Avoid combining cannabis with alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
- Be particularly cautious with high-THC products.
- Keep cannabis securely away from children and pets.
- Do not share prescription cannabinoid medicines.
- Discuss cannabis use with a healthcare professional if you have significant medical conditions or take regular medicines.
- Seek professional help if cannabis use becomes difficult to control.
People who do not currently use cannabis do not need to start using it for general health purposes.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek urgent medical attention if cannabis use is followed by serious symptoms such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, severe confusion or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Medical advice should also be considered when cannabis use is causing persistent anxiety, problems with memory or concentration, difficulties at work or home, withdrawal symptoms or an inability to reduce use despite wanting to stop.
The Bottom Line
Changes in cannabis laws have made legal access possible in some parts of the world, but legalization should not be confused with medical safety.
Cannabis can affect memory, attention, coordination, mental health, cardiovascular function and the ability to drive safely. Risks can vary substantially according to age, frequency of use, THC concentration, underlying health conditions and other substances or medicines being used.
Accurate information, responsible storage, avoiding impaired driving and seeking professional medical advice when appropriate can help reduce preventable harm.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sources and Further Reading
World Health Organization — Cannabis
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cannabis
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Cannabis and Public Health
https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/
National Institute on Drug Abuse — Cannabis (Marijuana)
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana
CDC — Cannabis and Driving
https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/driving.html
CDC — Cannabis and Pregnancy
https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/pregnancy.html
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