What is cannabis?
Cannabis refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis plant. It contains many naturally occurring chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces intoxicating, mind‑altering effects. Cannabis products with THC can affect mood, thinking, and perception, and may also pose health risks to the brain and other parts of the body. (NIDA)
How is cannabis used?
People use cannabis in several forms. The most common methods include smoking dried plant material in joints, blunts, pipes, or bongs, and vaping dried cannabis with devices such as dry herb vaporizers and vape pens.
In addition to the plant’s flower, many products made from cannabis are widely available. Oils and concentrates can be vaporized or inhaled, and highly concentrated extracts may be used for dabbing, a method that rapidly delivers large amounts of THC and increases the risk of negative side effects.
Cannabis is also added to foods and drinks as edibles, which take longer to produce effects and may lead people to consume more than intended. Other forms include tinctures, which are alcohol‑ or oil‑based cannabis extracts taken under the tongue or added to foods, and lotions or balms applied directly to the skin.
Health Concerns
Short-Term Health Risks
- Altered cognition and perception
- Changes in mood and mental state
- Physical effects
- Driving impairment
Long-Term Health Risks
- Memory and learning difficulties
- Respiratory issues such as chronic cough and lung tissue damage
- Increased risk of mental health disorders
The teen brain continues to develop until about age 25, making young people especially vulnerable to cannabis’s effects. Using cannabis during adolescence can interfere with:
- Memory and learning
- Problem‑solving
- Attention and coordination
- Decision‑making
These negative impacts may last a long time and in some cases may be permanent.
During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, cannabis (including THC, CBD, and other related compounds) can cross the placenta and be transmitted through breast milk, potentially affecting a baby’s development and health
Cannabis use during pregnancy has been linked to:
- Lower birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Stillbirth
After birth, THC and other chemicals in the breast milk can impair an infant's brain development, potentially leading to issues with cognition, attention, memory and behavior later in life. Mothers who use cannabis while breastfeeding also expose infants to secondhand smoke, which carries many of the same toxic compounds as tobacco smoke.
Cannabis & Breasfeeding
