What Is Cannabis? Everything About Marijuana and Hash

THC

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the best-known psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis and is largely responsible for the feeling of being high or stoned. THC can affect your mood, perception, concentration, reaction time and sense of time, among other things.

Want to learn more about THC? Read our blog What is THC?

CBD

CBD stands for cannabidiol. Like THC, it is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, but it does not produce the same characteristic psychoactive high as THC.

Want to learn more about CBD? Read our blog What is CBD?

THCa

THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and is a natural precursor to THC. In the cannabis plant, a significant portion of what can later become THC is initially present as THCa. When heated, THCa can be converted into THC through a process known as decarboxylation. THCa itself does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC.

Want to learn more about THCa? Read our blog What is THCa?

High or stoned

The terms high and stoned are often used to describe different cannabis experiences. Being high generally refers to more mental effects, such as euphoria or altered perception. Being stoned is more commonly associated with a heavy, relaxed or sluggish physical feeling, including the familiar “couch-lock” sensation.

Drug, set and setting

How cannabis affects you is not determined by the product alone. The person using it and the environment also play an important role. These factors are often described as drug, set and setting.

• Drug: the product, its potency and the amount consumed.
• Set: your mood, expectations, sensitivity and previous experience.
• Setting: your surroundings and the people around you.

As a result, the same cannabis product can produce very different experiences on different occasions.

Smoking

Marijuana and hash are often smoked, for example in a joint or pipe. Burning cannabis produces smoke containing substances that can harm the airways and lungs.

Cannabis is also commonly smoked together with tobacco. In that case, the health risks associated with tobacco smoke and the addictive effects of nicotine are added to those of cannabis.

Vaporizing

A dry herb vaporizer heats cannabis without directly burning the plant material.

A vaporizer is not the same as a THC vape. Vape products generally contain a liquid or concentrate.

Edibles

Cannabis can also be added to food. Well-known examples include space cake and gummies. These products are known as edibles. With edibles, the effects take longer to begin than when cannabis is inhaled. Once they start, however, the effects can also last considerably longer. Because of this delayed onset, it can be more difficult to judge how strong the effects will eventually become.

Cannabis oil

Cannabis is also available in the form of oils that are taken orally. The cannabinoids an oil contains and their concentrations vary depending on the type of product.

Risks during and shortly after use

Cannabis temporarily affects the way you think, react and perceive your surroundings. During use, you may experience effects such as:

• reduced concentration and attention;
• temporary problems with short-term memory;
• slower reaction times;
• reduced coordination;
• dizziness or fainting due to changes in blood pressure;
• anxiety, panic, paranoia or confusion;
• an increased heart rate;
• nausea, particularly when the effects are stronger than expected.

The intensity of these effects varies from person to person. A high dose of THC, lack of experience, a negative mood or an uncomfortable environment can increase the likelihood of an unpleasant experience.

Risks of frequent and long-term use

Regular cannabis use can lead to tolerance. This means the body becomes accustomed to the effects, so a person may need to use more to achieve the same result. Frequent and long-term use also increases the risk of dependence.

Cannabis can impair memory, concentration and the ability to learn while its effects are active. According to Jellinek, long-term moderate use generally does not result in permanent memory impairment. However, people who begin using cannabis before the age of 17 or who use it heavily over a very long period may experience memory problems for longer.

People who use cannabis heavily and regularly may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. These can include sleeping problems, irritability, restlessness, headaches, sweating and strong cravings for cannabis.

Cannabis use at a young age

Starting cannabis use at a young age carries additional risks. People who start young are more likely to use cannabis frequently or daily later in life, which also increases the risk of dependence and other problems.

Cannabis can reduce memory, attention and learning ability while its effects are active. According to Jellinek, people who begin using cannabis before the age of 17 or who use it heavily for a very long time may also experience longer-lasting memory problems.

Cannabis, psychosis and schizophrenia

Cannabis can cause anxiety, suspiciousness and paranoia. In some people, more serious psychological symptoms can also occur, including psychosis.

People who are predisposed to psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are particularly at risk. In susceptible individuals, cannabis may trigger psychotic symptoms or worsen existing symptoms. Starting cannabis use at a young age is an additional risk factor.

This does not mean that everyone who uses cannabis will develop schizophrenia. Individual predisposition plays an important role. People who experience psychotic symptoms themselves or have a family history of schizophrenia are therefore advised not to use cannabis.

Risks of smoking cannabis

Burning cannabis produces smoke and combustion by-products that can damage the airways. Cannabis smoke can cause coughing, shortness of breath and irritation of the respiratory tract, among other effects. Even without tobacco, smoking cannabis places strain on the lungs.

If cannabis is smoked together with tobacco, the risks associated with tobacco smoke and nicotine are added. Nicotine is also addictive.

Cannabis during pregnancy

Cannabis use during pregnancy is not recommended. Research has found associations including lower birth weight. There are also indications of possible effects on later development, including hyperactivity and problems with memory and attention.

Not all of the potential consequences of cannabis use during pregnancy have been established with the same degree of certainty. Because of the possible risks, avoiding cannabis during pregnancy is recommended. Cannabis use is also discouraged while breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, it is best to discuss any questions about cannabis use with a doctor.

Cannabis and driving

Cannabis reduces reaction time, concentration and coordination. It can also make it more difficult to judge distances and speeds accurately. This increases the risk of a traffic accident.

Driving or participating in traffic while under the influence of cannabis is illegal. Even if you no longer feel high or stoned, this does not automatically mean that you are safe to drive again or that THC is no longer detectable in your body.