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Cannabis, or “Marijuana” refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant.
The plant contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other similar compounds. Extracts can also be made from the cannabis plant.
More than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids) exist in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two natural compounds found in plants of the Cannabis genus.
Can be extracted from hemp or cannabis. Hemp and cannabis come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Legal hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less. CBD does not produce the high sensation associated with cannabis.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the high sensation. The average cannabis strain before 2014 contained about 12% THC. Current levels may be closer to 15% to 30% and may also vary by location, according to 2020 research.
It’s important to understand how to read labels so you can find a product that is safer for you. These articles highlight how to read a cannabis package:
Many people experience a pleasant euphoria and sense of relaxation. Other common effects, which may vary dramatically among different people, include heightened sensory perception (e.g., brighter colors), laughter, altered perception of time, and increased appetite. If marijuana is consumed in foods or beverages, these effects are somewhat delayed—usually appearing after 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The potential medicinal properties of marijuana and its components have been the subject of research and debate for decades. THC itself has proven medical benefits in particular formulations.
The impact of cannabis on mental health conditions is still poorly understood and inconclusive. Broadly, some cannabis strains are said to have the following effects: energizing, increased creativity, relaxing, and can help someone to fall asleep.
As a result of these effects, some report that cannabis products offer some relief from symptoms of:
If you’re using cannabis to help with mental health symptoms, be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider and keep up with any other prescribed treatments.
Please note that enjoyable cannabis experiences are far from universal. Some people experience anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic instead of relaxation and euphoria. For example, some studies have shown that THC decreases anxiety at lower doses and increases anxiety at higher doses. When someone uses it daily, the risk of developing a psychotic disorder increases compared to people who do not use it. Other side-effects such as fear and panic are more frequent in users who take too much or consume cannabis that has an unexpectedly high potency.
Cannabis use may have a wide range of effects, both physical and mental. Every person can experience different effects with variation in intensity and duration.
While cannabis is legal for those 21 and older in Rhode Island, Brown University must follow federal laws and have institutional policy based on federal laws, which prohibit the possession and use of marijuana or cannabis products on University property or during University-sponsored activities.
As outlined in the Student Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, the University applies these standards to all students, both on and off campus. Specifically, Section 3.4 of the policy states:
“Regardless of any state or local law that permits the possession and use of recreational or medical marijuana, possession and use of marijuana and any cannabis products is prohibited on University property or as part of any of its activities by University policy and federal law.”
Violations of the policy may result in disciplinary action.
Cannabis use can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, a medical illness in which the person is unable to stop using even though it's causing health and social problems in their life. Research suggests that between 9-30% of those who use cannabis may develop some degree of marijuana use disorder. People who begin using cannabis before age 18 are four to seven times more likely than adults to develop a marijuana use disorder.
It’s important to note that, “high potency” cannabis is considered to be anything over 10% THC. Use of high potency cannabis is associated with a number of outcomes, including greater risk of cannabis use disorder and adverse mental health outcomes.
Synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., synthetic cannabis) refer to a growing number of human-made mind-altering chemicals sprayed on dried, shredded plant material or vaporized to produce a high. Synthetic cannabinoids are sometimes misleadingly called synthetic marijuana (or fake weed) because they act on the same brain cell receptors as THC, the mind-altering ingredient in marijuana.
Synthetic cannabinoids can be addictive. Behavioral therapies and medications have not specifically been tested for treatment of addiction to these products.
Overdoses can occur and can cause:
Deaths can occur when dangerous synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are added without the user knowing.
Common signs of a cannabis use disorder:
Request an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) education appointment to discuss your current and potential future use, questions, and concerns.
Cannabis is used both recreationally and medicinally. According to a growing body of evidence, regular cannabis users can develop tolerance to this substance. Tolerance can develop when your body is regularly exposed to a substance, has become accustomed to the substance, and you no longer experience the same effects. According to one study, performance impairment during cannabis intoxication is reduced in frequent cannabis users due to tolerance. If this happens, taking a "tolerance break" may help you avoid or reduce a high tolerance for cannabis. Cannabis dependency is linked to cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) downregulation. The more CB1R you have in your system, the more dependent and tolerant you are of cannabis. The activation of CB1 receptors in the brain causes THC's psychoactive effects. THC acts directly on the receptors, and when using too much THC, it can flood the receptors, resulting in tolerance. This is one of the reasons you may need to take a cannabis break to reduce your CB1R receptor density.
Taking a cannabis break can be referred to as a T-break. Tolerance is represented by the letter "T." This is the most effective method for lowering cannabis tolerance. A t-break could help you save money and also keep balance. A true tolerance break should be at least 21 days long, since it takes around three weeks or more for THC to leave your system. (That’s because THC bonds to fat, which is stored in the body longer.)
University of Vermont T-Break Guide (FREE)
If you are concerned about a friend's drug or alcohol use, How to Talk to a Friend about Drinking or Drug Use contains information about different ways to help them.
