What Does Cannabis Do?
Effects on the Mind and Body
It seems like everyone is talking about cannabis these days. You might hear about it on the news, from your friends, or see it used in new ways. With all this information, you might be asking a simple question: what does cannabis actually do?
Cannabis interacts with your body’s natural systems to change how you feel, think, and perceive the world, creating a wide range of mental and physical effects.
This guide will walk you through exactly what that means. We will look at the short-term and long-term effects, explain the science in a simple way, and explore why different people have such different experiences. Please remember, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis works by using ingredients like THC to temporarily change your body's settings for things like mood and hunger.
- The experience is different for everyone and can include feeling happy and relaxed or sometimes anxious and paranoid.
- Frequent, long-term use has potential risks, especially for brain development in teens and young adults.
- While it has some medical uses for things like pain, it is always best to speak with a doctor for health advice.
How Cannabis Affects You
Think of the cannabis plant as having special ingredients inside it. These ingredients, called cannabinoids, are what cause all the effects you feel.
The two most famous ingredients are THC and CBD.
- THC is the part that causes the “high.” It can make you feel happy, relaxed, and change how you see or hear things.
- CBD does not cause a “high.” Instead, it has other effects, like helping you feel calm.
Your body has a system that helps manage your mood, hunger, and sleep. You can think of this system as a control panel with keyholes. When you use cannabis, THC acts like a key that fits into those keyholes. By turning the key, it temporarily changes the settings on your control panel. This is why you might suddenly feel relaxed or hungry.
Because everyone’s body is a little different, the key doesn’t work the same way for everybody. This is why cannabis can affect each person in a unique way.
The Short-Term Effects of Cannabis Use
When you use cannabis, the effects can start within minutes and last for a few hours. These immediate changes are known as short-term effects and can be both mental and physical.
Common psychological effects (The 'high')
The mental feelings from cannabis are often called the “high.” This experience is different for everyone, but here are some common effects.
- A feeling of happiness, joy, or giddiness.
- Feeling very relaxed and calm.
- Time might seem to slow down or speed up.
- Colors, sounds, and tastes may seem stronger.
- Getting “the munchies,” or feeling very hungry.
- Sometimes, a person might feel anxious, fearful, or paranoid.
Common physical effects
Along with the changes in your mind, you might notice some physical changes as well. These can include the following.
- Eyes that look red or bloodshot.
- A dry feeling in your mouth, also known as “cottonmouth.”
- Your heart might beat a little faster.
- Slower reaction time and coordination.
- Trouble remembering things that just happened.
Understanding the Long-Term Effects of Cannabis
Using cannabis regularly over many months or years can lead to more lasting changes. It is important to know what the research says about these potential long-term effects.
Impact on brain health
The human brain continues to develop until about age 25. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), frequent cannabis use that starts during the teen years may affect how the brain builds connections. This can sometimes lead to challenges with memory, learning, and attention.
Impact on physical health
Long-term cannabis use can also affect your physical health. The effects often depend on how you use it.
- Lungs. Smoking cannabis can be harsh on the lungs, much like tobacco smoke. It can lead to a long-term cough, lung irritation, or more frequent chest colds.
- Heart. Cannabis can raise your heart rate for several hours. Over time, this could increase the risk for people who already have heart conditions.
Mental health considerations
For some people, long-term cannabis use is linked to mental health challenges. It is possible to develop what is known as Cannabis Use Disorder, where a person finds it very difficult to stop using cannabis even if it causes problems in their life. In rare cases, frequent use of high-potency cannabis may be linked to psychosis, especially in individuals who already have a risk for it.
How Cannabis Interacts with Your Body
The effects of cannabis may feel like magic, but it is all based on science. The ingredients in cannabis connect with a special system that is already working inside your body.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS)
Your body has a built-in communication network called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. Its main job is to keep your body in balance. The ECS helps manage your mood, sleep schedule, appetite, and even how you feel pain. It has tiny docking stations, called receptors, all over your body. The THC in cannabis fits perfectly into these docking stations, which is how it causes effects.
THC vs. CBD: Understanding the key cannabinoids
While both THC and CBD come from the same plant, they act very differently in your body. Understanding the difference can help you know what to expect.
Here is a simple table to show how they compare.
Feature | THC | CBD |
Causes a “High”? | Yes, this is the part that causes a high. | No, it does not cause a high. |
How It Works | Connects directly to the body’s main docking stations. | Works more gently and indirectly with the system. |
Common Effects | Feelings of joy, relaxation, increased hunger. | Feelings of calm, may reduce swelling and pain. |
Common Medical Uses | Helps with pain, feeling sick, and low appetite. | Used to help with seizures, anxiety, and pain. |
Potential Therapeutic and Medical Uses of Cannabis
Beyond its recreational use, researchers are studying cannabis for its ability to help with a number of health issues. It is important to remember that using cannabis for medical reasons should only be done with guidance from a healthcare professional.
Here are some of the potential medical uses of cannabis.
- Pain management. It may help manage long-term pain from conditions like arthritis and back injuries.
- Nausea and vomiting. It can help ease nausea for people going through cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
- Appetite stimulation. Cannabis can increase appetite, which is helpful for people with conditions like HIV/AIDS that can cause a loss of appetite and weight.
- Muscle spasms. It can help calm muscle stiffness and spasms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Seizure control. A specific medicine made from CBD has been approved to help reduce seizures in some rare forms of epilepsy.
Factors That Influence How Cannabis Affects You
You may have noticed that cannabis does not affect everyone in the same way. Two people could use the same product and have very different experiences. This is because several factors can change the effects you feel.
Here are some of the things that can influence your experience.
- The amount of THC. Products with a higher THC percentage will usually have much stronger effects.
- The method you use. Inhaling cannabis by smoking or vaping works very quickly. Edibles, or foods made with cannabis, take much longer to start working but their effects can last for many hours.
- Your own body. Your age, metabolism, weight, and overall health all play a part in how cannabis affects you.
- Your surroundings. Where you are and who you are with can change your experience. Feeling safe and comfortable can lead to a more positive feeling.
- Local regulations. The rules about cannabis can be different depending on where you live. For example, the types of products available in a community like Carlsbad, NM, might be different from those in another state or city.
A Balanced View on Cannabis
As you can see, cannabis does a lot. It works with your body’s natural systems to create a wide range of effects, from the short-term feeling of a “high” to potential long-term changes. We have learned that the experience is unique to each person and depends on many factors, including the type of cannabis used and your own body chemistry.
Understanding what cannabis does is about looking at the whole picture. It has potential benefits that can help people with certain medical conditions, but it also comes with risks that are important to consider. The best approach is to be informed and make responsible choices. If you have any questions about cannabis and your health, talking to a doctor or healthcare provider is always the best way to get trusted advice.
Make Your Choice with Confidence
Now that you have a better understanding of what cannabis does, making an informed decision is the most important next step. At The Cannabis Store, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions and guide you toward safe, tested, and effective products. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for your cannabis journey.
Have questions or concerns? We value your feedback and are here to help. Send us a message at info@thecannabisstore.com or give us a call today at (575) 689-1910.