Marijuana

Quick Facts

What is marijuana?    

  • Marijuana, or cannabis, is a mind-altering substance that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. 
  • The Cannabis sativa plant contains more than 100 compounds including Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a “high.” THC is impairing or mind-alerting, meaning it can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions. 
  • Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana, or cannabis, have cannabis use disorder. The risk of developing cannabis use disorder is even greater for people who begin use before age 18.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding persons should avoid cannabis. 
  • Infants, children, and teens (who still have developing brains) are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of cannabis. 
  • Talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking and the possible side effects when mixed with other things, like marijuana. 
  • Researchers are still studying the long-term and short-term effects of marijuana. 

What are some street names for marijuana?

  • Aunt Mary, Dope, Ganja, Grass, Hash, Herb, Mary Jane, Mota, Pot, Reefer, Skunk, Smoke, Weed, Yerba

How is marijuana used/abused?

  • Smoked in joints (like a cigarette), in blunts (cigars or cigar wrappers that have been partly or completely filled with cannabis), or in bongs (pipes or water pipes)
  • Mixed or infused into foods and drinks (called edibles) like cookies, cakes, or brownies, or tea, cola, or alcohol 
  • Smoking oils from the plant (“dabbing”)
  • Using electronic vaporizers (“vaping”)

What are the short-term effects of marijuana use?

  • Enhanced sensory perception and euphoria followed by drowsiness/relaxation
  • Slowed reaction time 
  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Increased heart rate and appetite
  • Problems with learning and memory
  • Anxiety 
  • Paranoia
  • Nausea 
  • Dry mouth 
  • At high doses: hallucinations, delusions (unshakable belief in something untrue), psychosis

What are the long-term effects of marijuana use?

  • Mental health problems
  • Chronic cough
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Vaping THC-containing products is linked to lung injury and even death 
  • Frequent use is liked to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia
  • Long-term users of high doses of THC are at risk for frequent, severe vomiting (cannabis hyperemesis syndrome) 

Treatment Options

  • Yamhill County Substance Use Programs offer a wide array of treatment options and programs for adults and youth, please visit our Alcohol and Drug Treatment page, or call 503-434-7523 for more information.

Source and Other Resources

Short-term effects of marijuana use