What Is Marijuana (Weed/Cannabis)?

Overview

What Is Marijuana (Weed/Cannabis)?

Marijuana is a mix of dried flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves from the cannabis plant. People may use parts of the plant itself or products that contain marijuana to feel “high” or relaxed. Some kids and teens may try marijuana because it’s seen as “natural” and is legal for adults in many states in the U.S. But just because something comes from a plant or is legal doesn’t mean it’s safe. Marijuana is a drug that can be harmful and addictive, especially for growing bodies and brains.

Marijuana Chemicals and ‘Fake Weed’

CBD

The chemical cannabidiol (CBD) is found in marijuana, and can come from the cannabis plant, hemp plant, or be made in a laboratory. But unlike marijuana, CBD on its own doesn’t make you feel “high.” Some people use it to ease things like anxiety, depression, and pain, but experts don’t know if it’s safe or effective, especially for kids. There is one medical use for which CBD has been studied and found to be effective: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat certain forms of epilepsy in children.

Delta-8 THC

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the ingredient in marijuana that causes someone to feel high. Delta-8 THC is another chemical in the cannabis plant, and it may be sold on its own. Its high is milder than the one from regular marijuana, but it can still cause harmful reactions.

Synthetic Marijuana (“Fake Weed”)

Synthetic marijuana is made in a lab. It doesn’t contain any THC, but it’s marketed as having the same effects. Fake weed is sometimes sold as products called K2 and Spice. The effects from it can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Products containing marijuana, CBD, Delta-8 THC, and fake weed are often easy to find in places like gas stations, convenience stores, and online. Kids may also see online influencers and other people on social media promoting them. Parents should understand the risks so they can help their children and teens make good decisions.

What Does Marijuana Do?

Marijuana changes the way the brain works and can cause people to crave or want more and more of it. It may make them feel more relaxed and less inhibited (shy or self-conscious). Some kids and teens use marijuana to ease stress, anxiety, or depression. Others use it to “fit in” or because they’re curious how it will make them feel. Marijuana doesn’t affect everyone the same way.

How Is It Used?

Marijuana and marijuana products — including CBD, Delta-8 THC, and fake weed — can be used in different ways. For example, they can be:

• vaped or smoked
• swallowed (pills, liquid extracts, alcohol, sodas, and teas)
• eaten (via “edibles” like gummies and other candies or baked goods — such as cookies or brownies)
• applied to the body (creams, lotions, and balms)

What marijuana looks like depends on the form.

What Else Is Marijuana Called?

Marijuana is also known by many different slang or street names, including:

• weed
• pot
• bud
• mary jane
• grass
• hash
• reefer
• dope
• doobie

Marijuana Risks

Is Marijuana Safe?

Marijuana is not safe for kids and teens. It can affect brain development and increase the risk of mental health problems. Marijuana is used differently and is much stronger than it was a generation ago, making it less safe. Marijuana can also be laced with other substances or drugs that make it more dangerous. Recreational use (or using it for enjoyment, rather than for medical reasons) is now legal for adults in many states, but it’s illegal for kids and teens.

Being around second-hand smoke and vapor from marijuana can irritate the lungs and cause asthma flare-ups — and even make someone feel high. Some marijuana edibles, like gummies, can look like candy, and many kids (and even pets) have accidentally eaten them. If there are any marijuana products at home, keep them locked in a cabinet or lockbox.

What Are the Side Effects?

Marijuana has both short-term and long-term effects that vary from person-to-person and depend on how much is used. Smoking marijuana leads to effects very quickly, while edibles take longer.

Short-Term Effects

After using marijuana, someone may feel:

• more relaxed
• hungry
• sleepy
• have a different sense of reality (for example, colors may seem brighter)
• anxious and distrustful of others

In rare cases, it can cause a short-term psychosis with hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) and paranoia (feeling very threatened). It also affects the skills needed to drive safely and may lead to car crashes.

Long-Term Effects

Marijuana use can have permanent effects on the brains of kids and teens, especially with regular or heavy use. People who use marijuana over a long period of time might:

• find it harder to remember, multitask, and pay attention
• cough more, get more lung infections, and have lung scarring
• be more likely to get depressed, be anxious, or have thoughts of suicide
• become dependent on marijuana and develop cannabis use disorder (This means they cannot stop using marijuana even when it causes health, social, and school problems.) Cannabis use disorder can make someone:
  • have trouble in social situations
  • have memory problems
  • struggle in school or at work

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana can be addictive, and the risk is high for kids and teens because their brains are still developing. Over time, the brain gets used to marijuana and needs more of it to get the desired effects. Kids may be driven to do whatever they can to keep that feeling, including taking risks.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Signs of marijuana use by kids and teens may include:

• red eyes
• increased blood pressure
• being forgetful or laughing for no reason
• dizziness and headaches
• nausea or vomiting
• panic or anxiety
• hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)

Also, marijuana can cause dependence, which means people feel a strong need to keep using it even when it causes problems.

When people stop using marijuana regularly, they may go through withdrawal when they try to stop. This means they feel annoyed, have sleep problems, and eat less.

Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

It’s possible to overdose (take too much) on marijuana through smoking or eating edibles, leading to more significant side effects. Marijuana overdose on its own is unlikely to be fatal, but it can cause serious health issues and requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of Marijuana Overdose

Marijuana overdose symptoms in kids and teens can change from person-to-person. A lot depends on the person’s health, size, the amount consumed, and the strength of the marijuana.

Symptoms of marijuana overdose (also called marijuana toxicity) may include:

• fast heartbeat
• confusion or being out of touch with reality
• nausea or vomiting
• anxiety or panic
• dizziness
• coughing, wheezing, or slow breathing
• extreme tiredness 
• seizures

What Should I Do if Someone Is Overdosing?

If you think someone might be overdosing:

• Call 911.
• Give naloxone (brand name Narcan) nasal spray, if available. While naloxone is meant for opioid overdoses, it can help if someone took an opioid as well as marijuana, or if the marijuana was laced with an opioid.
• Lay the person on their side to prevent choking in case there’s vomiting.
• Try to keep the person awake and breathing. Start rescue breathing and chest compressions (CPR) if needed.
• Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

It’s not always clear if someone is overdosing. Even if you aren’t sure, treat it like an overdose. Giving Narcan to someone who isn’t overdosing won’t be harmful.

Prevention

How Can I Prevent My Child From Using Marijuana?

Here are some tips to help protect your child:

• Talk about marijuana and its dangers. Regular chats can make kids less likely to experiment with marijuana or to rely on friends for answers. Make sure your child knows that “natural” products aren’t always safe. Herbal supplements aren’t studied or regulated in the same way as traditional medicines.
• Watch what your child buys. Check labels on foods, drinks, and other products. Look for “marijuana” and chemicals in marijuana, like “THC” and “Delta-8 THC.”
• Have chats about media use so your child knows to come to you if there’s online talk about marijuana products or buying them.

What If My Child Uses Marijuana?

If your child is using marijuana, try to stay calm and have a talk. First, ask why your child is taking it. Maybe it’s to feel more relaxed or fit in. Together, find healthier ways to feel better. For example, getting more sleep, exercising, and eating healthy often help kids have more energy and less stress. Or come up with social activities where marijuana isn’t involved.

Your doctor can help as well by talking to your child and seeing if medicine is needed to treat any conditions that may be causing symptoms. Doctors can also suggest treatment programs (texting, online, and in person), if needed.

For more on treatment options, visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Other Common Questions

What About Marijuana and Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Using marijuana during pregnancy can harm the mother and baby and increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. If you’ve used marijuana at any time during your pregnancy, it’s important to tell your doctor. If you’re still using marijuana, talk to your doctor for help on how to quit.

It’s also not safe to use marijuana when breastfeeding because it can harm your baby’s brain and body.

Does Marijuana Show Up on Drug Tests?

Yes, marijuana shows up on most drug tests.