Marijuana (commonly referred to as weed), is a psychoactive drug that comes in many different forms and has been used by societies for thousands of years. However, all forms of marijuana are derived from the cannabis plant.

It is one of the most common recreational drugs and is often found in the party scene.

The 2 major psychoactive compounds found in the cannabis plant are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)

 Marijuana has multiple medical uses and is legal in many countries around the world.

Marijuana is an extremely versatile plant and can be made into many different forms and products. However, the most common way of using marijuana is by smoking the dried “buds” of the plant. This is done through a range of methods, such as rolling a “joint” or using a pipe or “bong”. It can also be made into an oil and smoked through an electronic vape.

It is also common to consume marijuana in edible form. The drug can be infused into many different edible items such as cakes, sweets, butters as well as drinks.

Due to the nature of marijuana, dosage is not usually taken note of. Users will consume the substance until they feel like they have attained their desired effects. The average amount of marijuana that is smoked in a joint has a wide range but on average is around 0.5 grams. Due to numerous factors the amount of THC (the main active compound in marijuana) consumed is almost impossible to predict and measure, unless the user is consuming lab grade THC oil.

Note: There are many different strains and families of marijuana, each will produce different effects. Effects will also vary depending on both the individual and dosage.

Desirable effects – Feeling of relaxation or calmness, heightened senses (more sensitive to touch, taste, smell etc.), Euphoria, increased hunger / the “munchies”, increased creativity, increased amusement, and laughter.

Undesirable effects (More common for high doses or inexperienced users) – Anxiety, Confusion, possible hallucinations, nausea, paranoia, loss of motor function, feeling of “slowness”, increased reaction time

When smoking marijuana:
Effects are felt within minutes and can last anywhere from 1 – 3 hours.

If consumed in an edible form:
Marijuana can take from 30 minutes to a few hours to kick in and effects can last up to 24 hours.

Marijuana is one of the safest drugs a user can consume. There don’t appear to be many major health risks associated with the drug, however in the instance of smoking it you can harm your lungs and respiratory system.

However, Long-term use and use among adolescents has been known to present various issues. Click HERE for more information.