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I have always had a lot of anxiety and I’ve seen my friends get so paranoid when they’re high. I choose not to use because I don’t want to risk making my anxiety worse.

Test Hian Oliveira, 33

[ Health ] Decoded

Did you know that using marijuana can interfere with your reaction time, impair your ability to drive, play sports and focus in school? Cannabis use is linked to a variety of different physical and mental health effects.

Shared objects like vape pens, as well as air, breath and liquids, can spread viruses like COVID.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

There are two main types of compounds in cannabis: THC and CBD. THC is the chemical in cannabis that produces a “high” feeling. CBD does not make you high and may have medical benefits. 

National Institute on Drug Abuse

If you use cannabis while you are pregnant, your baby may be born with a lower birth weight, which means your baby is more likely to have health problems, especially in the first year of life.

The National Academies Press

If you’re a teen or young adult, your brain is still developing. Use of marijuana before age 25 may have an impact on your brain development.

Let’s Talk Cannabis

Physical effects of cannabis use can include an increased heart rate, dry mouth, and an increase in appetite.

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
Is weed good or bad for you

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FAQ

I'm pregnant. Can I use cannabis to relieve nausea?

It is not safe to use cannabis while pregnant, even to control morning sickness or other symptoms. Using cannabis while pregnant can cause your baby to be born with a lower birth weight, which means your baby is more likely to have health issues, especially within the first year of their life.

Can you overdose on cannabis?

To overdose and die from cannabis is very unlikely. However, you can experience extreme levels of anxiety, panic attacks, hallucinations, and paranoia. People can injure themselves because of cannabis’ effects on judgment, coordination, and perception. For example, driving under the influence of cannabis is dangerous because it affects the skills you need to drive safely.

Is weed good for you or bad for you?

Just like with prescription drugs, some active compounds in medical marijuana are used to treat specific symptoms. While CBD (a compound found in cannabis that doesn’t get you high) might be used to treat anxiety, smoking a joint may have the opposite effect because it contains THC.

How does smoking cannabis affect my lungs?

Cannabis smoke affects the lungs similarly to tobacco smoke. It may cause respiratory difficulty, coughing, and long-term breathing issues.

Is it safe to consume cannabis with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the body's metabolism of THC by up to twice its normal rate - meaning it's easier to consume too much cannabis while drinking. While an overdose of cannabis is very unlikely, overconsumption can cause symptoms such as severe anxiety and impaired judgment.

Does secondhand cannabis smoke hurt other people?

Much like tobacco smoke, secondhand cannabis smoke can affect the health of anyone exposed to it. The elderly, children, and pregnant women are more severely affected by secondhand smoke.

Is it dangerous to use cannabis while on other medications?

It can be dangerous to use cannabis while using other medications - each medication has unique interactions with cannabis, and users should consult with a doctor before mixing the two.