Marijuana

Marijuana, which can also be called cannabis, weed, pot, or dope, refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 100 compounds (or cannabinoids).

These compounds include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is impairing or mind-altering, as well as other active compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is not impairing, meaning it does not cause a “high”.

Marijuana can be used in a number of ways.

The most common ways include:

Smoked in joints (like a cigarette), in blunts (cigars or cigar wrappers that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana), or in bongs (pipes or water pipes)

Vaped using electronic vaporizing devices (like vape pens) or other vaporizers

Mixed or infused into foods or drinks (called edibles) like cookies, cakes, or brownies, or tea, cola, or alcohol

Additionally, some people inhale the oil concentrates and other extracts from the cannabis plant—this is known as dabbing.

THC oils and concentrates used in vaping and dabbing often involve using highly concentrated forms of THC and may contain additives or be contaminated with other substances that may be harmful.

How marijuana affects a person depends on several factors, including:
Amount of marijuana taken
Frequency of marijuana use

Use of marijuana with other substances (e.g., alcohol or other drugs), which could increase risk of harm

Mode of marijuana use (e.g., consuming edibles or products with high THC concentration can have delayed or unpredictable effects and increases the risk of overdose or poisoning)

Previous experience with marijuana or other drugs
Biology (e.g., genes, DNA)
Sex (e.g., women may experience more dizziness after using marijuana compared to men)