What Is Marijuana? Effects, Risks, Addiction, and Treatment

Marijuana, derived from the Cannabis plant, has a profound impact on users, affecting the body and mind. While it has been historically used for medicinal and recreational purposes, it carries notable risks such as addiction and long-term health effects. Marijuana’s primary component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, producing effects that alter perception, mood, and cognitive function. 15% of Americans report smoking marijuana, a figure that remains statistically similar to the 14% average in 2021-2022 but reflects a continued upward trend in recent years according to combined Gallup data from 2023 and 2024.

The main effects of marijuana include euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception, increased appetite, impaired memory, coordination, and reaction time, which interfere with daily activities and responsibilities. Approximately 147 million people, or 2.5% of the global population, use cannabis each year, while 0.2% consume cocaine and another 0.2% use opiates, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The risks of marijuana use involve cognitive decline, respiratory issues, and an elevated likelihood of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Prolonged use also leads to impaired brain development, particularly in adolescents, and a nascent risk of cardiovascular complications. U.S. public support for marijuana legalization has risen significantly over the past six decades, rising from 12% in 1969 to a peak of 70% in 2023 before stabilizing at 68% in 2024, as recounted by Gallup.

Marijuana addiction occurs when dependence on the drug precipitates withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, and cravings. Chronic use results in Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), affecting daily life and mental well-being.

The main treatments for marijuana addiction are behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management. Support groups and structured rehabilitation programs also help individuals regain control over their usage patterns and sustain long-term recovery.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant, containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as its primary intoxicating compound. Marijuana appears as dried greenish-brown leaves, stems, flowers, or resinous extracts, with variations in texture and color depending on the strain and processing method. 

Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, though some states have legalized it for medicinal and recreational use. It is categorized as a cannabinoid drug, affecting the endocannabinoid system and altering brain function, prompting changes in perception, mood, and cognition. 

Common street names for marijuana include dope, pot, grass, weed, head, Mary Jane, doobie, bud, ganja, hashish, hash, and bhang, among others, with names varying by region and potency. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), an estimated 200 million people worldwide used marijuana in 2020, making it the most widely consumed illicit drug.

In a national sample study of U.S. high school seniors, 6.5% of all respondents reported using hashish in the past 12 months, while 18.3% of recent marijuana users said they used hashish, as observed by Palamar JJ et al. 2015 in “Prevalence and Correlates of Hashish Use in a National Sample of High School Seniors in the United States,” published by the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.

How Is Marijuana Made and Consumed?

Marijuana is made and consumed from the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants, which contain over 100 cannabinoids that ally with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The two primary cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects, and cannabidiol (CBD), which has therapeutic properties without causing a high. The method of consumption influences the intensity and duration of effects, with some posing greater health risks than others. 

A study of 36,000 American Army personnel over three years found that smoking less than 10-12 grams of hashish per month caused no major adverse effects beyond minor respiratory issues. Panic reactions, toxic psychosis, and schizophrenic symptoms were rare unless hashish was combined with alcohol or other substances. Alternatively, heavy use exceeding 50 grams per month in 110 individuals led to a chronic intoxicated state characterized by apathy, impeded judgment, declined concentration, and memory deficits. The amalgamation of severe hashish abuse with alcohol or other drugs raised concerns about its imposition on young men, as discussed by Tennant F. and Groesbeck J. 1972 in “Psychiatric Effects of Hashish.”

Common consumption methods are given below:

• Smoking: Inhaling combusted marijuana delivers THC rapidly to the bloodstream, generating an almost immediate high but accelerating risk of lung damage and respiratory issues.
• Rolling: Marijuana is rolled into joints or blunts and smoked, inducing similar effects as traditional smoking, such as cognitive deterioration and addiction risk.
• Injecting: Rare but extremely dangerous, injecting marijuana extracts has severe cardiovascular and neurological complications.
• Brewing: Cannabis-infused teas release cannabinoids slowly, sparking milder, longer-lasting effects but with less intensity than inhalation methods.
• Dabbing: Involves inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrates, delivering highly potent doses of THC that trigger extreme intoxication, paranoia, and hallucinations.
• Vaping: Heats marijuana extracts or dried flowers to release vapor, diminishing harmful combustion byproducts but still carrying risks of lung damage, especially with unregulated vape products.
• Eating: Consuming edibles such as brownies or gummies delays the onset of effects but spawns unpredictable highs, overconsumption, and severe dysfunction owing to the delayed absorption of THC.

Among these methods, injecting and dabbing pose the greatest risks because of their extreme potency, while edibles create accidental overconsumption and extended intoxication.

Why Do People Smoke Marijuana?

People smoke marijuana for recreational, medicinal, and psychological reasons. Recreational users seek its psychoactive effects, as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) elicits feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception.

Medicinal users consume marijuana to manage chronic pain, nausea, epilepsy, and other medical conditions, certainly when conventional treatments prove ineffective. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component, is utilized for therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects of THC. 

Some individuals smoke marijuana to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression, using its calming properties as a form of self-medication. Long-term use builds up dependency, cognitive impairment, and mental health complications, especially when consumed in high doses. Approximately 3 in 10 marijuana users develop marijuana use disorder, characterized by an inability to stop using despite experiencing health and social consequences, according to Hasin DS et al. 2015 in “Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States Between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013.” 

What Percent of Americans Smoke Marijuana?

As of recent data, approximately 18% of Americans report using marijuana, with a Yahoo News/Marist national survey further revealing that around 35 million Americans consume marijuana every month. New research analyzing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published in the journal Addiction, examines trends in cannabis and alcohol consumption in the United States over the past 40 years. In 2022, an estimated 17.7 million people reported using marijuana daily or nearly every day, a sharp uptick from fewer than 1 million in 1992. 

Among marijuana users, 42% of those who had used the drug in the past month said they did so on a daily or near-daily basis, compared to 11% of alcohol users who consumed alcohol with the same frequency. Overall, 62 million Americans, representing about 20% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older, have used marijuana at least once in the past year, highlighting its growing prevalence.

What Are the Effects of Marijuana?

The effects of marijuana are euphoria, cognitive impairment, respiratory issues, and potential dependency. Short-term effects range from altered mood and perception to deficient coordination, while long-term use produces cognitive decline, addiction, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and psychosis. Chronic consumption also contributes to lung damage and cardiovascular severities.

The short-term effects of marijuana are given below:

• Euphoria and mood changes – THC stimulates dopamine release, producing a temporary feeling of pleasure, relaxation, or heightened perception. This effect differs based on dosage and individual sensitivity.
• Impaired memory – By disrupting activity in the hippocampus, marijuana affects short-term recall, making it difficult to retain new information or focus on tasks.
• Disorientation and confusion – Alters brain signaling, evoking difficulty in concentrating, perceiving time accurately, or understanding surroundings, especially at higher doses.
• Sedation – THC binds to receptors that slow neural activity, causing drowsiness, reduced energy, and in some cases, an overwhelming urge to sleep.
• Dizziness – Lowers blood pressure and affects the inner ear’s equilibrium, making users feel lightheaded or unsteady, especially when standing up quickly.
• Slowed reaction time – Impairs motor coordination by affecting the cerebellum and basal ganglia, engendering delayed reflexes and poor decision-making.
• Panic attacks – In some users, THC overstimulates the amygdala, triggering heightened anxiety, paranoia, or intense fear, particularly with high-potency strains.
• Increased heart rate – Activates the sympathetic nervous system, temporarily raising pulse and blood pressure, which poses risks for individuals with heart conditions.

The long-term effects of marijuana use are given below:

• Heart disease – Chronic marijuana use shoots up the heart rate and blood pressure over time, elevating the risk of cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and stroke, especially in individuals with preexisting conditions. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed data from over 430,000 U.S. adults and found that daily cannabis use was associated with a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% higher risk of stroke, as detailed by Anderer S. 2024 in “Cannabis Use Linked to Elevated Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Risk.”
• Severe vomiting – Frequent marijuana use encourages cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition marked by recurrent nausea, intense vomiting, and abdominal pain that worsens with continued use.
• Schizophrenia – Long-term exposure to THC, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals, is linked to a heightened risk of psychotic disorders, comprising schizophrenia, with symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and cognitive debility.
• Periodontal disease (gum disease) – Chronic marijuana smoking minimizes saliva production, which prompts dry mouth, gum inflammation, and compounding risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• Spermatogenesis impairment – THC affects hormone regulation and cuts sperm count, motility, and morphology, augmenting fertility issues in men.
• Cognitive decline – Prolonged marijuana use disrupts brain development, particularly in adolescents, pushing persistent memory deficits, dropping IQ, and weakening decision-making skills.
• Respiratory problems – Regular marijuana smoking damages lung tissue, amplifies mucus production, and raises the risk of chronic bronchitis, coughing, and lung infections over time.
• Dependence and withdrawal – Long-term use brings about marijuana use disorder (MUD), characterized by cravings, irritability, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit. Individuals who start using marijuana before age 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder compared to those who begin as adults, as explained by Winters & Lee (2008) in “Likelihood of Developing an Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorder During Youth: Association with Recent Use and Age.”

How Does Marijuana Affect the Brain?

Marijuana affects the brain by altering areas responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, and coordination. The THC in marijuana binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, disrupting communication between cells. This can lead to short-term memory loss, impaired judgment, and slowed reaction times. Prolonged use, especially in adolescents, can result in permanent cognitive deficits.

Meier et al. 2022 evaluated long-term cannabis use, cognitive reserves, and hippocampal volume in midlife using a cohort of 1,037 individuals born in Dunedin, New Zealand. By age 45, long-term cannabis users experienced a 5.5-point IQ decline, slower processing speed, learning deficits, and memory issues. These impairments were not explained by other substance use or socioeconomic factors. Users also had smaller hippocampal volumes, though this did not mediate cognitive decline. The study suggests potential long-term cognitive risks, as investigated in “Long-Term Cannabis Use and Cognitive Reserves and Hippocampal Volume in Midlife.”

What Are the Risks of Marijuana?

The risks of marijuana are motor vehicle crashes, injury among adults over 65, athletic performance decline, mental health issues, increased addiction risk, cognitive impairment, heart disease risk, lung damage, pregnancy complications, and gastrointestinal issues. These risks accentuate the perils of regular marijuana use across different aspects of health and daily life.

The risks of marijuana use include:

• Motor vehicle crashes: THC impairs coordination, reaction time, and judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents and fatalities on the road.
• Injury among adults over 65: Balance and coordination issues heighten the risk of falls and fractures, especially in older adults.
• Athletic performance decline: Reduced coordination, slower reaction times, and decreased motivation negatively impact physical performance and endurance.
• Mental health issues: Long-term use is associated with inflated possibilities of depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions.
• Increased addiction risk: Chronic marijuana use solidifies dependence, with withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances, and cravings.
• Cognitive impairment: Long-term exposure to THC affects memory, attention, and learning, with certain irreversible effects, especially in adolescent users.
• Heart disease risk: Frequent marijuana use has been associated with elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Lung damage: Smoking marijuana exposes the lungs to harmful toxins, intensifying the risk of chronic bronchitis, lung infections, and respiratory issues.
• Pregnancy complications: Prenatal marijuana exposure causes low birth weight, developmental delays, and behavioral problems in children.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Chronic use has been affiliated with severe nausea, vomiting, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which derives from repeated bouts of vomiting.

What Are the Risks of Using Marijuana During Pregnancy?

The risks of using marijuana during pregnancy are preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, developmental delays, and an upraised probability of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Exposure to marijuana in the womb also affects brain development, producing cognitive and behavioral issues later in life. These complications underscore the hazard of prenatal marijuana use on maternal and fetal health.

Women who used marijuana at least weekly had a higher risk of preterm delivery compared to those who used it less frequently (10.4% vs. 5.7%). When marijuana use was analyzed alongside tobacco use, marijuana alone was not linked to a marked-up risk of preterm birth. In contrast, using both substances together showed a substantial association relative to women who used neither (11.4% vs. 5.7%), as cited in a Committee Opinion (721) of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2017) in “Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Lactation.”

Can You Overdose on Marijuana?

Yes, you can overdose on marijuana, though fatal overdoses are rare or recorded, as given by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Symptoms of a marijuana overdose are anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, paranoia, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and impaired coordination. These effects shoot from an excessive level of THC in the bloodstream, instigating overstimulation of the brain and nervous system. In severe cases, individuals experience hyperactivity, pathological behavioral changes, sudden elevated blood pressure, chest pain, heart rhythm disturbances, heart attack, stroke, or seizures. It’s important to note that while fatal overdoses are extremely rare, the adverse effects are enormous and require medical attention.

No experimental data establish a lethal dose for humans, but animal studies indicate fatal doses range between 40 mg/kg and 130 mg/kg when administered intravenously, as noted by Turner et al. 2023 in “Marijuana Toxicity.”

Can Marijuana Kill You?

No, marijuana cannot kill you as it alone is not known to cause fatal overdoses. Conversely, excessive use has grave eventualities such as extreme sedation, psychosis, or cardiovascular events, especially in individuals with preexisting conditions. Turner et al. 2023 in “Marijuana Toxicity” note that while no lethal dose has been identified in humans, animal studies suggest fatal doses range from 40 mg/kg to 130 mg/kg intravenously. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association established that daily cannabis use was related to a 25% higher risk of heart attack and a 42% higher risk of stroke, accenting the life-threatening risks associated with chronic use (Anderer S., 2024).

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Yes, marijuana is addictive because of its principal psychoactive component, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly in regions governing pleasure, memory, and cognition, catalyzing marijuana addiction over time. Regular use conditions the brain to rely on THC for pleasure, making it challenging for users to feel normal without it. This dependence triggers withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances when attempting to quit. The potency of marijuana has also been steadily rising, with THC levels rising from about 4% in 1998 to over 15.5% in 2018, as revealed in DEA-tested samples.

What Makes Marijuana So Addictive?

Marijuana is addictive as it stems from its interaction with the brain’s reward system, largely driven by its two main active ingredients: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain in areas involved in pleasure, memory, and coordination, triggering the release of dopamine. This dopamine surge creates a sense of euphoria, reinforcing the behavior and setting the prospect of recursive use. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of THC instituting tolerance and dependence, where users need more of the substance to achieve the same effects. 

Non-psychoactive CBD does not produce a high and even counteracts some of THC’s effects. While CBD has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as cutting anxiety and inflammation, it does not set in motion addiction in the same way THC does. The addictive nature of marijuana is thus largely tied to THC’s presence on the brain’s reward pathways, though individual susceptibility to addiction varies depending on factors like genetics, frequency of use, and environmental influences.

How Common Is Marijuana Addiction?

Marijuana addiction is relatively common in the United States, with an estimated 9% of users developing cannabis dependence. This rate is lower than the dependence rates for heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and prescription anxiolytics, as concluded by Wilkie et al. 2016 in “Medical Marijuana Use in Oncology: A Review.” Although, it exceeds dependence rates for substances like psilocybin, mescaline, and LSD. Among individuals who use cannabis daily, 10–20% are likely to have dependence, as deduced in a study by Borgelt et al. 2013 in “The Pharmacologic and Clinical Effects of Medical Cannabis.”

Among Florida youth aged 12–17, the annual average percentage of past-month marijuana use remained stable between 2002–2004 and 2017–2019. During 2017–2019, the state’s annual average prevalence of past-month marijuana use was 6.7% (about 95,000 individuals), aligning closely with the regional average of 6.2% and the national average of 6.8%, as reported in the “Behavioral Health Barometer Florida, Volume 6” by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2020).

Does Marijuana Have Withdrawal Symptoms?

Yes, marijuana has withdrawal symptoms that ensue when frequent users stop or lessen consumption. Common symptoms of withdrawal are irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, mood swings, and headaches. These symptoms begin within 24 to 48 hours after cessation, peak within the first week, and last up to two weeks or longer in heavy users, as revealed by Connor et al. 2022 in “Clinical Management of Cannabis Withdrawal.” 

How Is Marijuana Addiction Treated?

Marijuana addiction is treated through a combination of medical and behavioral interventions that address both physical dependence and psychological cravings encompassing detox, therapy, medications, support groups, aftercare programs, and holistic approaches, each playing a role in long-term recovery.

Common treatment methods are given below:

• Detox: The initial phase of treatment that helps clear THC from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision eases discomfort and cuts relapse risk. Withdrawal symptoms begin 24–48 hours after stopping use and peak between days 2–6, with some lasting up to three weeks or longer in heavy users as put forward by Connor et al. 2022 in “Clinical Management of Cannabis Withdrawal.”
• Therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), and contingency management help individuals modify behaviors, develop coping strategies, and reduce cravings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has an effectiveness rate of 50-75%, considerably cutting substance use and promoting long-term recovery. In a large-scale study of 33,243 patients, CBT demonstrated a recovery rate of 62.2% after 18 sessions, relative to 44.4% for counseling at the same session count. After 20 sessions, CBT’s recovery rate remained high at 62.4%, while counseling’s dropped to 42.6%. These findings put forward that while both therapies are effective, CBT achieves higher recovery rates as the number of sessions increases, as explored by Pybis, Jo, et al. 2017 in “The Comparative Effectiveness and Efficiency of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Generic Counselling in the Treatment of Depression: Evidence from the 2nd UK National Audit of Psychological Therapies.”
• Medications: While no FDA-approved medications exist specifically for marijuana addiction, some prescriptions like sleep aids or anti-anxiety drugs can help manage withdrawal symptoms. There are no FDA-approved medications for treating Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). However, off-label treatments such as cannabinoids, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and glutamatergic modulators have been explored, as reported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (2019) in “Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder: A Systematic Review.”
• Support Groups: Programs like Marijuana Anonymous (MA) provide peer support and structured guidance to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) has expanded across various cultural, political, and religious settings worldwide. By 2020, the number of weekly NA meetings had surpassed 71,000—more than doubling over the past 15 years, as reported by White et al. in “WE DO RECOVER: Scientific Studies on Narcotics Anonymous.”
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: Ongoing counseling, lifestyle adjustments, and continued group support reinforce sobriety and reduce the likelihood of returning to use.
• Holistic Approaches: Mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and exercise help manage stress, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being in recovery. The percentage of U.S. adults practicing meditation more than doubled from 7.5% in 2002 to 17.3% in 2022, making it the most widely used complementary health approach. Meditation surpassed yoga (15.8%), chiropractic care (11.0%), massage therapy (10.9%), guided imagery/progressive muscle relaxation (6.4%), acupuncture (2.2%), and naturopathy (1.3%). Among children aged 4 to 17, 5.4% engaged in meditation in 2017, as mentioned in the National Health Interview Survey.

What Is the Legal Status of Marijuana?

The legal status of marijuana varies by state. Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA; 21 U.S.C. §801 et seq.), making it subject to strict federal regulation. In states where cannabis is legal, possession limits range from one to eight ounces. As of May 2, 2024, 38 states, along with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have enacted comprehensive medical marijuana laws. Additionally, nine states permit “limited-access medical cannabis,” allowing only low-THC cannabis or CBD oil. Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and American Samoa have not legalized medical marijuana or low-THC cannabis, as reported by the Congressional Research Service (2024).

Is Marijuana Legal in Florida?

No, recreational marijuana is illegal in Florida, but medical marijuana is permitted under specific regulations. Florida voters approved medical cannabis through the passage of Amendment 2 in 2016, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to obtain marijuana through state-licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MMTCs). However, recreational use remains prohibited, with possession of up to 20 grams considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Efforts to legalize recreational marijuana continue, but as of 2024, it remains illegal for non-medical use, according to the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Statutes.

What Are the Dangers of Lacing Marijuana with Other Substances?

Lacing marijuana with other substances upthrusts the risk of severe health complications, comprising respiratory distress, cardiovascular issues, and neurological impairment. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl cause fatal overdoses, while stimulants such as methamphetamine or cocaine heighten the risk of psychosis, paranoia, and heart attacks. Adding hallucinogens like PCP intensifies aggression, confusion, and unpredictable behavior. Some dealers mix marijuana with synthetic cannabinoids, enkindling extreme anxiety, seizures, or even death. Contaminants such as pesticides, mold, or heavy metals further endanger users, raising toxicity and long-term organ damage.

Le et al. 2023 presented a rare case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) caused by fentanyl-laced marijuana. A patient presented with hemoptysis following an overdose, highlighting the growing dangers of synthetic fentanyl adulteration. DAH, though rare, is life-threatening and necessitates early recognition and treatment. With the rising prevalence of fentanyl-laced substances, cases of DAH will increase. This case underpins the need for awareness and intervention, as pointed out in “A Rare Case of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Caused by Fentanyl-Laced Marijuana.” Over 50% of fentanyl-laced counterfeit prescription pills circulating in communities nationwide now contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, a sharp rise from the previous 40%. This raises the risk of fatal overdoses among unsuspecting users.

Is Marijuana More Addictive Than Alcohol?

No marijuana is not more addictive than alcohol. Alcohol is considered more physically addictive, while marijuana addiction tends to be psychological. Both substances create dependency. Among marijuana users, 42% of those who had used the drug in the past month communicated daily or near-daily use, in comparison to 11% of alcohol users who consumed alcohol at the same frequency. In total, 62 million Americans—about 20% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older—reported using marijuana at least once in the past year, underscoring its increasing prevalence. These trends in cannabis and alcohol consumption in the United States over the past 40 years were examined in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, published in the journal Addiction.

Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?

Yes, marijuana is a hallucinogen, though it is chiefly classified as a psychoactive drug with depressant and stimulant effects. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound, alters perception, mood, and cognition by interacting with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain. At high doses, marijuana effectuates hallucinogenic effects, comprising distorted sensory perception, paranoia, and dissociation. Marijuana’s hallucinogenic capacity is milder in comparison to classic hallucinogen addictions like LSD or psilocybin. 

Is Marijuana the Same as Cannabis?

Yes, marijuana and cannabis refer to the same plant, Cannabis sativa, but the terms are used differently. Cannabis is the scientific name for the plant, encompassing all varieties, including those used for medical, recreational, and industrial purposes. Marijuana specifically refers to cannabis strains high in THC, the compound responsible for psychoactive effects. In contrast, hemp is a type of cannabis with low THC and is primarily used for industrial products like textiles and CBD oil. Frequent high-dose use redounds to cannabis addiction, effectuating dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.