Drugs
Cannabis/Marijuana
What is Cannabis/Marijuana vs. TCH?
Marijuana refers to the mind-altering (psychoactive) drug, produced by the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana has over 480 constituents. THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be the main ingredient that produces the psychoactive effect. THC amount varies by different types of cannabis products. The amount of THC in marijuana has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. For a person who's new to marijuana use, this may mean exposure to higher THC levels with a greater chance of a harmful reaction. Higher THC levels may explain the rise in emergency room visits involving marijuana use.
- Relaxation, disinhibition, increased appetite, sedation, increased sociability
- Effects memory and learning
- Difficulty in thinking and problem-solving
- Hallucinations
- Impaired judgment, reduced coordination
- Distorted perception
- Decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, dizziness, nausea, tachycardia
- Confusion, anxiety, paranoia, drowsiness
- Respiratory ailments
It is not fully understood how using cannabis with vaporizers or using concentrated forms like waxes and oils affects your health. However, we do know:
- Vaporized and concentrated cannabis can have a lot more THC, which increases the risk of poisoning/negative outcomes.
- The tools and high temperatures used for vaporizing cannabis may expose you to toxic substances.
- While there are no reports of teens or adults dying from marijuana alone, some people who use marijuana can experience side effects, especially when using marijuana products with high THC levels.
- People have reported symptoms such as anxiety and paranoia, and in rare cases, an extreme psychotic reaction (which can include delusions and hallucinations) that can lead them to seek treatment in an emergency room.
- While a psychotic reaction can occur following any method of use, emergency room responders have seen an increasing number of cases involving marijuana edibles. It takes longer for the body to feel marijuana’s effects when eaten rather than smoked, leading people to consume more of the edible (thinking they haven't taken enough).
- TCH can also interact negatively with alcohol and other drugs, including psychiatric drugs, which can lead to increased intoxication, reduced heart rate and breathing rate, drowsiness, extreme confusion and memory loss. If you are on any medication, please consult with your healthcare or mental health care provider before experimenting with marijuana.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Contact Information
The Office of Health and Wellness offers information on how to live a healthy lifestyle and make positive behavior choices. The office promotes the health and wellbeing of students through prevention of illness, injury and disease, and through raising awareness of issues affecting the students mind, body and spirit.