Written by: Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS – a clinical pharmacist in San Francisco, California
- The effects of marijuana can vary from person to person, depending on genetics, age, gender, and the quantity and strength of the marijuana.
- Is marijuana harmful or helpful? It’s complicated.
- It’s likely that marijuana can be positive or negative, depending on the situation and person.
What is marijuana and how does it work in the body?
When we talk about marijuana, we are referring to the part of the cannabis plant that contains large amounts of THC. THC is a cannabinoid — an active chemical in marijuana — that can alter your mind and make you feel “high.”
Why can marijuana make you feel this way? THC resembles a naturally occurring chemical in the body called anandamide. Because THC can “trick” the brain into thinking it is anandamide, it can affect areas of the brain responsible for controlling:
- Memory
- Thinking
- Concentration
- Pleasure
- Movement
- Coordination
The effects you might feel are not always the same as what someone else might feel.
What is the difference between recreational and medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is a term used to describe the use of cannabis for treating certain health conditions. Recreational use is when you use marijuana for personal enjoyment rather than treating an illness. On a federal level, all marijuana is illegal. However, many state governments have legalized medical marijuana, and some have legalized recreational use as well.