Let's Talk About Health Effects

• Is today's marijuana different than thirty or even just twenty years ago?
  According to NIDA, Between 1995 and 2022 the delta-9 THC potency (strength) in illegal cannabis products seized by law enforcement quadrupled from 3.96% to 16.14%. Cannabis flower and concentrates in dispensaries can have THC concentrations of more than 40%.¹ Higher THC concentrations have been associated with a greater likelihood of cannabis use progressing to cannabis use disorder, among other health concerns.²
  
  1. Cash MC, Cunnane K, Fan C, Romero-Sandoval EA. Mapping cannabis potency in medical and recreational programs in the United States. PLoS One. 2020;15(3):e0230167. Published 2020 Mar 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0230167
  2. Arterberry BJ, Treloar Padovano H, Foster KT, Zucker RA, Hicks BM. Higher average potency across the United States is associated with progression to first cannabis use disorder symptom. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2019;195:186-192. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.012
  
  
• Can marijuana, known as an antiemetic (anti-nausea), actually cause nausea?
  According to NIDA, Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is when a person has nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after long-term, heavy cannabis use.¹ It can recur and often requires medical attention. People sometimes try to temporarily relieve their symptoms by taking hot showers or baths. However, CHS only resolves when a person stops using cannabis completely.^2,3
  
  1. Gallagher TJ, Chung RS, Lin ME, Kim I, Kokot NC. Cannabis Use and Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online August 8, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2024.2419
  2. Cue L, Chu F, Cascella M. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 3, 2023.
  3. Sorensen CJ, DeSanto K, Borgelt L, Phillips KT, Monte AA. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment-a Systematic Review. J Med Toxicol. 2017;13(1):71-87. doi:10.1007/s13181-016-0595-z
  
  
• Does marijuana use during pregnancy affect a developing baby?
  According to NIDA, the use of cannabis during pregnancy may have harmful effects on a baby’s health after birth. Research has linked it with lower birth weight, preterm birth, hospitalization, death within one year of birth, and other negative outcomes.^1,2 Given the potential of cannabis to negatively impact the developing brain, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that obstetrician-gynecologists counsel women against using cannabis while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, and while they are breastfeeding.
  
  1. Shi Y, Zhu B, Liang D. The associations between prenatal cannabis use disorder and neonatal outcomes. Addiction. 2021;116(11):3069-3079. doi:10.1111/add.15467
  2. Grzeskowiak LE, Grieger JA, Andraweera P, et al. The deleterious effects of cannabis during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes. Med J Aust. 2020;212(11):519-524. doi:10.5694/mja2.50624
  
  
• Should I be concerned about pesticides in marijuana?
  California has acknowledged the reality of pesticide use on cannabis, including potential overspray from neighboring farms and contamination of ingredients in cannabis edibles. As a result, the state has imposed limits on some pesticide residues in cannabis products instead of outright bans. Futhermore, there have been growing concerns that growers are utilizing pesticides outside of the California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (CA DPR) exempt list.
  
  
• How does it affect decision-making?
  Since weed affects the part in your brain responsible for your decision-making, using it can cause you to make some not-so- awesome decisions. Your sense of time is off, your body moves slower, you have a harder time thinking and problem-solving. All crucial senses you need, for example, to drive a car or to decide not to get in a car with someone who is high or drunk.
  
  
• How does it affect coordination?
  THC affects your reaction time and your sense of time. That makes it difficult to drive a car, play your favorite sports, dance, bike, or other activities you enjoy doing.
  
  
• How does it impact your lungs?
  Marijuana smoke, just like cigarette smoke, irritates your lungs making it harder for you to breathe. This includes secondhand smoke from marijuana. You may develop a daily cough and phlegm and can be at risk for lung infection
  
  

Other Resources

• LA County Department of Public Health - Substance Abuse Prevention and Control - Prevention
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Department of Cannabis Control (California)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• National Library of Medicine (NIH)
• Substance Abuse and Mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA)