When Cannabis Use Becomes Problematic

Substance use is defined as the use of any substance, such as alcohol, drugs, nicotine, cannabis (weed, pot, marijuana) or prescription medications. For some people, occasional substance use, such as smoking a joint on the weekends or sharing edibles with friends on a getaway, can turn into a substance use problem.

In this article, we’re sharing information about how cannabis use can become problematic and how you can recognize when it’s become a problem.

When does cannabis use become a problem?

Cannabis use can become a problem when it starts affecting daily life, like making it hard to focus on work or responsibilities at home. It can also lead to issues with relationships, money, or motivation. Over time, heavy use might cause physical or mental health problems like lung issues or anxiety. If cannabis becomes a top priority, it could signal a bigger issue.

The consequences of problematic cannabis use

You know driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and may impact not only your life, but the lives of others. The same is true for driving under the influence of cannabis, and few people really understand how problematic cannabis use impacts the many areas of your life—and how quickly things can change from occasional substance use to problematic use.

The short-term effects, depending on the amount of cannabis consumed, may include:

• relaxation, talkativeness, happiness, and laughter

• distorted sense of time and space

• alteration of sight and smell

• increased heart rate (by up to 100%, lasting for up to 3 hours)

• increased risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking

• impairment of short-term memory, perception, coordination, thinking, problem-solving, learning, memory

• fatigue, paranoia, slurred speech, impaired motor function

Scientists don’t have the full picture of the long-term health effects of cannabis use; however, there are a number of known harmful health effects including:

• chronic use is associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

• increased respiratory problems including increased risk of infections.

• Smoke from cannabis contains more hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke and may increase the risk of cancer.

What is a cannabis dose?

Not all cannabis is created equal – different strains have different concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—the primary psychoactive component of cannabis—so one hit may not be equal to the next. Different smoking methods can also have different results. Edibles come with different levels of THC and each has a different serving size. Route of administration (eating, smoking/vaping) also impacts the way the body metabolizes THC. This means that experiences with cannabis vary widely. Mixing cannabis with alcohol can also cause different reactions for different people.

Understanding when the effects start and how long the effects of cannabis last is important to prevent over-consuming and allows to you to safely plan activities you’d like to do later, such as driving or working.

Smoking or vaping – effects start in 2-10 minutes and the duration of the high is typically 2-3 hours, but can last as long as 8 hours.

Eating – effects start in 20 minutes to 2 hours and the duration of the high can last from 3-9 hours.

Impacts of cannabis last longer than the ‘high’

The effects of cannabis can last longer than just a few hours. Research has shown that it can continue to impact executive function even after three weeks. Even if you feel fine, you may be impaired. Cannabis use—especially heavy use—can have long-lasting effects and can impact:

• attention, decision-making, working memory, and impulsivity

• psychomotor performance (e.g., hand-eye coordination, operating machinery, driving)

• manual dexterity

• verbal and visual memory

• visual perception

If you notice you are consuming more cannabis than you used to, it’s probably time to take a break to reset your body’s tolerance to THC. If you’re having a difficult time stopping your use, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.