Effects

Immediate

"High" THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabidinol) is the psychoactive component to cannabis. When smoked or ingested, it activates cannabinoid receptors in the brain's reward pathways, increasing doapamine and creating euphoria, relaxation, or altered awareness.  

Impaired coordination, attention, judgement, focus, memory

 THC impacts the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, which can lead to poor reaction time, poor corrdination, and impaired concentration and retention of new information.

Sleepiness, mental "fuzziness"

 THC impacts functioning of arousal neurotransmitters (acetylcholine and norepinephrine), which causes sedation, slower cognitive functioning, and mental cloudiness.

Anxiety, agitation, paranoia

 THC can overstimulate the amygdala, which can heighten stress responses, and increase perception of threat, thus raising anxiety or paranoia. 

Hunger, munchies

 Activation of the hypothalamus and dopamine signaling can increase appetite, and enhance taste.

Distorted sense of time

 THC alters activity in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, which can make perception of time seem slower or faster.

Sleep disruption

 THC can impact circadian & sleep systems, suppressing REM sleep, leading to poor quality/non-restorative sleep.

Long-term or Frequent Use

Tolerance With frequent/repeated use, the brain adapts and reduces sensitivity to the high, thus needing more THC to achieve the same effects.
Mental Health                                      Heavy THC exposure can cause disruption in the functioning of dopamine, stress response, pre-frontal cortex, and limbic systems, which can increase symptoms of anxiey, depression, or psychosis.
Brian Development Use during adolescence and young adulthood can impact normal brain maturation and impact executive functioning, emotional regulation, learning, and memory.
Respiratory Issues                  When smoked, THC can expose lungs to similar risks found in cigarettes, including particulate matter and irritants. Repeated inhalation can increase risk of airway inflammation, cough, asthma, or bronchitis.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome In addtion to the brain, heavy/frequent use can dysregulate the cannabinoid receptors in the gut. For some this can lead to dysregulation of appetite and cause severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that only resolve with cessation of use.
Decreased Motivation  Long-term use can decrease dopamine signaling, contribuitng to decreased drive, goal-directed behavior, and persistance. This, paired with impairment in attention, memory, and executive functioning, can impact academic investmet/success.
Cannabis Use Disorder Approximately 10% of those who use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder. For daily users, that jumps to 25%. of daily users, or 10% of any use

 

Students concerned about their cannabis use can take a free, online, screening. In-person services and support are also available at:

Student Wellness: iCHAMP iCHAMP is a self-assessment to explore your cannabis use. Following the assessment, you will meet with a health educator to discuss your results and set any goals you may want to make. Email AODeducation to learn more. 
Counseling & Psychological Services Free counseling is available for MSU students at CAPS. You can meet with a counselor to explore cannabis use, contributing factors, and learn strategies for success. Group support is also available if students are interested in group counseling.
Student Health Services Free office visits with medical providers are available at SHS for MSU students. Consulting with a medical provider can address contributing medical/mental health factors to substance use. 
Rimrock Off-campus substance use assessment and treatment is available at Rimrock. 

Safer Use Tips

For those who choose to use, Public Health researchers provide some recommendations for ways to reduce harm:

Limit use

Avoid daily use; stick to weekends or once/week. Take planned tolerance breaks.
Start low, go slow

Start with a 5mg edible to gauge the effects. Don't have multiple edibles or take multiple hits. Use lower-potency THC products or those that are mixed with CBD.
Know your grower

Only buy from licensed dispensaries. Don't take products that you don't know their origin or from those you don't know. Only use in safe environments with those you trust.
Use non-smoking methods

Using edible forms of THC can reduce risk of respiratory issues. If you do smoke, avoid deep inhaling and holding in smoke. Vapes and synthetic THC can increase risk; stick to organic, non-concentrated THC.
Protect your mental health

Avoid using at times of heightened distress or suicidal thinking. If you are prone to anxiety, depression, or at risk for psychosis, you may wish to avoid or limit your use.
Store safely

Protect visitors, roommates, and kids from access to THC products. Never give someone THC (or any drug) without their knowledge/consent.
Don't mix.

Avoid mixing THC with alcohol or other drugs. This can increase impairment, risk of blackouts, or risk of respiratory/cardiac distress.
Don't drive

The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends waiting 6 hours after smoking marijuana less than 35mg and 8 hours after ingesting less than 18mg in edible form (longer for more with both methods). These are estimates, as the impacts of marijuana are different for everyone.