Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances in the US, with over 50 million Americans reporting they used it at least once in the past year [1]. As policies around cannabis, especially for medicinal uses, become more lenient, the concerns about its impact on psychological well-being have grown.
Although not as potent as other illicit drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine, there is evidence that chronic cannabis use is linked to an increased risk of several mental health disorders.
Read on to understand what cannabis is, how it works in the brain, and the impact it can have on mental health.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a natural plant that produces psychoactive effects. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, cannabis contains over 450 different compounds. One of these is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the primary chemical in cannabis known for causing mind-altering effects and euphoria [2].
Cannabis is consumed in several ways, including:
- Smoking (joint, blunt, pipe, bong)
- Vaping (using a THC wax pen or vaping cannabis flower)
- Edibles (THC gummies, weed brownies, rosin capsules)
How Does Cannabis Affect the Brain?
Cannabis affects the brain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of a network of chemical signals and receptors, known as endocannabinoids, throughout the brain and body. They help control other neurotransmitters’ activity levels, regulating things such as hunger, alertness, memory, and mood.
Endocannabinoids are structurally similar to molecules known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain (CB1 and CB2 receptors). CB1 receptors are located in the hippocampus and amygdala which play a key role in memory, emotional regulation, and motor control [3].
Research from the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse has also linked cannabis use to structural changes in the brain, such as reduced hippocampal volume. This can disrupt both long and short-term memory.
Other structures affected by cannabis include neural pathways in the pre-frontal cortex. Chronic use of cannabis can impair these, shortening attention span and causing difficulty with tasks such as problem-solving or decision-making [4].
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Cannabis Use?
The effects of cannabis use can be felt within seconds to minutes after ingesting the drug. These may last anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours and can last up to 24 hours. The length of time depends on one’s tolerance to cannabis and the method of consumption.
Common short-term effects of cannabis use include:
- Increased euphoria
- Relaxation
- Impaired attention and short-term memory
- Altered perception of time
- Red, bloodshot, or glossy eyes
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness or fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Changes in blood pressure or heart rate
- Panic attacks, anxiety, delusions, or hallucinations (more common if one consumed high amounts of THC or has a family history of mental illness such as psychosis)
What Mental Health Problems Is Cannabis Linked to?
Recent studies have reported on the association between cannabis use and a variety of mental health problems. For some, cannabis can worsen the symptoms of already existing mental health disorders. For others who are genetically vulnerable to mental illness, it increases the risk of developing a mental health disorder [5].
Psychotic Disorders
There is significant research that shows the relationship between cannabis and psychosis. THC can alter one’s consciousness, and for people who are predisposed to mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, using cannabis can increase the risk of a psychotic episode (hallucinations, paranoia, delusions) [5].
Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Many individuals use cannabis to cope with feelings of sadness, isolation, or depression. However, research has shown cannabis can make symptoms of mood disorders worse. One study found that individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder were nearly twice as likely to develop depression [5].
Anxiety
Anxiety and cannabis have a complex, bidirectional relationship. CBD, another component of the cannabis plant, is non-psychoactive and has been found to decrease symptoms of anxiety. Low doses of THC can also reduce feelings of anxiety. However, in high doses, THC can exacerbate the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder [5].
Tips to Quit Using Cannabis
Stopping cannabis use can be difficult, often causing distressing psychological symptoms during the withdrawal period. Many individuals use cannabis to relax, increase their self-esteem, or cope with stress. It’s helpful to find alternative coping strategies if you find your cannabis use is negatively impacting your mental or physical health.
- Gradually decrease your use over time rather than stopping cold turkey. This can minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
- Remove cannabis or paraphernalia from your home (ashtrays, pipes, lighters).
- Avoid hanging out with people who you tend to use cannabis with, or make plans that involve sober activities.
- Identify situations that trigger your cannabis use and avoid them if/when possible.
- Practice self-care such as eating a nourishing diet, getting sufficient sleep, exercising daily, and drinking enough water.
- If you use cannabis to help you sleep, consider trying another natural alternative, such as melatonin, valerian root, or herbal teas.
- Find healthier ways to reduce stress, such as yoga, journaling, meditation, cooking, outdoor activities, or listening to music
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Sources
[1] Cannabis Facts and Statistics. 2024. CDC.
[2] Marijuana Drug Fact Sheet. 2020. Drug Enforcement Administration.
[3] The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious. 2021. Harvard Medical School.
[4] Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives. 2019. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
[5] Cannabis Use Disorder and Subsequent Risk of Psychotic and Nonpsychotic Unipolar Depression and Bipolar Disorder. 2023. JAMA Psychiatry.
