Cannabis and the Impact on your Health

Whether it is legal in your jurisdiction or not, cannabis shops are popping up more and more in our communities. And instead of the old “good vs. bad” debate, the conversation is shifting. Now it’s about understanding the potential benefits, being aware of the risks, and talking openly about how to use cannabis responsibly.  

Whether you’re curious about trying cannabis, already use it, or just want to stay informed, knowing how it impacts your body and mind is key to making informed choices. Here are some impacts that cannabis can have in your body and mind: 

Physical Health 

Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs and airways, leading to coughing, throat discomfort, and excess phlegm. While occasional use may not cause the same long-term damage as tobacco, regular cannabis use can still impact respiratory health. Cannabis also affects the cardiovascular system by temporarily raising your heart rate and changing blood pressure. For most healthy people, these effects are short-lived, but they can be risky for those with heart conditions. 

There’s often a misconception about sleep and cannabis use. Cannabis can help some people fall asleep more easily, but it often disrupts REM sleep. REM sleep is the stage where most of your dreams happen. It’s important for things like memory, emotion regulation, and feeling cognitively refreshed the next day.  

Cannabis can noticeably impact how you think and feel. You might find it harder to focus, tackle complex tasks, or remember things from the day before. This is mainly because it tends to interfere with short-term memory and the brain’s ability to manage and organize information. 

Appetite Changes

When talking about cannabis we often talk about its impact on appetite, commonly referred to as “the munchies.” This happens because the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC, interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, impacting brain receptors that control hunger and fullness.

For recreational users, getting the munchies often leads to overeating, cravings for high-calorie or nutrient-poor foods, and eventual weight gain. Interestingly, cannabis consumption also interferes with natural hunger cues, making it harder to eat without cannabis. 

The impact cannabis has on hunger can be beneficial for people managing appetite-suppressing condition. For those dealing with chemotherapy side effects or chronic illnesses that reduce appetite, cannabis can help increase hunger and improve nutritional intake. Overall, cannabis use can significantly shape eating patterns and influence both physical health and one’s relationship with food. 

Mental Health Effects

Many people I talk to who want to change their relationship with cannabis describe a familiar pattern: using it to escape anxiety, only to feel more anxious the next day. While it might offer short-term relief, it often ends up intensifying the very feelings they’re trying to avoid. Over time, with prolonged use, cannabis might affect your level of motivation and emotional balance. Some people feel less driven or find it harder to handle stress without it. The good news is that many of these effects tend to fade once use is reduced or stopped.

Cannabis affects mental health differently for everyone. While some people find it calming or helpful for managing stress, others may experience increased anxiety or low moods. For those with a personal or family history of mental illness, regular use can raise the risk of more serious issues, like psychosis. 

The Body’s Response to Cannabis 

The time it takes to notice the effects from cannabis vary depending on consumption method. These changes often include feeling a sense of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. People may notice heightened sensory experiences along with a distorted sense of time. While these effects may be enjoyable for some, they can also be overwhelming or disorienting for others. Cannabis significantly impairs coordination and reaction time, making it unsafe to drive, operate machinery, or engage in any task requiring focus or motor control while under the influence. 

Regular long-term cannabis use can lead to lasting impacts on the body and brain. Some users may develop cannabis use disorder, and the risk is higher for those who start using at a younger age. For teens and young adults, cannabis use may interfere with brain development, potentially affecting memory, attention, and decision-making skills. With abstinence or reducing chronic use, some of these effects may improve over time.  

Long-term use may impact cognitive function and respiratory health. Heavy cannabis use over time has been linked to persistent issues with memory and focus. For those who smoke regularly, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, respiratory issues like chronic bronchitis and lung irritation are common. While cannabis smoke hasn’t been clearly tied to lung cancer the way tobacco has, frequent smoking can still harm lung function and increase susceptibility to infections.  

Harm Minimization Guidelines 

Because cannabis affects everyone differently there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to reducing harms. Whether you’re new to cannabis or simply trying a new method of consumption, understanding low-risk cannabis use can help you avoid undesirable effects and use cannabis more safely.  

• Slow down: Begin with the smallest possible dose, especially if you’re new or trying a new product. Wait to feel the effects before consuming more.  

• Know your consumption method: Smoking and vaping deliver fast, short-lived effects, while edibles take longer to kick in but last much longer. Avoid the common mistake of consuming more edibles too soon. Wait at least two hours before deciding to take more. 

• Buy tested, regulated products: Stick with products from licensed dispensaries that are lab-tested for potency and contaminants.  

• Be mindful of high-risk situations: Avoid cannabis use if you’re underage, pregnant, or have a history of mental health issues, especially without medical guidance. Never mix cannabis with alcohol or drive while under the influence. 

Cannabis affects health in complex ways, with impacts varying significantly based on individual factors, usage patterns, and consumption methods. While cannabis can pose risks, these risks can be substantially reduced through informed practices. 

If you’re considering using cannabis, or already do, it’s important to remember that its effects can vary widely. Regularly checking in on your relationship with cannabis can help you make more intentional choices, and it’s essential to recognize that what works for someone else may not work for you. 

ALAViDA Substance Use, a product of LifeSpeak Inc., is here to help you change your relationship with substances, including cannabis. Wherever you are on your journey, we offer a range of support options to help you make meaningful, positive changes. Access this link to explore further. 

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About the Author: 

Brianne is a Certified Canadian Addiction Counsellor, a Registered Professional Counsellor – Candidate, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is a registered member of the Canadian Addiction Counsellor Certification Federation and the Canadian Professional Counselling Association. For over a decade, she has been committed to training and supporting individuals and families within the private and public sector. Brianne brings a unique, holistic approach to understanding and treating substance use behaviors.