Marijuana’s Effects on Health and Well-Being

In the Short Term »

The “subjective” effects of marijuana are those effects that are different from person to person. These are the effects that people are seeking when they use the drug. They include euphoria (joy); lowered inhibitions (being willing to do things they otherwise would not do); sleepiness; contentment; and relaxation.

These more-or-less pleasant subjective effects tend to peak about 10 - 30 minutes after use, and they may last for up to three hours. Unpleasant subjective effects also last up to three hours.

Some of the physical effects of marijuana use, including worsened physical coordination, last up to 24 hours. This is especially dangerous, because the user may feel as if the drug has worn off. The person may believe that the “high” is over and then do things -- like sports, activities, or driving a car -- that could put him or her in great danger.

Click here to learn more about the short term effects of marijuana.

In the Long Term

Many marijuana users believe that marijuana is a mostly harmless drug, especially in the long term. They may say, “Oh, I can deal with a little coughing every day while I’m smoking pot regularly. Later, after I quit smoking, I won’t have any effects left over.”

They may be tragically wrong. Marijuana contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as tobacco cigarettes, but in greater amounts. It impairs lung function, and it can lead to unwanted weight gain and heart disease.

Click here to learn more about the long term effects of marijuana.