Cannabis

Cannabis also affects brain development, especially if a user began in their teenage years. Cannabis effects thinking, memory, and learning functions. Long term, regular (daily or weekly) cannabis users may experience Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). CHS can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Individuals can commonly find relief by taking long-lasting and hot showers. The only way to quit experiencing CHS is to stop using cannabis.

Cannabis can be addictive, but not everyone who uses cannabis becomes addicted to it. An individual who regularly uses marijuana may develop a cannabis use disorder, where cannabis use becomes uncontrollable and begins to impact normal functioning, such as failure to fulfill role responsibilities at home, school or work, physical dependence, and health problems. Learn more about signs, symptoms, withdrawal of cannabis addiction. 

LCHD works with the Washtenaw County Health Department to provide the Cannabis in Practice webinar series for healthcare providers. Hear from a diverse group of experts in the field of cannabis. Sign-up to get updates about future events. Archived webinars can be viewed here:

• 2024 Cannabis in Practice Webinar Series 
• 2023 Cannabis in Practice Webinar Series 
• 2022 Cannabis in Practice Webinar Series 
• 2021 Cannabis in Practice Webinar Series 
• 2020 Cannabis in Practice Webinar Series 

• Talking with Your Child About Marijuana (SAMHSA)
• Talking to Youth About Marijuana: Tips for Parents (California Cannabis Health Information Initiative)
• Marijuana Talk Kit (Partnership to End Addiction)
• Talking to Your Kids About Cannabis (Illinois Department of Human Services)

Look for signs of drug abuse:

• Changes in behavior, mood, or grooming habits
• Changes in academic performance and school attendance
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Finding drug paraphernalia such as: rolling papers, pipes, ashtrays, and material or substances that appear to be potpourri or incense.
• Strange smelling clothes or bedroom
• Using incense and other deodorizers
• Clothing, jewelry, music, or posters that promote drug use
• Unexplained lack of money or surplus of cash on hand

Although scientists are still learning about the effects of marijuana on developing brains, studies suggest that marijuana use by persons during pregnancy could be linked to problems with attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior in their children later in life. (CDC)

Marijuana use while breastfeeding also comes with risk of harms to the baby. THC and other chemicals in cannabis can be passed to a baby through breast milk, increasing the baby’s risk for problems with brain development. (SAMHSA)

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the baby and the parent. But THC in cannabis gets into breast milk and may affect your baby. Because THC is stored in body fat, it stays in your body for a long time. A baby’s brain and body are made with a lot of fat. Since your baby’s brain and body may store THC for a long time, you shouldn’t use cannabis while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Breast milk also contains a lot of fat. This means that “pumping and dumping” your breast milk does not work as THC is present in breast milk for several weeks after last use.

Cannabis use beginning in teen years or younger may affect brain development which may impair thinking, memory, and learning. The teen brain is actively developing and continues to develop until around age 25.

People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are at increased risk of developing marijuana use disorder. Cannabis Use Disorder is the inability to stop using marijuana even though it’s causing health and/or social problems.

Some signs of marijuana use disorder include trying but failing to quit using marijuana or giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana.

Cannabis use has been linked to depression and social anxiety in adults. People that use cannabis are more likely to develop temporary psychosis (hallucinations, not knowing what is real, and paranoia) and long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a type of mental illness where people might see or hear things that aren’t there. The association between cannabis and schizophrenia is stronger in people who start using cannabis frequently at an early age.

Driving while impaired by marijuana is dangerous and illegal. Marijuana affects reaction time, coordination, and concentration—skills required for safe driving.

Some, although not all, people who use cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder, meaning they are unable to stop using cannabis even though it is causing health and social problems in their lives. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, recent data suggest 30% of those who use cannabis may have some degree of cannabis use disorder. People who start using cannabis before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop cannabis use disorder than adults.

Though it is true cannabis does not cause the same kind of immediate overdose that other drugs may cause, cases of CHS are on the rise. This rare illness is seen most often in long-term, heavy, daily users of cannabis and typically causes frequent severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most people self-treat using hot showers to reduce their symptoms. The only known treatment and cure for CHS is to stop using cannabis completely.

Historically, Michigan chose the spelling with an “h” when passing the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 using the federal spelling, marihuana.

Governing state laws spell marihuana with an “h.” In addition, legal communication, references to statutes (laws), and administrative rules relating to the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act, the Michigan Medical Facilities Licensing Act, or the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act use an “h” in the spelling of marihuana.

In non-formal communication, “j” will generally be used. However, both spellings – marijuana and marihuana – are acceptable.

An act of the Michigan Legislature would be needed to change the spelling of marijuana in Michigan statues.

Using alcohol and cannabis at the same time is likely to result in greater impairment than when using either one alone. Using cannabis and tobacco at the same time may also lead to increased exposure to harmful chemicals, causing greater risks to the lungs, and the cardiovascular system.

Also, be aware that cannabis may change how prescription drugs work. Always talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking or thinking about taking and possible side effects when mixed with other things like cannabis.

A fatal overdose is unlikely, but that doesn’t mean cannabis is harmless. The signs of using too much cannabis are similar to the typical effects of using cannabis but more severe. These signs may include extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and severe nausea or vomiting. In some cases, these reactions can lead to unintentional injury such as a motor vehicle crash, fall, or poisoning.

Synthetic cannabis use increases the chance of fentanyl consumption that can be fatal.