CANNABIS USE AND MISUSE

Alan J Budney & Catherine Stanger

What are the general effects of cannabis use? Cannabis ingestion has numerous, well-documented direct effects, most of which are dose dependent. The effects associated with the feeling of being “high” or “stoned” include euphoria, a sense of relaxation, increased giddiness or propensity for laughing, the sense that time seems to slow down, an increased appreciation for music and other art forms, and tendency to prefer nonverbal social activities or introspection.

The less often discussed feelings of anxiety, paranoia, fear, or panic may also be experienced. These effects occur most often in less experienced users or following use of higher than usual doses. In rare cases, usually involving particularly high doses, users may experience hallucinations. These effects are not life threatening, dissipate with time, and may be reduced with comfort and  reassurance.

 G.2-CANNABIS-072012.pdf