Cannabis (Marijuana)

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or bud, refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. This plant belongs to the Cannabaceae (hemp) family, which includes the two most popular members: cannabis and hops (humulus). The three most popular cannabis species include:

• Sativa: Tall plants grown for hemp fiber (rope, clothes).
• Indica: Short, bushy plants grown for buds with psychoactive effects (“high”).
• Ruderalis: Smaller plants with lower levels of psychoactive compounds.

• Cannabis contains approximately 400 chemicals, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for the euphoric high feeling, being the main active chemical. The dried plant portions can be smoked, processed as food and drink additives, and the extracts can make oils or wax.
• Hash, or hashish, is made from resin secreted by the female cannabis plant. The dried resin is formed into small blocks that can be smoked or added to food. It contains a high concentration of THC, making it more potent than marijuana.
• Hemp (Cannabis sativa), or industrial hemp, is grown for the fiber stalk part of the plant and is used to make rope, fabrics, clothing, and other products. This variety of cannabis contains only small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
• Cannabinoids are the chemicals in cannabis that cause physical and psychological effects, like feeling hungry or tired. The main cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is impairing and causes a high, and cannabidiol (CBD), which does not.

How Does Cannabis Create a “High”?

When someone smokes cannabis, THC quickly enters the bloodstream from the lungs and is carried to the brain and other organs. In the brain, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells, especially in areas that control pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory perception, time perception, and coordinated movement. When marijuana is eaten or drunk, the body absorbs THC more slowly, and effects are usually felt after 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Method of Use

• Joint Hand-rolled cannabis cigarettes, which can also be purchased as pre-rolls from dispensaries and cannabis retailers.
• Spliff A joint that contains a mixture of cannabis and tobacco.
• Blunt Emptied cigars refilled with cannabis. Blunt wraps, which are the outer layer of a cigar, can be used without emptying the contents first.
• Pipes (dry), Bongs (water pipes), Bubblers (dry/wet) Usually made of glass and come in different sizes and designs.
• THC Vaping Products
  • Electronic devices like vape pens heat cannabis concentrate or dry material, producing vapor without smoke. These devices usually have a battery, a cartridge for the substance, and a heating element. The liquid can include flavoring, nicotine, cannabis concentrates, while dry herb vapes heat cannabis without burning it.
  • Although vaping cannabis may not expose users to all the same risks as smoking, it is not necessarily safer. The heating process can expose users to EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product-use associated lung injury) and harmful cancer-causing chemicals. Additionally, vaporized and concentrated waxes and oils can contain higher levels of THC, increasing the chances of poisoning or developing cannabis use disorder.
• Edibles Food, drinks, or candies infused with cannabis materials or concentrates. While they avoid inhaling toxic chemicals, consuming edibles carries its own risks.
  • They can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to start working, which may lead to overconsumption and prisoning.
  • The effects of edibles last longer than expected and can vary depending on whether they are consumed on an empty stomach, with food, or other substances (medications, alcohol, other illicit drugs).
  • THC levels in edibles are often unpredictable and inaccurately labeled, which can surprise users with their strength and duration.
  • Some edibles are packaged to look like popular snacks, which can attract children. Since the legalization of adult cannabis use, there has been an increase in unintentional cannabis poisonings among children, leading to more emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
• Dabbing Inhaling oil concentrates and extracts from the cannabis plant. THC oils and concentrates used in vaping and dabbing often contain highly concentrated forms of THC and may include additives or contaminants that could pose health risks.
• Delta 8 THC Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC) is a psychoactive substance not evaluated or approved by the FDA. Found in small amounts in the cannabis plant, concentrated delta-8 THC is usually made using potentially harmful chemicals. This can cause side effects like hallucinations, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you experience a serious side effect, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency room.
• Synthetic Cannabinoids
  • Synthetic cannabinoids are lab-made substances designed to mimic THC in cannabis. Often marketed as “herbal incense” or “potpourri,” they are also known as K2, Spice, or Skooby Snax. These products can be contaminated with other drugs or toxic chemicals like “bath salts” or “flakka.”
  • Although synthetic cannabinoids may be easily accessible, many are illegal under federal law. There are no standards for making, packaging, or selling synthetic cannabinoids, so their effects on the brain can be unpredictable compared to cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids have been reported to cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, and even death.
  • If someone has used synthetic cannabinoids and needs help, call 911, contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, or reach out to your doctor.

Always use cannabis responsibly. It’s important to note that recreational cannabis products should never be consumed by expecting mothers or anyone under the age of 21.

• Marijuana Sickness Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (marijuana sickness) is becoming more common as more states legalize cannabis. Chronic, long-term cannabis use increases the risk of CHS, which causes symptoms like morning sickness, abdominal pain, ongoing nausea, frequent vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, and difficulty regulating body temperature. The only known cure for CHS is to stop using cannabis.
• Addiction With more people using cannabis, the risk of Cannabis Use Disorder has increased, affecting about 3 in 10 people who use cannabis, according to the CDC. Using highly concentrated THC products is linked to more severe symptoms of cannabis use disorder. The risk is higher for those who start using cannabis during youth or adolescence and use it frequently. Signs of cannabis use disorder include difficulty quitting, prioritizing cannabis over family and friends, and negative impacts on school, work, or home life. Support is available for those seeking to quit cannabis. For help, see cannabis resources.
• Health Effects Cannabis products have a wide range of effects on both the brain and body. Before deciding to use it, adults, youth, and expecting parents should understand how cannabis can impact life satisfaction, mental health, physical health, and relationships. See the Demographic sections for more information on the health effects of cannabis on these groups.
• Mixing Substances Using alcohol and cannabis together can impair individuals more than using either substance alone, increasing their risk of harm. Combining cannabis and tobacco can expose users to more harmful chemicals, which can negatively affect their lungs and heart. Additionally, cannabis might alter how prescription medications work, so it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals about how current medications interact with cannabis.
• Driving
  • Cannabis affects brain functions essential for safe driving, including movement, balance, coordination, memory, and judgment. It can slow reaction times, impair decision-making, and distort perception.
  • Since cannabis legalization in 2017, Nevada has reported over 900 fatalities from crashes involving impaired drivers. The Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) indicates that 14.7% of high school students have ridden with a driver who used cannabis recently.
  • Using cannabis in a moving vehicle is illegal for both drivers and passengers. Drivers with two nanograms of active THC are considered under the influence and face the same penalties as alcohol-related DUIs. Medical cannabis cardholders can also be prosecuted if they drive while impaired.

For free help quitting smoking or vaping, contact the Nevada Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visit www.nevadatobaccoquitline.com for more information.

In Nevada, all cannabis products must be labeled and include warnings. According to the Cannabis Compliance Board of Nevada, cannabis sales facilities must affix the following information to each container or package of usable cannabis:

• Business or trade name and the license number of the cannabis cultivation facility
• Information for dual licensees if the cannabis cultivation facility is both medical and recreational
• Batch number
• Lot number
• Date, weight, and quantity sold
• Name and address of the cannabis sales facility
• Cannabinoid profile, potency levels, and terpenoid profile
• Warning: “This product may have intoxicating effects and may be habit-forming”
• Statement: “This product may be unlawful outside of the State of Nevada”
• Harvest date
• Warning: “THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CANNABIS”
• Warning: “Keep out of Reach of Children”

State legalization of cannabis can give the impression that there are no limitations on cannabis use in Nevada. Visitors and residents should be aware of the laws before using cannabis products. Visitors and residents should know the laws.

• Using cannabis is prohibited in ANY public area, and violators could face legal penalties. In Southern Nevada, cannabis use is not allowed in the following locations:
  • Las Vegas Strip (all venues, attractions, and public areas)
  • Fremont Street Experience (all venues, attractions, and public areas)
  • Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Seven Magic Mountains, Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead, and all national parks
  • Military bases, government and military buildings, and all federal land
  • UNLV, CSN, NSC, and all schools, libraries, and recreational or community centers
  • Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  • Neon Museum
  • Allegiant Stadium and T-Mobile Arena
• Only state-licensed retail stores, dispensaries, and consumption lounges are legally authorized to sell cannabis. Purchasing from any other source is illegal.
• Adults 21 and older can have up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of cannabis or 1/4 ounce (7 grams) of concentrated cannabis.
• It is illegal to drive or operate any vehicle while using cannabis products.
• Recreational cannabis products are illegal for anyone under 21.

People who begin using cannabis during their youth or use it frequently are at a higher risk of developing a cannabis use disorder. For support in quitting cannabis, individuals can contact the service providers listed below or call Nevada 211 for support.

Cannabis Compliance Board Cannabis and Public Health
Cannabis (Marijuana) Britannica: Hemp Britannica: Cannabis Britannica: Cannabinoids What Is (CHS) Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know