General Marijuana/Cannabis

Research shows that about 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted. For people who begin using before the age of 18, that number rises to 1 in 6.

The words cannabis, marijuana, hemp, and hash are interchangeable terms used when referring to the controversial plant.

A recent study conducted at Duke University, New Zealand, has proved that those who started heavily smoking marijuana as teenagers and developed an addiction lost an average of eight IQ points.

The words cannabis, marijuana, hemp, and hash are interchangeable terms used when referring to the controversial plant. No matter the name, it derives from the Cannabaceae (hemp) plant family. The two most popular members of that family are cannabis and hops (humulus).

Cannabis is a plant in the Cannabacea family, and the Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis species are the most consumed varieties. The tall cane-like type is grown for hemp fiber, and the shorter female type is cultivated for the psychoactive “high” that gives the plant its popularity.

Marijuana usually refers to the dried parts (leaf, stem, flower, and seeds) of the cannabis plant. Marijuana 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. Just as there are multiple ways to consume marijuana, it is known by a variety of names, Mary Jane, Endo, Green, Tree, Flower, Grass, Reefer, Weed, Pot, Dope, Hash, Herb, Skunk, That Sticky, Cheeba, Ganja, Doja, Jay, Broccoli, Gas, and Chronic.
Hash or Hashish is made from a gum-like substance called resin (ganja or bhong), secreted from the female cannabis plant. The resin is then dried and formed into small blocks that can be smoked or added to food and eaten. The resin contains an abundance of psychoactive chemical 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 small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabinoids are the chemical substances that cause the physical and psychological effects (e.g., feeling hungry or lazy, relieving anxiety or nausea, etc.) in cannabis. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
- THC is the key psychoactive chemical that creates the mild euphoric and hallucinogenic “high” that most marijuana consumers desire.
- CBD does not produce the same effects as THC, but it creates tranquil and calming feelings. Products containing CBD are popular for their medicinal and therapeutic properties.
Marijuana is growing in popularity, and new cultivation techniques create a more potent substance than in the past. The most common strains of marijuana are sativa, indica, and hybrids, but what are the differences?
- Sativa strains can provide an energizing, more uplifting high.
- Indica strains’ effects are more calming and tranquil.
- Hybrid strains combine both, and some can have more sativa or indica properties depending on the desired outcome.

How Does Marijuana/Cannabis Make You High? When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, they generally feel the effects after 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Method of Use
- Joint: Hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes. These can also be purchased ready-made from dispensaries as pre-rolls.
- Spliff: Is a joint that contains a mixture of marijuana and tobacco.
- Blunt: Blunt: Emptied cigars that are partly or completely refilled with marijuana. Blunt wraps, which are the outer layer of a cigar, do not require emptying the contents before rolling.
- Pipes (dry), Bongs (water pipes), Bubblers (dry/wet): Usually made of glass and come in different sizes and designs.
- Vaporizers: Newest ways to consume marijuana products. The devices pull the active ingredients (including THC) from the marijuana and collect their vapor in a storage unit. A person then inhales the vapor but not the smoke.
- Edibles: People can mix marijuana in food (edibles), such as brownies, cookies, or candy. Although edibles eliminate the inhaling of toxic chemicals, eating edible marijuana products carries its own harmful risks.
Always remember to use marijuana responsibly and expecting mothers and anyone under the age of 21 should never consume recreational marijuana products.

Marijuana Sickness: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, also called marijuana sickness, has increased with more states legalizing marijuana. Studies show chronic long-term marijuana use increases the risk for this illness, but more research is needed to understand the exact cause. Symptoms increase in severity, starting with morning sickness, abdominal discomfort or pain, persistent nausea, prolonged episodes of vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, and possible inability to regulate body temperature. The only cure for marijuana sickness is discontinuing use.
Addiction: The CDC reports that approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will develop an addiction. This increases to 1 in 6 for youth users. If you are unsuccessful at quitting marijuana, find that marijuana use is more important than activities with family and friends, or your marijuana use negatively impacts your school, work, or home life, then you may be experiencing marijuana addiction. If you or someone you know would like help quitting marijuana see marijuana resources.
Health Effects: Marijuana products have a wide range of health effects on both the brain and body. Adults, youth, and expecting mothers should know how marijuana can affect life satisfaction, mental health, physical health, and relationships before deciding to use it.

Las Vegas is nicknamed “Sin City” and the legalization of marijuana can give visitors the impression that anything goes during their stay. Unfortunately, that is not true regarding marijuana usage. Visitors and residents should know the laws.

Using marijuana/cannabis is prohibited in ANY public area, and violators could face legal penalties. In the Southern Nevada, using marijuana 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 or dispensaries are legally authorized to sell marijuana. Purchasing from any other source is illegal.
You are only allowed to have no more than 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or 1/8 ounce (3.5 grams) of concentrated marijuana in your possession.
It is illegal to drive or operate any type of vehicle while using any marijuana product.
Recreational marijuana products are illegal for anyone under the age of 21.

Approximately 1 in 10 marijuana users will experience addiction, and this ratio increases the younger the users are. If you or someone you know would like help quitting marijuana, contact the service providers below or call Nevada 211.