Cannabis

Published on December 2, 2025 at 3:00 / Updated on December 16, 2025 at 8:01

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Synonyms	The most common synonyms are: Marijuana: herb, kush, pot, weed Hashish: hash, resin
Classification	Disruptor (or hallucinogen): Disrupts the user's senses and perceptions, distorting what they see, hear or feel. Causes disorientation (confusion related to time, place, and surroundings).
Mechanism of action	THC is a highly lipophilic molecule. This means that it can accumulate in fat and some organs, such as the brain. THC interacts mostly with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, causing effects on the nervous system. Other molecules are present in cannabis (e.g., CBD), but the so-called psychoactive effects are mainly attributable to THC.
Routes of administration	Inhaled: Smoked: Hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes (joints, spliffs) Hashish or other cannabis extracts In pipes or water pipes (bongs) Rolled in tobacco leaves (blunts) Vaporized Heated and administered with a vaporizer (a specifically designed device) Ingested: Oral use (swallowed): Food containing cannabis (muffins, gumdrops, beverages, etc.) Cooking oil or powder to add to food Capsules Sublingual use (under the tongue): Oil and tincture Oral spray Oral strip

Effects sought out by the user

Creativity
Euphoria (feeling of well-being)
Heightened sensory perceptions
Carefree attitude

Relaxation and reduced anxiety
Increase in self-confidence
Desire to socialize

Common adverse effects

Anxiety
Confusion
Distorted time perception
Dry mouth
Drowsiness
Impaired judgment

Increased appetite
Increased blood pressure
Increased heart rate
Red eyes
Short-term memory loss

Regular use of cannabis can present certain risks, but data on the subject remain limited. Several negative effects related to physical and mental health are possible: respiratory problems, fertility issues, heart problems, the worsening or onset of mental health conditions, etc.

Overdose effects

Chest pain
Delirium
Dizziness and tremors
Epileptic seizure
Hallucinations

Hypothermia (abnormal decrease of body temperature)
Nausea and vomiting
Panic attacks
Loss of contact with reality
Respiratory depression

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Yes. Users can develop tolerance after only a few doses.

Addiction

Yes, consumption of high doses of cannabis on a regular basis can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Withdrawal

Regular use of high doses can cause withdrawal symptoms. They usually last from a few days to a week. Potential effects include:

Anxiety, depression and restlessness
Dysphoria (general discomfort)
Headache
Nausea
Sleep disturbances
Mild loss of appetite

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Peak	Duration of action
Inhaled	A few seconds to 5 minutes	15 to 30 minutes	Up to 6 hours, sometimes more
Sublingual	15 to 30 minutes	1 h 30 to 2 hours	Up to 6 hours, sometimes more
Swallowed	30 minutes to 2 hours	1 h 30 to 4 hours	Up to 12 hours, sometimes more

Screening

Because it takes a long time for the body to eliminate cannabis, it can be detected for several weeks after use.

Intoxication management

Symptom-based management of intoxication.
There is no known antidote.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

If you need help or want to learn more:

Government of Canada

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