Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis flowers and produced in the brain that act on special receptors located throughout the body. The most concentrated cannabinoids found in cannabis flowers are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC - psychoactive and most responsible for mood and behavior changes
CBD - counteracts some psychoactive effects of THC; is generally considered to have therapeutic effects on pain, inflammation, and anxiety
Endocannabinoids - cannabinoids that are produced in the body
Phytocannabinoids - cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant
What are common cannabis strains?
Cannabis plants can be broken down into a few main categories. Each strain has its own physical properties and affects the body differently:
Sativa - Produces energetic, head highs that stimulate creativity. They are more likely to cause anxiety or paranoia, and are typically higher in THC.
Indica - Produces heavy, body highs and are typically higher in CBD.
Ruderalis - Less common; some consider to be a sub-strain of Indica
Hybrids - Exhibits properties of pure strains and are often classified according to their similarities to either Sativa or Indica.
How is cannabis used and how do different use methods affect the body?
There are many methods of using cannabis. Only the most common methods are mentioned here.
Inhalation
Includes smoking and vaping
Cannabinoids enter the lungs before being absorbed into the bloodstream
Effects are typically felt within 10-15 minutes and peak at about 30 minutes
Effects can last anywhere from 45 minutes to over 3 hours
Oral Consumption
Edibles are cannabis infused beverages and foods
Cannabinoids are broken down in the gut
It may take up to 2 hours to begin feeling effects
Effects last an average of 4-6 hours, though they may last even longer
Concentration of cannabinoids can vary even within the same batch
Topical
Most topical cannabis products are not concentrated enough to deliver psychoactive effects
Transdermal patches and some high THC products may produce a mild high
What happens when alcohol and cannabis are used together?
Cannabis affects the part of the brain that controls body movement, balance, coordination, judgement and memory
Cannabis slows down reaction time, decreasing a person's ability to make quick decisions
Using cannabis at the same time as alcohol or other drugs is even more dangerous than when any substance is used on its own
What if I consume too much cannabis?
While no adult death has been confirmed to be caused directly by cannabis poisoning, risky behavior while high has resulted in death. Additionally, there is some evidence suggesting cannabis poisoning may be deadly to children.
For adults, if you think you may have used too much cannabis, the best thing to do is relax and wait in a safe place for the drug to leave your body. If your discomfort becomes so intense that you think you need medical attention, ask someone to take you to the emergency room or dial 9-1-1. Do not try to drive yourself.
If you think a child is suffering from cannabis poisoning, take them immediately to the nearest emergency room or dial 9-1-1.
What about synthetic cannabis?
Synthetic cannabis, also known as K2 or Spice is a compound that is man-made to imitate THC. It is not legal and is very dangerous. It has been shown to have significant health consequences including death, even when used infrequently in small quantities.
Is it against the law to drive while high from cannabis?
Driving high is not legal.
DUI is Driving Under the Influence of any impairing substance or combination of substances, including alcohol, cannabis, over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, or illegal substances.
Being Under the Influence of cannabis means that as a result of using cannabis, your mental or physical abilities are so impaired that you can no longer drive a vehicle with the caution of a sober person, using ordinary care, under similar circumstances.
Driving with any amount of THC in your body can put you at risk of facing legal consequences. There is no per se amount of THC used to establish impairment.
Remember that THC can remain in your system for 2 weeks or longer, even if you are no longer high.
Whether under the influence of adult-use or medicinal-use cannabis, the laws and penalties surrounding DUI are the same.
Legal ramifications of a DUI conviction may include: a jail or prison sentence, up to $10,000 in fines, a suspended or revoked driver's license, a criminal record, and more.
It is not legal to use cannabis in a car while it's being operated, even if the car is parked or the person using cannabis is a passenger.
It is not legal to drive with an open container of cannabis in the car, much like it is not legal to drive with an open container of alcohol.
How does cannabis affect driving ability?
THC
Effects from inhalation (smoking or vaping) reach their peak about 10-30 minutes after use, though It can take upwards of 2 hours to feel the full psychoactive effects. People who drive immediately after inhaling cannabis double their risk of getting into a car crash.
Effects from ingesting oral cannabis or edibles take longer to kick-in, peak around 2-4 hours after consumption, and last much longer than those from inhalation.
Higher doses of THC generally cause greater impairment, especially for those who are new to cannabis use or who use cannabis infrequently.
CBD
Currently, there is no evidence suggesting CBD impairs driving ability.
Some evidence suggests that CBD may lessen (though not eliminate) impairing effects of THC.
What happens when alcohol and cannabis are used together?
Cannabis affects the part of the brain that controls body movement, balance, coordination, judgement and memory
Cannabis slows down reaction time, decreasing a person's ability to make quick decisions
Using cannabis at the same time as alcohol or other drugs is even more dangerous than when any substance is used on its own
How can I protect myself from the negative consequences of high driving?
If you have been using or intend to use cannabis, plan to avoid driving until the effects completely wear off. Arrange for a friend to remain sober, use public transportation, or call a car service such as Uber, Lyft, taxi, etc..
Because cannabis is fat soluble, know that neither food, water, coffee nor exercise will reduce your impairment or make you a better driver. The only thing that will reduce impairment is time.
It is every drivers' personal responsibility to practice safe and sober driving habits.
How can I protect myself from impaired drivers?
Always wear your seatbelt - it is your best defense against all kinds of risky drivers.
Don't let your friends drive impaired. If you are sober, offer to drive them or arrange to have them picked up by a car service, friend, or family member.
Talk to friends and family members about the legal and safety risks of driving under the influence of cannabis.
