Cannabis, which can also be called weed, pot, dope, or cannabis, is the dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant. It contains mind-altering (e.g., psychoactive) compounds like tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, as well as other active compounds like cannabidiol, or CBD, that are not mind-altering

There are many ways of using cannabis, and each one affects users differently. Cannabis can be rolled up and smoked like a cigarette (a joint) or a cigar (a blunt). Cannabis can also be smoked in a pipe. Sometimes people mix it in food and eat it or brew it as a tea (edibles). Smoking oils, concentrates, and extracts from the cannabis plant are on the rise. People who use this practice call it “dabbing

Like any other drug, cannabis effects on a person depends on a number of factors, including the person’s previous experience with the drug or other drugs, biology (e.g., genes), gender, how the drug is taken, and how strong it is.

It is not yet known. Chemicals from cannabis can be passed to your baby through breast milk. THC is stored in fat and is slowly released over time, meaning that your baby could still be exposed even after you stop using cannabis. However, data on the effects of cannabis exposure to the infant or baby through breastfeeding are limited and conflicting. To limit potential risk to the infant, breastfeeding mothers should reduce or avoid cannabis use.

Because cannabis contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), there are health risks associated with using cannabis regardless of how it is used. Some of these negative effects include having difficulty thinking and problem-solving, having problems with memory, learning and maintaining attention and demonstrating impaired coordination. Additionally, frequent use can lead to becoming addicted to cannabis. However, some risks may differ in the way it is used. Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking cannabis can lead to a greater risk of bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production. Whereas, edibles, which take longer to digest, take longer to produce an effect. Therefore, people may consume more to feel the effects faster. This may lead to people consuming very high doses and result in negative effects like anxiety, paranoia and, in rare cases, an extreme psychotic reaction (e.g. delusions, hallucinations, talking incoherently, and agitation).