Cannabis Effects on the Brain & Body: What You Need to Know
One plant, hundreds of effects — and it all depends on how you use it. Cannabis is complex, and understanding how it affects your body and mind can help you have a safer, more enjoyable experience. Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, pain, sleep, and appetite. Depending on the product, dose, and how it’s consumed, the effects can vary widely. In this article, we’ll break down the most common therapeutic benefits, potential side effects, and how to use cannabis responsibly.
What Causes the Effects of Cannabis?
Cannabis works because of compounds called cannabinoids (pronounced can-uh-bih-noids) and terpenes (tur-peens). The most well-known cannabinoids are THC, which causes the high and helps with pain and nausea, and CBD, which doesn’t cause a high and may reduce anxiety or inflammation. There are also other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, which offer their own unique effects.
Then there are terpenes — the natural oils that give cannabis its smell and also shape how a strain makes you feel. For example, myrcene is linked to relaxation, while limonene may boost mood. These compounds work together in what’s called the entourage effect, which means the full experience depends on more than just THC or CBD — it’s the combination that matters.
Now let’s explore some of the most common reasons people use cannabis — and what science says about how it works.
Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis
In Pennsylvania, cannabis is currently legal only for medical use, meaning patients must have a qualifying condition to participate in the program. As a result, the market here is heavily focused on therapeutic benefits, while recreational markets in other states allow people to explore more experience-driven effects like creativity, relaxation, or enhanced socialization.
1. Pain Relief
Cannabis is widely recognized for its analgesic properties. Both THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) have been shown to help manage chronic pain by reducing inflammation and altering pain perception. Annals of Internal Medicine says that a systematic review found that synthetic products with high THC-to-CBD ratios (>98% THC) may be associated with moderate improvement in pain severity and response (≥30% improvement) and an increased risk of sedation and other adverse events.
2. Sleep Support
Many individuals use cannabis to alleviate insomnia or irregular sleep patterns. Studies suggest that CBD alone or with equal quantities of THC may be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of insomnia. However, further research is necessary before definitive conclusions can be drawn (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
3. Mental Health and Mood (Anxiety & Depression)
Cannabis may offer short-term relief from anxiety and depressive symptoms, particularly with high-CBD strains. Frontiers in Psychiatry found that individuals using medicinal cannabis reported reduced depression relative to non-users at baseline. However, the effectiveness varied depending on the THC content of the products used.
4. Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
CBD has been approved for treating certain forms of epilepsy. In patients with Dravet syndrome, CBD resulted in a greater reduction in convulsive seizure frequency than placebo (nejm.org).
5. Nausea and Appetite Stimulation
THC is known for stimulating appetite and reducing nausea, which is beneficial for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is utilized to manage and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and stimulate appetite (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
6. Neurological Conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, etc.)
Cannabis may reduce muscle spasticity and neuropathic pain in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Journal of Cannabis Research notes that oral cannabinoids have been found to be significantly effective for treating MS-related pain and spasticity.
Common Side Effects of Cannabis
When discussing cannabis side effects, it’s important to consider how cannabis compounds affect the brain and body over both short and long-term use. While some effects are temporary, others may be tied to regular or heavy consumption, especially in young adults with developing brains.
It’s important to remember that the compounds in cannabis affect each person differently. Effects can vary depending on your body chemistry, the strain or product used, and how it’s consumed.
1. Dry or Red Eyes
Red or bloodshot eyes are common due to the dilation of blood vessels. In a study on medical cannabis users, 8.7% reported dry eyes (dovepress.com).
2. Cotton Mouth (Dry Mouth)
Cannabis can inhibit saliva production, leading to a dry mouth sensation. This effect is attributed to THC activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the submandibular glands, which reduces saliva secretion (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
3. Distorted Perception or Time Dilation
Users may experience altered perceptions, including a distorted sense of time. A critical review noted that a distorted sense of time is one of the most common effects of cannabis reported by users (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
4. Impaired Coordination and Cognitive Function
Cannabis use can impair motor coordination and cognitive functions. Frontiers in Psychiatry indicated in a systematic review that cannabis use is associated with cognitive deficits that are relatively small and seem to abate after a short period of abstinence.
5. Tolerance and Dependency
Frequent cannabis use can lead to tolerance, and in some cases, repeated administration can result in physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms observed upon cessation.
How Cannabis Effects Vary by Consumption Method
Finding the right cannabis product is a personal journey. When visiting a dispensary, consider your goals, desired effects, and comfort with different methods of use — a good wellness associate can help guide you to products that match your needs.
1. Vaping
Inhalation delivers cannabinoids rapidly, with effects felt within minutes and lasting a few hours. Vaping may result in greater cognitive and psychomotor impairment compared to smoking among infrequent users (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
2. Troches and Consumables
Consumables, like troches, have a delayed onset, typically taking 30 to 90 minutes to take effect, but their effects can last up to 12 hours. A troche (pronounced troh-key) is a small lozenge that dissolves slowly in the mouth to release medication. It’s designed for buccal (cheek) or sublingual (under the tongue) absorption, meaning the medication enters the bloodstream through the tissues in the mouth rather than being swallowed and digested. Delayed onset increases the risk of overconsumption, so start low and go slow!
3. Topicals
Topical applications of cannabis are used for localized relief and do not produce psychoactive effects. Topical cannabis has anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, analgesic, wound healing, and antiproliferative effects on the skin (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
Responsible Use: Titration and Frequency
Titration refers to the process of gradually adjusting your cannabis dose to find the minimum effective amount. For THC, it is recommended to start with an initial dose of 0.5–3 mg and then titrate up by small increments until the desired effect is achieved. The frequency of use also affects your experience. Occasional users are more sensitive to lower doses, while regular users may need higher amounts for the same effect. Taking tolerance breaks can reset your baseline and help maintain effectiveness. Understanding your body’s response is especially important when considering cannabis brain effects and cannabis long-term effects. Using cannabis mindfully and in moderation can reduce the risk of developing tolerance, dependency, or cognitive issues over time.
Final Thoughts: What Cannabis Really Does to Your Brain and Body
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Age, weight, metabolism, genetics, mood, and even what you’ve eaten that day can all influence your experience. The key to unlocking its therapeutic potential is being mindful: choose the right product, understand your body, and track how different strains and methods affect you.
If you’re unsure where to start, consult with a knowledgeable wellness associate at your local Terrapin Care Station dispensary or a healthcare provider familiar with cannabis. With a thoughtful approach, cannabis can be a powerful ally in improving wellness — physically, mentally, and emotionally.