Effects of Cannabis on the Human Body
When you smoke cannabis, there’s an almost immediate effect on your brain, sense of perception, and heart rate.
There may also be long-term effects. This poster will outline the various effects that cannabis has on the body when consumed.
Effects of Cannabis on the Brain Effects of Cannabis on the Eyes
• Long-term cannabis use can decrease an individual’s performance on memory- • Cannabis has a few key effects on the eyes. One of the most noticeable
related tasks and cause a decrease in motivation and interest in everyday activities. occurs shortly after smoking the drug: redness of eyes. THC in cannabis
Cannabis is also known to intensify symptoms in users with schizophrenia. lowers blood pressure which dilates the blood vessels and increases blood
flow throughout the body. This causes the blood vessels in the
• Like most other drugs of abuse, individuals who use cannabis for long periods
eye to expand causing redness or bloodshot eyes. It can
of time can develop a dependence on it. Signs of dependence in a user
also impact the dilation of the pupils, making them
include the need to use cannabis to cope with everyday tasks and
slightly more dilated than usual. One study showed
the experience of cravings and anxiety when cannabis is not available.
that cannabis used in high doses could have
• THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) triggers the brain to release a significant impact on peripheral vision.
large amounts of dopamine, a naturally occurring ‘feel good’
chemical. In the hippocampus within the central nervous system,
THC changes the way you process information, so your
Effects of Cannabis on the Mouth,
judgement may be impaired. Throat & Esophagus
• Changes also take place in the cerebellum and basal ganglia,
upsetting balance, co-ordination and reflex response. • Smoking cannabis can cause stinging or
burning in both the mouth and the throat.
• Very large doses of cannabis or high concentrations of THC
can cause hallucinations or delusions. • Cannabis smoke is made up of a variety
of toxic chemicals that can irritate your
• In young people whose brains are not fully developed cannabis
bronchial passages and lungs. If you’re a
can have a lasting impact on thinking and memory skills.
regular smoker, you are more likely to
• According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, about 9% wheeze, cough and produce phlegm.
of cannabis users develop an addiction. Symptoms of withdrawal
may include irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite.
Effects of Cannabis on the Lungs
Effects of Cannabis on the Heart
• Cannabis may aggravate existing respiratory
illnesses like asthma and cystic fibrosis.
• THC moves from the lungs into the bloodstream and throughout • Cannabis smoke contains carcinogens. It has
the body. Within minutes, heart rate may increase by 20 to 50 the potential to elevate your risk of developing
beats per minute. That rapid heartbeat can continue for up to lung cancer.
three hours. For people with heart disease, this faster
heartbeat could raise the risk of heart attack.
