Cannabis Effects Smoked Cannabis Time Course: | Type | Duration | | Onset | 0-10 Min. | | Coming Up | 5-10 Min. | | Plateau | 15-30 Min. | | Coming Down | 45-190 Min. | | After Effects| 2-24 Hours. | Duration is affected by dose, tolerance, and individual reaction. Note that most cannabis smokers smoke multiple times in single session which extends the duration. The effects of smoking Cannabis are usually lighter than those of many other recreational psychoactive substances. People are generally capable of carrying out normal actions and activities while high. POSITIVE mood lift relaxation, stress reduction creative, philosophical or deep thinking: ideas flow more easily increased appreciation of music. More aware of, deeper connection to music. increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell) change in experience of muscle fatigue. Pleasant body feel. Increase in body/mind connection. pain relief (headaches, cramps) reduced nausea, increased appetite (used medically for this) NEUTRAL general change in consciousness (as with many psychoactives) increased appetite, snacky-ness slowness (slow driving, talking) tiredness blood shot eyes (more common with certain varieties of cannabis and inexperienced users) mouth dryness, sticky-mouth (varies with strain) interrupts linear memory. Difficulty following a train of thought. cheek, jaw, facial tension / numbness (less commonly reported) racing thoughts (especially at high doses) NEGATIVE nausea, especially in combination with alcohol, some pharmaceuticals, or other psychoactives coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems difficulty with short term memory during effects and during periods of frequent use racing heart, agitation, feeling tense mild to severe anxiety panic attacks in sensitive users or with very high doses (oral use increases risk of getting too much) headaches dizziness, confusion paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent possible psychological dependence on cannabis clumsiness, loss of coordination at high doses can precipitate or exacerbate latent or existing mental disorders WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS mild to moderate, non life-threatening withdrawal symptoms occur after daily use in some users. These may last for 1-6 weeks after cessation of use and can include anxiety, anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure), headaches, general unease/discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and a desire to smoke pot. Severity of symptoms is related to frequency of use and individual sensitivity. slight loss of appetite finding non-stoned life a bit dull, increased boredom Revised by Red on 12/23/03