Marijuana, known asweed, grass, Mary Jane, and ganja, is a potent drug derived from the cannabis plant, primarily the Cannabis sativa variety in the United States. It's most common forms of consumption include traditional rolling joints and pipes, butane hash oil (BHO) and cannabis tincture are also popular. Additionally, synthetic cannabinoids like spice or K2 have gained popularity in recent years, though they carry significant health risks and legality concerns.
Marijuana Flower
Marijuana flowers are typically hand-rolled into cigarettes or cigars called joints or blunts, or smoked using a water pipe (bong). The leaves and stems are also used in loose form and burned in pipes, blunts, or hogsucker pipes. The THC content can vary widely depending on quality, with some highly potent strains reaching 20-30% THC, while less potent strains might only contain 5-10% THC.
Marijuana Extracts or Concentrates
Extracts and concentrates are made from the plant, maximizing THC content. They can be solid or liquid, depending on the desired shape and texture, like waxy solids like lip balm, or gooey liquid waxes like honey oil. The most common forms include shatter, wax, and honey oil. Dabs, derived from hash oil, are a popular and potentially risky concentration form, typically smoked through a special pipe.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
A highly potent form of marijuana, BHO is extracted from the plant with butane. It is highly flammable and illegal in most states with the exception of a few with legal limits. BHO is typically smoked via water or oil pipes, or vaped using electronic cigarettes or vaporizers. A small butane hash oil typically contains 40%-80% THC, making it much stronger than traditional joints.
Cannabis Tincture
Also known as alcoholized or oil-based extracts, tinctures are a concentrated form of cannabis, taken orally by using a spray or dropper, or mixed into foods or drinks. They can be taken several times to achieve the desired effect, depending on the THC content, strength, and duration. Tinctures have a longer duration than edible forms of marijuana and can offer controlled exposure to THC.
Marijuana (Weed) Edibles
Marijuana edibles are a popular form of consumption, derived from marijuana plant material or directly from concentrated extracts. Edibles take the form of brownies, gummy candies, cookies, or tea, and come in various strengths. The effects can last several hours, making them less practical for quick access, and they require users wait for their effects to kick in.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids, such as spice or K2, are man-made chemicals designed to mimic the effects of cannabis. While they can be used inhaled or vaporized like natural forms, they come with unknown health effects and potential for addiction compared to natural forms of the substance because of the potential for powerful, unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Signs and Symptoms
Marijuana abuse and addiction can cause a range of physical and mental health issues, including:
• Impaired coordination.
• Difficulty thinking and problem-solving.
• Changes in mood and behavior including irritability, anxiety, and depression.
• Hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
• Psychological dependence.
• Physical dependence and addiction.
It is crucial for individuals to address marijuana misuse and addiction using a comprehensive approach, including professional counseling and therapy, medication management, family support systems, and lifestyle changes. Seeking treatment is often the first step in addressing marijuana abuse and addiction.