Cannabis (Marijuana)
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug made from the cannabis plant and is used in several forms, including smoking or vaping, edible products, oils, concentrates, and topical preparations. Some components of marijuana—particularly THC—affect the brain by altering perception, mood, memory, and coordination. In adults, marijuana may have limited medical potential when used under medical supervision, but recreational use can still impair judgment, reaction time, and mental health, increasing risks for accidents, dependence, and long‑term cognitive effects.
For adolescents, marijuana use carries greater risks because the brain is still developing; early or frequent use is linked to problems with memory, learning, attention, motivation, and increased risk of mental health disorders.
Understanding both the potential uses and the risks of marijuana helps people make informed and responsible decisions.
- Cannabis Facts and Stats (CDC)
Quick Facts about cannabis and cannabis-related issues, including data around use, emergency department visits, substance use and misuse, policy measures, and other related tools. - Cannabis (Marijuana) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Focuses on public health impacts of cannabis, including youth use, brain development, driving safety, pregnancy, and long‑term health risks. - International Academy on the Science and Impact of Cannabis (IASIC)
A non‑partisan organization of doctors and medical experts focused on explaining cannabis research related to brain development, mental health, addiction, and public health. - Johnny’s Ambassadors
A youth‑focused prevention organization that educates parents, schools, and communities about the risks of today’s high‑potency THC products. - knowMJ.org
A public education website that provides clear, age‑appropriate information about cannabis and marijuana for parents, youth, educators, and communities. - MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Offers easy‑to‑read health information about cannabis for the general public, drawing from trusted federal health agencies and scientific literature. - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides clear, science‑based information about how cannabis affects the brain and body, risks for youth, addiction, mental health, and what research shows about medical use. - World Health Organization (WHO)
Provides a global public‑health perspective on cannabis, including health effects, patterns of use, and population‑level risks based on scientific reviews from researchers around the world.