Cannabis

Cannabis—an inclusive term that covers all products made from the cannabis sativa plant, as well as synthetic versions—is a commonly used substance among college students today. Also known as weed, marijuana, or pot, cannabis comes in many forms, from edibles and vapes to flower (cannabis in its plant form) and concentrates. In the past 15 years, laws, products, and attitudes around cannabis have changed significantly. Despite the increase, only 1 in 4 college students report using cannabis in the past month. While use is becoming more common, the risks have also increased as cannabis has become more potent and can harm both physical and mental health. There’s still much we’re learning about its full impact.


Cannabinoids: THC vs. CBD

Cannabinoids are the active chemicals found in the cannabis sativa plant—there are over 100 of them. 

The two most common are: 

  • THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol): Causes the “high” or psychoactive effects of cannabis. 
  • CBD (Cannabidiol): Does not produce a high and may help with some medical conditions.
Most natural cannabis has a mix of THC and CBD—but many new products are high-potency THC extracts, which can increase the risk of side effects like: 
  • Cannabis-induced psychosis 
  • Hallucinations 

Legality (Especially in Georgia)

Cannabis is still illegal for recreational use in Georgia. However, some cities (like Atlanta) have decriminalized it, meaning possession of small amounts may result in a fine, not jail time. Synthetic cannabinoids (like K2 or Spice) are not safe alternatives—they’re unregulated, often mislabeled, and linked to unpredictable or dangerous effects. 

Mental Health Effects

  • Mood Disorders: Cannabis may worsen symptoms for people with depression or bipolar disorder. 
  • Schizophrenia Risk: THC can lower the threshold for symptoms in people with a genetic risk. 
  • Anxiety: Some users say it helps, others say it makes anxiety worse. Even if it feels helpful in the moment, cannabis doesn’t treat the root cause of anxiety. If anxiety is affecting your life, talking to a mental health provider is a better long-term solution. Contact Emory’s CAPS for help. 

Physical Health Effects

  • Sleep: Cannabis can disrupt your sleep cycle, making rest less effective or refreshing. 
  • Heart Health: Regular use has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 
  • Lung Health: Smoking cannabis can damage lung tissue, similar to the effects of cigarette smoke. 
  • Memory & Brain Development: Cannabis affects short-term memory, and heavy use during adolescence or early adulthood may slow brain development. 
  • Potency & Duration: Concentrates like shatter, budder, or wax—and edibles—often contain much higher THC levels. These forms stay in your system longer and lead to stronger, longer-lasting effects. 

If You Choose to Use: Strategies for Lower Risk

Making informed choices and staying aware of how cannabis affects your body, and mind can help you better manage your health and responsibilities. 

Understand what you’re using—Is it synthetic? A concentrate? Knowing the type and THC content can help you make more informed choices about dosage and effects.

Especially with edibles, effects can take 45 minutes to an hour to kick in. Start with a low dose and wait before deciding to take more to avoid uncomfortable experiences. 

Combining cannabis with alcohol or other substances can intensify effects, which may lead to nausea, dizziness, or "greening out" (feeling overly high or sick). 

Cannabis can make you feel sleepy, but it may interfere with deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. 

Using cannabis before studying or exams can affect short-term memory and focus, which may impact academic performance—especially with frequent use. 

Cannabis affects coordination and reaction time. Plan ahead for a safe way home if you’ve used. 

Taking a tolerance break (around 4 weeks) can help reset your body’s response and reduce the risk of developing cannabis use disorder. 

 

Want to check in with your relationship with cannabis? Try our interactive screening here.