Cannabis is illegal on Grinnell College’s campus because of federal laws.
Health Information
Reliable research is still fairly limited. There is some evidence that controlled use of cannabis prescribed by a medical professional has potential benefits. Use outside of a controlled prescription has real health risks.
Therapeutic effects may be myriad and are experienced differently by different people. You should consult with a medical provider about your medical symptoms and various ways to treat them. Marketing of cannabis to treat many conditions is often misleading and use can make the conditions one is trying to treat worse.
As with any medication or substance, side effects and outcomes of use will vary depending on several factors, including dosage, frequency of use, method of use, genetics, physical and mental health, and personal life history and context.
Cannabis use creates a higher risk for active psychosis, mood disorder, or substance abuse disorder in those who have genetic predisposition. It can increase the number of negative thoughts felt by those with existing anxiety and depression. Depression and suicide are a greater risk with cannabis dependency.
Using cannabis has a negative impact on executive function, impairing attention, concentration, decision-making, inhibition, impulsivity, and working memory, according to the National Institutes of Health. Effects can linger for between seven hours and 20 days after last use. Despite myths, cannabis can be addictive. Those who start early in life and/or use regularly have an increased risk of addiction.
Grinnell College’s own data from the National College Health Assessment show that there is a statistically significant increase in anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, stress, and suicide consideration among students who use cannabis. Research at the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that students who used cannabis more frequently tended to skip more classes, leading to a lower GPA. GPAs dropped with increase of cannabis use and improved with decline of use.
Harm Reduction Actions
- Avoid cannabis smoke if possible as it contains tar and toxins. Vaporizers are a safer choice.
- Approximately 95% of the THC in cannabis smoke is absorbed in the first few seconds so short puffs are sufficient. No need to hold it in; that just allows more particulate matter to settle in your lungs.
- The water in bongs filters out more THC than tars so joints are safer. The plastic and/or rubber in pipes and bongs give off toxic fumes.
- Motor coordination, judgment, and other skills are impaired with cannabis use. Wait three to four hours after using cannabis before driving.