Cannabis, commonly called marijuana, comes from the Cannabis plant. THC is its main intoxicating compound. Products vary in THC concentration and form, so effects are not identical from one product or person to another.
Health effects and risks
Cannabis can affect attention, memory, coordination, reaction time, mood, and perception. It can make driving unsafe. Some people experience anxiety or panic, and frequent use can lead to cannabis use disorder. Health questions are best discussed with a qualified clinician, especially for adolescents, pregnancy, or people taking medication.
Testing and next steps
Drug screens vary by specimen and by the substances listed on a test’s panel. Check the instructions and panel before selecting a test; do not assume every product detects this substance. A home screen is preliminary. For more on specimen types, read Drug Testing Methods; for a preliminary positive result, read Unexpected or Preliminary Positive Results. The Substance Information hub lists the current staging test options.
Sources and support
See the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Commonly Abused Drugs chart for a general overview. For confidential U.S. treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Call 911 for a medical emergency.