Marijuana

Marijuana, pot, weed, reefer, mary jane, grass, ganja, etc. refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Cannabidiol (CBD), and other similar compounds called cannabinoids. Marijuana has seen its THC content per plant increase through cultivation processes creating hybrid marijuana strains. 1960s to 1980s marijuana had a THC content of 2%, 1990s saw an increase to 4%, 2017 increase to 17-28%, and the 2020s THC levels of 30%.

The most popular way for a person to use marijuana is for it to be smoked in a joint, pre-roll, water pipe (bongs), or in blunts, which are cigars with the loose tobacco removed and replaced with marijuana. Vaping is the second most popular way for people to consume marijuana. A person can vaporize THC oil or concentrates commonly referred to as dabbing through a dab rig or vape device. Some vape devices allow the user to vape dried marijuana flower. The third most common way for a person to consume THC is by having is ingested a food or drink containing THC (edibles). Topicals (lotions, balms, salves) and tinctures (liquid extract applied to the tongue) can also be used to consume THC.

What is Legal in NYS

Adults 21 years of age and older can possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (like vaporization oil or an edible). Personal possession over the legal limit and the unauthorized sale of any amount of cannabis is illegal and subject to penalties.
Marijuana can be purchased at a licensed dispensary. Visit Find a Dispensary.
Marijuana and marijuana products must be inaccessible to minors.
Cannabis cannot be consumed by the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle. It is illegal to drive under the influence or marijuana. For more information visit the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
The legislation adds cannabis to the existing Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA), which establishes prohibitions on where cannabis can be smoked or vaporized. ALL municipality owned parks are smoke free of tobacco and cannabis. The smoking or vaporizing of cannabis is prohibited anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited. Municipalities, employers, and landlords can establish their own smoke free laws. For local help contact Tobacco Free Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany.
New Yorkers 21 years of age and older can grow up to 6 cannabis plants in their home for personal use (3 mature plants and 3 immature plants) and a maximum of twelve plants per household (6 mature plants and 6 immature plants). Marijuana plants must kept in a secure place and not accessible to minors. It is illegal to barter, sell, or trade home grown marijuana. For more information visit the Office of Cannabis Management.

For more information or questions visit the Office of Cannabis Management.

To make a report of an adverse health event, concern of a dispensary, products, or sales to minors visit OCM’s Report an Incident.

Marijuana Use has Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

When a person inhales (smokes/vapes) cannabis, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks edibles. In that case, the user generally feels the effects after 30 minutes to 1 hour, but can take up to 2 to 4 hours.

THC acts on specific brain cell receptors (CB1) that ordinarily react to natural THC-like chemicals in the brain. These natural chemicals play a role in normal brain development and function. Cannabis over activates parts of the brain that contains the highest number of these receptors. This causes the “high” that users feel. Other effects include:

Altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors).
Altered sense of time.
Changes in mood.
Impaired body movement.
Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving.
Impaired memory.

Cannabis also affects brain development. When cannabis users begin using as teenagers, the drug may reduce thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Cannabis’s effects on these abilities may last a long time or even be permanent.

Other Physical and Mental Effects

Breathing problems.
Increased heart rate.
Problems with child development during and after pregnancy.
Temporary hallucinations.
Temporary paranoia.
Schizophrenia.

Addiction and Cannabis Use Disorder

It can be. Up to 3 in 10 people who consume cannabis develop “cannabis use disorder”.  The risk of developing “cannabis use disorder” can increase for people who start using cannabis at a young age and consume cannabis frequently. If you think your cannabis consumption is disrupting your daily life or causing problems at work or at home, or if you crave cannabis, talk with a health care provider or substance use counselor. Allegany County residents can also call the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc.’s (ACASA) Clinic at (585) 593 – 6738. Other New York State residents can call or text the Office of Addiction Services and Supports 24/7 NY Hopeline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or text HOPENY (467369) or visit  the Office of Addiction Services and Support (OASAS) to learn more about addiction treatment.

“Cannabis Use Disorder” is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis consumption. Cannabis consumption is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of “Cannabis Use Disorder” include:

Using more cannabis than intended.
Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to.
Spending a lot of time using cannabis.
Craving cannabis.
Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school, or at work.
Continuing to consume cannabis despite social, relationship, or school-related problems.
Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis.
Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car.
Continuing to consume cannabis despite physical or psychological problems.
Needing to consume more cannabis to get the same high.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping consumption of cannabis.