Official State of Rhode Island website
Cannabis – also known as marijuana, weed, or pot – comes from the dried flowers, leaves, stems, or seeds of the cannabis plant. It contains hundreds of compounds, including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the substance that causes the “high” people can feel when using cannabis. Cannabis use in Rhode Island is allowed for qualified patients under the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act and for adults aged 21 and older under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act.
Cannabis use can include smoking, vaping, and eating or drinking a food product containing THC and/or CBD. Each method can have a different effect on the body and brain.
The main psychoactive compound in cannabis products is THC. When used, it passes through the bloodstream to the brain and can affect a person’s memory, thinking, concentration, coordination, and time perception.
All legal cannabis products in Rhode Island are required to have the universal THC symbol on the packaging and stamped on each edible serving.
CBD is the second most common active ingredient in cannabis. It does not cause the same effects as THC, but scientists are still learning about how it affects the body and its potential risks. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved only one CBD-derived prescription drug, called Epidiolex.
It is important to note that unregulated CBD products may contain unintended ingredients, such as THC, pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or fungi.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are health risks associated with using cannabis regardless of how it is consumed. Some people may be at a higher risk of health problems from using cannabis. For instance:
Even for people in otherwise good health, cannabis use can have a variety of short-term effects, including:
RIDOH is guided by the CDC’s Cannabis Strategic Plan (CSP), which has a special focus on health disparities and the following populations of interest:
Cannabis use disorder is a medical condition where people continue to use cannabis or are unable to stop use even though it causes health and social problems in their lives.
There is no completely safe way to consume cannabis. If someone does choose to use it, understanding and reducing certain risks can help lower the chances of harm.
Modern medical research has discovered beneficial uses for marijuana in treating or alleviating pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions.
Download, print, and share ready-made fact sheets and social media messaging to raise public awareness of the evidence-based risks of cannabis use.
Rhode Island offers a variety of behavioral health resources and services for people experiencing mental health and/or substance use conditions.
Find out more about what is allowed under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, as well as some general information on cannabis strength, common types of cannabis products, and the risks of unregulated cannabis.
Cannabis use while pregnant or breastfeeding can be harmful to a baby’s health. Learn more about how the chemicals in cannabis, particularly THC, can cause health issues that range from lower birth weight and abnormal brain development to problems with attention, memory, and behavior later in life.
The teen years are important for brain development. During this time, the brain matures in critical areas, affecting decision-making, impulse control, and emotions. Cannabis, specifically THC, can negatively affect brain development.
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