Short-term Effects of Cannnabis
The reported effects of cannabis use are a sense of euphoria and relaxation, perceptual distortions, time distortion and the intensification of sensory experiences such as listening to music. Cannabis use in social settings can lead to increased talkativeness and infectious laughter followed by states of introspection and dreaminess. The user typically has a feeling of greater emotional and physical sensitivity that can include greater interpersonal empathy. In simple terms, this means that cannabis often makes us nicer to each other, and more prepared to show affectionate feelings! It is important to remember that short-term memory and attention are also impaired, though, so don’t try taking an exam or giving an important speech when you are high.
Cannabis use can increase the heart rate by 20 - 100% above baseline. This increase is greatest in the first ten to twenty minutes and then it decreases rapidly thereafter. The rate of decrease depends on whether cannabis is smoked or ingested orally, lasting three hours in the former and five hours in the latter. Blood pressure is increased while the person is sitting and decreased while standing. The change from sitting to standing can cause faintness and dizziness due to the change in blood pressure. These cardiovascular (to do with the heart rate) effects are of negligible clinical significance because most cannabis users are young and healthy and develop tolerance to these effects.
The following is a list of useful links for those who wish to explore the available research on the short-term effects of cannabis in more detail :
