Cannabis Use and Misuse
What is Cannabis?
- Cannabis is a flowering plant that produces the substance commonly known as marijuana.
- Cannabis plants are also often referred to as hemp. Legally, hemp defines cannabis that contains 0.3% or less THC content by weight.
- CBD is another ingredient derived from the hemp plant that is not psychoactive.
- See the chart below for more information about the different forms of cannabis/hemp.
- Cannabis can be smoked, eaten, or vaporized and comes in various forms.
- Edibles are food products which contain cannabis - these products can take longer to reach full effect and can therefore pose more risk of taking higher doses.
| CBD | Delta 8 | THC (Delta 9) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legality | Legal in Kansas | Legal* in Kansas | Not legal in Kansas |
| Psychoactivity | Non-psychoactive (does not cause "high") | Psychoactive (causes "high") | Psychoactive (causes "high") |
| Source | Naturally occurring in hemp | Synthetically produced from hemp extract | Naturally occurring in hemp |
| Side effects | Minimal risks of dry mouth, stomach issues, and drowsiness/fatigue. | Memory loss, rapid heart rate, respiratory issues, slowed reaction times plus potential unknown risks due to synthetic nature | Memory loss, rapid heart rate, respiratory issues, slowed reaction times. |
| Benefits | Therapeutic benefits for relaxation, pain, insomnia, and epilepsy. | Potential therapeutic benefits for pain relief and relaxation. | Potential therapeutic benefits for pain relief and relaxation. Demonstrated effectiveness for epilepsy, nausea associated with chemotherapy, and chronic pain. |
| Common Forms | CBD Oil, Lotion, or Supplements | Edibles, vapes, extracts, or flower/joints | Edibles, vapes, extracts, beverages, or flower/joints |
*There is dispute over the legality of selling delta-8 in Kansas.
At this time, it is available for purchase but is not regulated.
- Marijuana (Delta 9 THC, cannabis) is not legal in any form in Kansas, and is still considered federally illegal.
- Possession or use of cannabis or cannabis products is prohibited on the WSU campus.
- Other products of hemp, such as CBD containing less than 5% THC , are considered legal.
- Drug related convictions can result in ineligibility for federal student aid.
- For more information about campus cannabis policy, see the Student Code of Conduct Handbook.
Cannabis can cause a variety of health side effects:
- Dependence: those who use cannabis can struggle with physical dependence and moderating use
- Heart Health: can make the heart beat faster and raise blood pressure during use
- Lung Health: smoking can harm lung tissues and cause more frequent respiratory infections
- Mental Health: for some, cannabis can exacerbate mental health conditions such as social anxiety and depression
- Sleep: cannabis may reduce R.E.M. sleep, lowering overall sleep quality
Cannabis use directly affects brain function, specifically the parts responsible for memory, learning, attention, and decision making. This can result in long term side effects with continued use.
These effects can have a negative impact on academic performance, resulting in low grades and slower progress towards degree completion.
Cannabis today contains 10 times more THC on average than cannabis available in the 1970s.
There are ways you can reduce risk associated with cannabis use:
- Only use products from a licensed dispensary
- This ensures that products do not contain unexpected ingredients or quantities of THC
- Fentanyl is not found in cannabis leaves but may be contained in cannabis products that are not obtained from a licensed dispensary.
- Avoid regular use
- Consider using edibles instead of smoking.
- Avoid operating machinery, driving, or swimming.
- Cannabis can affect ability to drive for up to 8 hours after use.
- Avoid inhaling too deeply or holding your breath, and keep smoking supplies clean.
How common is cannabis use?
According to our most recent data from the NCHA (National College Health Assessment), only about 15.5% of WSU students reported using cannabis products in the last three months. 67.6% of students reported never using cannabis.
Does cannabis have health benefits?
There are some demonstrated healthcare uses of cannabis for some conditions. There has been demonstrated benefit for forms of epilepsy, nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, and loss of appetite and weight loss associated with HIV/AIDS. In addition, some evidence suggests modest benefits of cannabis or cannabinoids for chronic pain and multiple sclerosis symptoms. Research on other benefits is in early stages. It is important to note that studies demonstrating these benefits are using specific doses and frequency of use, and may not be generally applicable. For more information, visit the NIH.
What are the benefits of reducing or eliminating cannabis use?
Reducing or eliminating cannabis use can improve grades and increase the odds you will finish your degree. It will also lower risk for health issues related to cannabis use, such as respiratory problems. Cutting back can lead to feeling more clear headed, connected, and productive. For more information about reducing or eliminating cannabis use, see the T-Break Guide below.
Tolerance Break
If you use cannabis, at some point you should take a tolerance break.
A tolerance break is a good time to re-evaluate balance and reduce THC intake. If you want to stop completely, just continue the break.
This guide is created by a colleague at the University of Vermont. It is important to note that Vermont has legalized medical and recreational cannabis use. Kansas has not. We encourage everyone to digest the information in this booklet through that lens.
Click here for a web version of the guide. Click here for a printable version.
If you or someone you know is concerned about their cannabis use habits, reach out or refer your friend to Counseling and Psychological Services. You can call our office at 316-978-4792. We offer free consultation to individuals in need and assist in providing resources.