M.E.A.D.A > Substance Use > Cannabis (Marijuana)

Cannabis (Marijuana)

CANNABIS (MARIJUANA)

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a plant grown for a variety of different reasons including adult-use, industrial, and medicinal purposes. The main psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical in cannabis, responsible for most of the intoxicating effects that people seek, is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The chemical is found in resin produced by the leaves and buds primarily of the female cannabis plant. The plant also contains more than 500 other chemicals, including more than 100 compounds that are chemically related to THC, called cannabinoids.

Today’s cannabis is incomparable to the cannabis of 1970s, or even the early 2000s. The THC content has spiked, from 2% in the 1960s-1980s, to 17-28% today.

Why do we say “cannabis” instead of “marijuana”?

Health Impacts

Cannabis produces both short-term and long-term health effects. Initially, it can alter a user's sense of time, slow reflexes, impair memory, increase appetite, and increase heart rate. Long-term effects include respiratory issues, cardiovascular risk, and mental health effects.
Learn More - CDC

TREATMENT METHODS

Cannabis use disorder can be treated by a rehabilitation center or in outpatient treatment. Behavioral interventions, which may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, are used to help during rehabilitation therapy.
Learn More - Cleveland Clinic

RESOURCES

Anyone who needs support for a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis, or who has a loved one in distress, can connect with a skilled, caring crisis counselor by calling, chatting, or texting 988 (if telephone, cellular, or internet service is available).
Find Treatment - SAMHSA

Local Youth Cannabis Use Trends

All data is from the 2013-2022 Minnesota Student Survey.

While the graph to the right shows that cannabis use decreased from 2019 to 2022, the data was gathered prior to the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota. Legalization is expected to have a negative impact on cannabis use rates for youth (more youth will report use). We’ll know more as we get data from the 2025 Minnesota Student Survey.

Cannabis use is widespread among adolescents and young adults. Teens’ perceptions of the risks of cannabis use have steadily declined over the past decade, possibly related to increasing public debate about legalizing or loosening restrictions on cannabis for medicinal and recreational use. Learn more about the scope of cannabis use in the United States.

Youth cannabis use decreased from 2019-2022 in all grades.

The Good News

93%

of Minnesota 8th, 9th, and 11th graders did not use cannabis in the past month

91%

of Minnesota 8th, 9th, and 11th graders did not use cannabis in the past year

99%

of Minnesota 5th graders did not use cannabis in the past year

Cannabis Legalization in Minnesota

For up-to-date information regarding the legalization of cannabis in Minnesota, please refer to the following: