Marijuana

What is it? 

Marijuana, also called cannabis, weed, or flower, comes from the cannabis plant. It has been used for centuries for medicine, spiritual practices, and recreation. 

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the plant. It contains many chemicals, including THC, which causes a “high.” Marijuana can be smoked, vaped, eaten or drunk, or used on the skin. 

Marijuana is illegal at the federal level, but medical and recreational use are legal in Alaska for people 21 or older.

How it works 

THC affects parts of the brain involved in memory, mood, attention, and decision-making. It increases dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and motivation. 

Some people use marijuana to relax or cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma. For others, regular use can make mental health symptoms worse over time. Research shows frequent use may: 

• Increase anxiety for some 
• Affect motivation and focus 
• Raise the risk of cannabis use disorder 

Paranoia can also happen for some people who use marijuana. THC affects several parts of the brain. One of them is the amygdala, which sends fear signals. When this system is overstimulated, the brain may misread safe situations as dangerous, leading to fearful or suspicious thoughts. THC also increases dopamine in areas of the brain involved in interpreting reality, which may contribute to these experiences. 

Marijuana can also interact with medications like antidepressants or antipsychotics. Using it with alcohol or other substances can increase dizziness, low mood, or anxiety. 

If marijuana starts affecting your sleep, mood, or daily life, talking with a counselor or health care provider can help. 

Cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and more 

The cannabis plant contains over 100 chemicals called cannabinoids. Each one affects the body differently. 

• Delta-9 THC is the main chemical that causes the high. 
• CBD does not cause a high and is often used for health purposes. People use CBD for stress, pain, inflammation, or seizures. However, not all products are regulated. Some may contain ingredients not listed on the label. Check the state's Industrial Hemp Program's current list of endorsed products. If it's not on there, it's illegal to be sold in Alaska.  
• Delta-8 THC is a less potent form of THC, often made from hemp, but it can still affect mood and thinking. Delta-8 products are not well regulated, so effects and strength can vary. Delta-8 is illegal in Alaska.  

Most marijuana sold today is stronger than in the past. Concentrates like dabs or wax can reach much higher levels of THC. 

Medical Marijuana 

Medical marijuana uses cannabis or its chemicals to help manage symptoms. It does not usually cure conditions but may help reduce discomfort. 

Conditions that medical marijuana may be approved for in Alaska include: 

• Cancer, glaucoma, HIV, or AIDS, or treatment for these conditions 
• Chronic or serious conditions that cause symptoms such as: 
  • Severe pain 
  • Severe nausea 
  • Seizures (including epilepsy) 
  • Persistent muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis) 
  • Extreme weight loss or lack of appetite 

A licensed healthcare provider must determine that medical marijuana may help manage these symptoms. 

Hemp vs. Marijuana 

Hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, but they are grown for different reasons. 

• Marijuana has more than 0.3% THC and is grown mainly for its psychoactive effects. 
• Hemp has 0.3% THC or less and is often used for CBD products, textiles, food, and building materials. 

Hemp was legalized federally in 2018. Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. 

CBD (Cannabidiol) 

CBD is a cannabis compound that does not cause a high. It can come from hemp or marijuana and is sold as oils, pills, lotions, or gummies. 

Your brain has a system that helps keep things in balance. It affects mood, stress, sleep, pain, and focus. This is called the endocannabinoid system, and it’s the main system CBD interacts with. 

Unlike THC, CBD does not make you feel high. Instead, it gently changes how brain signals work. CBD helps calm overactive stress signals and may reduce inflammation in the brain. It can also affect chemicals like serotonin, which plays a role in mood and anxiety. 

Think of CBD like a dimmer switch, not an on/off switch. It helps turn down stress, pain, or anxiety signals without shutting them off completely. 

Because CBD doesn’t strongly attach to the brain’s “high” receptors, it doesn’t cause intoxication. This is why some people use it to feel calmer, sleep better, or manage pain without feeling impaired. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, or CHS, is a health condition that can happen after frequent, long-term marijuana use. It causes repeated nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain that may come and go. 

Some people with CHS notice that hot showers or baths help for a short time. However, symptoms usually stop only after marijuana use is reduced or stopped. 

Not everyone who uses marijuana gets CHS. If you are vomiting often or have ongoing stomach pain, talking with a health care provider can help you figure out what’s going on. 

Delta 8

What is delta-8 and how is it different from THC? 

Delta-8 is a form of THC often made from hemp and is illegal in Alaska. It is usually less potent than delta-9 THC, but it can still cause a high and affect mood, focus, and anxiety. Delta-8 products are not well regulated, so effects and strength can vary. 

Impacts on mental health  

Marijuana affects everyone differently. Some people feel calm, while others feel more anxious or low. Regular or high-potency use may increase mental health challenges, especially for people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or a family history of psychosis. Psychosis is when you can’t tell what’s real.  

Some people use marijuana to numb stress or difficult emotions, but this doesn’t address the root causes of mental health challenges. Paying attention to how marijuana affects your mood, sleep, and coping can help you make informed choices.  

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