Cannabis—referred to by its many names of marijuana, pot, weed, etc—is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. Its relationship to mental health is deeply complex, as it can help some people while harming others. As the drug is legalized in more places, particularly in the U.S., the mental health implications will become increasingly important to observe, understand, and address.
What Is Cannabis? (Plain Language Explanation)
Cannabis refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Cannabis
- Symptoms: The specific ways cannabis shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen cannabis
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When cannabis occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Cannabis
- Cannabis is far more common than most people realize
- Cannabis is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with cannabis see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about cannabis is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing cannabis, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.