Skip to main content
The Wellness Center

Cannabis

Whether someone chooses to use cannabis or not, understanding how it affects the body, what can increase risk, and when to seek help can support more informed decision-making.

What cannabis does

  •       Cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound that produces psychoactive effects, and CBD (cannabidiol), which does not produce a high and is often associated with relaxation.
  •       Effects can include altered perception of time, relaxation, increased appetite, and impaired short-term memory. At higher doses, cannabis can cause anxiety, paranoia, or disorientation.
  •       Cannabis affects coordination, reaction time, and judgment, which makes driving or operating machinery unsafe.

What can affect the experience

  •       Method of use: Smoking or vaping produces effects within minutes. Edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and can last much longer. Many people overconsume edibles by not waiting long enough to feel the effects. If you try them, start low and go slow.
  •       Potency: THC concentration varies widely by product. High-potency products like concentrates or dabs carry a greater risk of intense or uncomfortable effects, especially for people who use them infrequently. Not all products are labeled correctly, so even the “same” dosage can have varying intensity.  
  •       Tolerance and experience: People with less experience tend to feel stronger effects at lower doses. Regular use can lead to increased tolerance, meaning more is needed to feel the same effect. Over time, higher tolerance can lead to abuse and dependence. 
  •       Other substances: Using cannabis with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of negative effects and makes it harder to gauge how impaired you are. The safest approach is not to mix substances. If you choose to, use significantly less of each.
  •       Mental health history: Cannabis can worsen anxiety, depression, or symptoms of psychosis, particularly in people with a personal or family history of mental health conditions. High-THC products carry higher risk.
  •       Set and setting: Your mood and environment influence the experience. Using cannabis when stressed, anxious, or in an unfamiliar situation increases the likelihood of an uncomfortable or distressing experience. 

Ways to lower risks when using

  •       Start with a low dose, especially with a new product or method.
  •       Wait before using more. With edibles, wait at least two hours before considering an additional dose.
  •       Know what you are using. Products with labeled THC content give you more control over your experience. Products purchased second hand can vary widely in potency.
  •       Use with people you trust and in a familiar environment.
  •       Do not drive or get in a car with someone who has used cannabis. Impairment can last several hours.
  •       Avoid using when you are already anxious, exhausted, or not feeling well.
  •       Look out for each other. If a friend seems overwhelmed or panicked, stay with them, keep things calm, and help them get somewhere safe. When in doubt, call for help. 
  •       Be mindful of frequency. Regular use can affect memory, motivation, and mental health over time, particularly for young adults whose brains are still developing.

Signs someone may need help

Most cannabis-related distress is not a medical emergency, but it can be frightening. Call for help if someone is:

  •       experiencing severe anxiety, panic, or paranoia that is not calming down
  •       confused, disoriented, or unable to communicate coherently
  •       vomiting repeatedly; heavy, frequent use can make this a recurring pattern
  •       unresponsive or very difficult to wake up
  •       having chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing

If you see any of these signs, call Campus EMS at 408-554-4444. If you are off campus, call 911.

SCU's Medical Amnesty Policy is designed to remove barriers to calling for help. Students who seek emergency assistance for themselves or others due to cannabis or other drug use will be protected from certain conduct consequences. When in doubt, call; we’re here to help.

SCU policy

Cannabis use is prohibited on SCU's campus, regardless of a student's age, California's recreational use laws, or a doctor’s prescription. This includes all forms of cannabis smoked, vaped, or edible. For more information, please see the Student Handbook.

Not every SCU student chooses to use cannabis, and most of the best parts of college have nothing to do with it. If you ever want to talk or learn more, schedule a Wellness Coaching session or reach out directly at jmunoz2@scu.edu.