{"id":112,"date":"2026-01-21T15:42:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T20:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/?page_id=112"},"modified":"2026-03-16T22:17:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T02:17:08","slug":"cannabis-information","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/alcohol-other-drugs\/cannabis-information\/","title":{"rendered":"Cannabis Information"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull has-custom-content-position is-position-center-left\" style=\"min-height:202px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6180 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Smokey-Gray-Mountains.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 65%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 65%\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-0 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\"><h1 style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--large);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--x-small);margin-right:0;margin-left:0\" class=\"has-text-align-left has-link-color wp-elements-2669c25cd1f06430b4b85ebffeced485 wp-block-post-title has-text-color has-white-color\">Cannabis Information<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator alignfull has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide utkwds-in-page-navigation is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-no-disc utkwds-in-page-navigation-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#terminology\" id=\"#terminology\">Terminology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#risks\" id=\"#risks\">Risks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#effects\" id=\"#effects\">Effects of Use<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tolerance\" id=\"#tolerance\">Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#legal\">Legal Consequences&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#programs\" id=\"#programs\">Programs &amp; Tools<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#resources\" id=\"#resources\">Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-utkwds-paragraph-large wp-block-paragraph\">56% of UT&nbsp;students have&nbsp;<strong>never used<\/strong>&nbsp;marijuana\/cannabis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(2023&nbsp;UTK ACHA-NCHA III, n =&nbsp;576)<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"terminology\">Terminology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cannabis:&nbsp;<\/strong>All products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. \u201cCannabis\u201d will be used throughout this webpage as a blanket term.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marijuana:&nbsp;<\/strong>Parts of the Cannabis sativa plant that include more than 0.3% of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient that is associated with being high.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hemp:&nbsp;<\/strong>Parts of the Cannabis sativa plant that include&nbsp;very little&nbsp;THC (0.3% or less). Hemp has been legalized for industrial use.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"risks\">Risks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Short-term effects:<\/strong> include euphoria, altered senses, problems with memory and learning, loss of coordination, increased heart rate and appetite, and anxiety.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mental health considerations:<\/strong> An association has been found between cannabis use and increased risk of depression, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders in people who are predisposed to these conditions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Risks of high-potency THC:<\/strong> The amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis has been increasing over the past few decades. This may explain the rise in ER visits involving cannabis use.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"effects\">Effects of Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Various methods of use can&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the intensity and effects of cannabis. Common methods of use and its effects are described below:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion\"><div data-accordion=\"true\" class=\"utk-wds-accordion-wrapper\" data-color-scheme=\"light\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Smoking Dried Flower&nbsp;<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passes into the bloodstream&nbsp;quickly&nbsp;and effects are&nbsp;generally felt&nbsp;immediately. Frequent smoking has been associated with respiratory problems, such as chronic cough, phlegm, and higher risk of lung infection.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Dabbing and Vaping<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Highly-potent&nbsp;THC concentrates that are vaporized and inhaled. Products come in various forms, such as oil, wax, or a hard solid (\u201cshatter\u201d). Concentrates are more likely to include contaminants, such as butane and other solvents. THC levels are extremely high in concentrates, ranging from 39\u201380% THC. Higher doses of THC are associated with adverse effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Edibles and THC Beverages<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Absorbed more slowly by the body,&nbsp;generally taking&nbsp;30 minutes to 1 hour to feel the effects. People often consume more than intended due to this delayed reaction time, causing unpleasant and adverse effects.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tolerance\">Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although tolerance, dependence, and addiction are interrelated, they are distinct conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion\"><div data-accordion=\"true\" class=\"utk-wds-accordion-wrapper\" data-color-scheme=\"light\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Tolerance<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like any other substance, individuals who use cannabis regularly are likely to develop a tolerance. This means that they will need more to feel the same effects. As tolerance to cannabis continues to increase, our risk of developing cannabis dependence also increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvm.edu\/health\/t-break-take-cannabis-tolerance-break\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">T-Break Guide<\/a>&nbsp;to learn more about taking a tolerance break.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Dependence<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cannabis dependence occurs when the brain adapts to&nbsp;large quantities&nbsp;and frequent use of the drug. Once the brain adapts to these conditions, it produces less of its own endocannabinoid neurotransmitters and is less sensitive to them. If someone stops using cannabis, and withdrawal symptoms occur, this indicates that this person is experiencing cannabis dependence. Although dependence does not constitute&nbsp;addiction, dependence increases our risk of experiencing addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Signs of cannabis withdrawal&nbsp;are:<\/strong>&nbsp;irritability, anxiety, depressed mood, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite or weight loss, restlessness, and physical discomfort. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-utk-wds-accordion-panel\"><h2 class=\"utk-wds-accordion__heading\" data-accordion-heading=\"true\"><div>Addiction<\/div><\/h2><section data-accordion-section=\"true\"><div class=\"utk-wds-accordion__panel-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Addiction occurs when someone cannot stop using a drug even though it is negatively impacting their life. Signs of addiction include any one of the following symptoms:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the inability to reduce or stop using&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failure to meet obligations (e.g.&nbsp;work, social, or family)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the presence of health problems related to use&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the presence of relationship problems related to use&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal\">Legal Consequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the state of Tennessee, marijuana products (above 0.3% THC), for both medical and nonmedical use, are illegal. They are classified as a Schedule VI substance in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Possession:<\/strong>&nbsp;Possession of a 1\/2 ounce&nbsp;of&nbsp;marijuana&nbsp;or less is a misdemeanor in the state of Tennessee. Consequences include up to one year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distribution:<\/strong>&nbsp;The sale or possession with intent to distribute quantities ranging from a 1\/2 ounce&nbsp;\u2013 10 pounds is a Class E felony. Consequences include 1\u20136 years in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"programs\">Programs &amp; Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide utkwds-link-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-utkwds-link-group-2up\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/alcohol-other-drugs\/cannabis-education-information\/drug-education-program\/\" id=\"335\">Drug Education Program<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/alcohol-other-drugs\/cannabis-education-information\/cannabis-screening-intervention\/\" id=\"339\">Cannabis Screening &amp; Intervention<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/alcohol-other-drugs\/cannabis-education-information\/cannabis-echeckup-to-go\/\" id=\"340\">Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO Assessment<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"resources\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uvm.edu\/health\/t-break-take-cannabis-tolerance-break\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">T-Break Guide<\/a>:<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>A guide to help support you on a cannabis tolerance break, by the University of Vermont. Web-based and printable versions&nbsp;available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-002ffff5 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/publications\/drugfacts\/marijuana\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/publications\/drugfacts\/marijuana<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/drugs-abuse\/commonly-abused-drugs-charts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">http:\/\/www.drugabuse.gov\/drugs-abuse\/commonly-abused-drugs-charts<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/drugfacts\/cannabis-marijuana-concentrates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/drugfacts\/cannabis-marijuana-concentrates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/research-reports\/marijuana\/marijuana-addictive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/nida.nih.gov\/publications\/research-reports\/marijuana\/marijuana-addictive<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/health\/program-areas\/39-17-428.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.tn.gov\/content\/dam\/tn\/health\/program-areas\/39-17-428.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-39\/chapter-17\/part-4\/section-39-17-418\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-39\/chapter-17\/part-4\/section-39-17-418<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-39\/chapter-17\/part-4\/section-39-17-417\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-39\/chapter-17\/part-4\/section-39-17-417<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-40\/chapter-35\/part-1\/section-40-35-111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/law.justia.com\/codes\/tennessee\/title-40\/chapter-35\/part-1\/section-40-35-111<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>56% of UT&nbsp;students have&nbsp;never used&nbsp;marijuana\/cannabis. (2023&nbsp;UTK ACHA-NCHA III, n =&nbsp;576)&nbsp; Terminology Risks Effects of Use Various methods of use can&nbsp;impact&nbsp;the intensity and effects of cannabis. Common methods of use and its effects are described below:&nbsp; Tolerance, Dependence, and Addiction Although tolerance, dependence, and addiction are interrelated, they are distinct conditions. Legal Consequences In the state [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":19,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"no-title","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-112","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=112"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/112\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/studentlife.utk.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}