6 things to know about cannabis
Cannabis shows up in a lot of different forms, and experiences with it can vary a lot from person to person. Whether you use cannabis, are curious about it or choose not to use it at all, here are six important things to know.
1. Intentions matter
Cannabis can create both wanted and unwanted effects. Some people use it to relax, feel social or enjoy music and food. Others notice challenges like trouble concentrating, feeling foggy, worsening mental health symptoms including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and psychosis, or impacts school and relationships.
Taking time to reflect on why you’re using can help you notice whether cannabis is supporting your goals or getting in the way. It’s also important to know that cannabis can affect everyone differently and use under age 25 may impact brain development.
Also, cannabis use isn’t as universal as it may seem. According to national campus data, about two‑thirds of CU Boulder students surveyed reported not using cannabis in the past three months.
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2. Not all cannabis is the same
Cannabis products can look very different—and so can their strength.
- Flower (bud): often around 10–30% THC
- Concentrates (like dabs, wax or oils): can be 40–90% THC
Today's cannabis is not natural. That is, cannabis flower today is selectively crossbred and utilizes growing technology to have a much higher concentration of THC. It is far from the plant that it was before humans used science to change it.
Stronger products increase the chance of unwanted effects like anxiety, nausea or feeling out of control. Your experience may be different from someone else.
Note: Nearly all cannabis today is much more potent than what was used 20 or 30 years ago. This means today’s cannabis is more likely to cause unwanted experiences and it is much easier to become addicted than in the past.
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If you use cannabis or other substances, check out the continuum of use and determine where you land.
Edibles also work differently than smoking or vaping.
- There’s no universal serving size
- In Colorado, one serving is defined as 10 mg of THC, which may be too much for some people
- Effects can take up to two hours to start and up to four hours to fully peak
Because the effects are delayed, it’s easy to re‑dose too soon. Always check the label and give your body time before deciding to use more.
3. Cannabis can affect your sleep
Cannabis may help some people fall asleep faster, but that doesn’t mean the sleep is better.
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Using cannabis changes the normal sleep cycle, especially REM sleep, which is the stage connected to dreaming, memory, mood and mental recovery. When cannabis is in your system, people tend to spend less time in REM sleep and more time in lighter, less restorative stages of sleep.
Because of this, even if you fall asleep quickly, you may:
- Feel more tired or low‑energy the next day
- Have trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Notice lower mood, irritability or increased anxiety
Over time, using cannabis regularly for sleep can lead to relying on it to fall asleep, while still not getting the quality rest your body and brain need. If you’re waking up groggy or feeling foggy during the day, cannabis use—especially close to bedtime—could be part of the reason.
4. Be aware of laws and campus policies
While cannabis is legal in Colorado for adults 21 and older (and for some medical users 18+), it is still illegal under federal law. Because CU Boulder is a federally funded institution, cannabis is not allowed on campus in any form—including medical cannabis and prescriptions.
Other key reminders:
- Being under the influence violates CU’s drug policy
- Driving high can result in a DUI and increases the chance of an accident
- Taking cannabis across state lines could result in a higher legal penalty
- Use isn’t allowed in public spaces
- Smoking or vaping breaks CU’s smoke‑free campus policy
Students who are in the U.S. on a visa should be especially cautious. Because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, use or possession can carry more serious consequences for international students, including possible impacts on visa status, future travel or immigration opportunities.
Knowing the rules can help you avoid serious academic and legal consequences. Review CU’s Student Code of Conduct and campus drug policies.
5. Tolerance, dependence and withdrawal are possible
Using THC regularly can change how your body and brain respond.
Tolerance means needing more to feel the same effects. Signs can include using more often, using higher‑potency products or taking larger amounts than before. Taking a tolerance break (about 21 days) can help reset your baseline if you use most days.
Dependence can show up when cutting back or stopping leads to withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, sleep problems or strong cravings. If these symptoms show up when you pause or stop, it may be a sign that your body has become dependent.
It’s also important to look out for yourself and the people around you. Regular cannabis use has been linked to worsened mental health for some people, including increased anxiety, mood changes, psychosis and higher risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors—especially for those with existing mental health concerns.
Checking in with friends can make a real difference. Consider reaching out if you notice someone:
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
- Seeming more anxious, paranoid or disconnected from reality
- Struggling more than usual with mood, stress or sleep
If you’re worried about someone’s safety, it’s okay to ask directly how they’re doing and help them connect with support. CU offers support resources for students who need help for themselves or for a friend.
6. There are ways to reduce risk—and find support if you need it
If you or someone you know chooses to use cannabis, harm‑reduction strategies can lower risk (though they don’t make use risk‑free):
- Start low and go slow, especially with edibles
- Use less often to lower tolerance and potential dependence
- Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol or other drugs
- Use with people you trust, in places where you feel safe
- Store products safely, away from pets and children
If someone experiences intense anxiety, chest pain, confusion, repeated vomiting or becomes unresponsive, call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives. CU’s Amnesty Policy and Colorado’s Good Samaritan Law can protect you from disciplinary action or prosecution if you call for help and stay with the person.
Support options:
- Free substance use workshops: Students can reflect on their relationship with alcohol and other substances. Workshops are educational and not therapy or treatment.
- Collegiate Recovery Community: Weekly support meetings, substance-free activities and connection for students considering, pursuing or in recovery from substances and other unwanted behaviors.
- Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Services related to substance use include assessments, brief individual therapy, support for concerned friends and family and referrals to recovery and other community resources.
Remember, making informed choices and seeking support when needed can help you stay safer as you navigate your experiences with cannabis.