Substance Use

Refers to the use of selected substances, including alcohol, tobacco products, illicit drugs, inhalants, and other substances that can be consumed, inhaled, injected, or otherwise absorbed into the body with possible dependence and other detrimental effects.

Public Health Cannabis Survey

The survey is completely confidential and may help public health understand cannabis use in our communities. There is a total of 10 survey questions and takes less than 5 minutes to complete. Find the Cannabis Survey here.

  1. Cannabis (Marijuana)
  2. Opioids
  3. Tobacco & Vaping

Cannabis refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant. The plant has many different chemical compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has intoxicating—mind altering—effects.

Cannabis products with THC can cause changes in mood, thoughts, and perceptions of reality. These products can also cause harmful health effects on the brain and other parts of the body. In recent years, there have been big increases in the variety of cannabis products and how much THC they have, as well as a greater variety of ways people can consume them. Unless mentioned otherwise, the information on this webpage is about cannabis products with THC.

Cannabis

Cannabis is the plant species that includes both hemp and what is commonly called marijuana. The main difference between hemp and marijuana is the amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that causes a "high". Both hemp and marijuana come from the same species, but are legally and chemically distinguished by their THC content. 

  • Hemp is defined as cannabis containing 0.3% THC or less by dry weight. It is primarily grown for industrial uses (such as fiber, textiles, and food products) and for extracting CBD, a non-intoxicating compound.
  • Marijuana (often simply called cannabis in legal or medical contexts) refers to cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC, which can cause psychoactive effects and is used for medicinal or recreational purposes.

Use

Each method offers different onset times, durations, and experiences, allowing users to choose based on their needs and preferences.

  • Inhalation
  • Oral/Ingestion
  • Topical and Transdermal
  • Other MethodsEdibles-Infographic

Serving Size

  • As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota law allows THC (Delta-9 and Delta-8) edibles derived from hemp.
    • Up to 5 mg per serving
    • Up to 50 mg per package
  • Effects of edibles compared to smoking/vaping
    • Effects of edibles take longer to start
    • Effects of edibles last longer

Health Effects

  • Impaired coordination, slower reaction time, and distorted perception.
  • Increased risk of injury, especially while driving or operating machinery.
  • Acute side effects such as anxiety, panic, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and, in rare cases, psychotic episodes.
  • Risk of developing cannabis use disorder or dependency, especially with early or frequent use.
  • Increased risk of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis, particularly with high-THC products or adolescent use.
  • Cognitive impacts: problems with learning, memory, and attention.
  • Lung health risks from smoking, including bronchitis and possible increased cancer risk.
  • Cardiovascular risks: increased heart rate, blood pressure, and possible risk of heart attack or stroke.

Resources

Local Data

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does cannabis interact with other medications?
Yes, cannabis can interact with certain prescription drugs, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider before combining cannabis with other medications.

Is cannabis addictive?
Yes, cannabis can be addictive. About 30% of users may develop problem use, and starting young increases the risk of dependence.

Are edibles safer than smoking cannabis?
Edibles avoid inhaling smoke, but can lead to accidental overdose because effects are delayed and may be stronger or last longer than expected.

Is cannabis safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. Using cannabis during pregnancy or breastfeeding can harm the baby, leading to lower birth weight and possible long-term developmental problems.

What happens when you mix cannabis with alcohol?
Mixing cannabis and alcohol can intensify the effects of both substances, leading to stronger impairment, increased risk of risky behaviors, and higher chances of accidents or injuries compared to using either substance alone. Alcohol can also increase THC absorption, making the cannabis “high” feel stronger and sometimes more unpleasant.

What about mixing cannabis with tobacco?
Co-use of cannabis and tobacco is common and increases the risk of addiction, respiratory issues, and certain cancers. It can also make quitting tobacco more difficult and worsen health outcomes compared to using either substance alone.