What cannabis does to your body minute-by-minute as Trump officially reclassifies marijuana

The full effects of cannabis have been revealed after Donald Trump decided to officially reclassify the drug.

In one of the biggest steps towards federal legalisation of the substance so far, the US Department of Justice announced that marijuana is now considered less dangerous.

It marks a massive change in the country's drug policy, as it was confirmed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the changes will apply to two groups of products.

Classifications of products containing marijuana that are covered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or that have received a state medical-marijuana licence, have changed for good.

While most US states have legalised the medical or recreational use of marijuana, the substance remains illegal at the federal level.

Though the drug is now considered a Schedule III drug, down from the likes of heroin in Schedule I, it can still have a range of effects on the body, which users should be aware of.

How long do cannabis effects last?

The effects of cannabis vary, like most drugs, depending on a number of factors.

This can include the method of consumption, the user’s health, age, weight, and tolerance levels.

According to Healthline, smoking the substance can result in a quicker onset of effects, anywhere between two and 10 minutes.

On the other hand, edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours to start having a noticeable effect.

The effects of marijuana are caused by THC, the main psychoactive compound in the drug, when it enters the bloodstream, according to WebMD.

If smoked, THC will fully be absorbed into the bloodstream, while edibles take longer as the THC must be metabolized by the liver.

The high caused by cannabis usually peaks within 30 minutes, with most users experiencing the feeling for five to six hours, while stronger strains can prolong that period.

The immediate effects of the drug can wear off within hours, but for those who are concerned about drug testing, it should be noted that traces of cannabis can be found in the system for up to two or three days after use, and longer for regular users.

What are the side effects of smoking weed?

Cannabis can impair judgment for up to 24 hours, and during this time, your thoughts may feel deeper than usual, and your ability to concentrate could be negatively affected.

A range of physical effects can be caused, such as an increased heart rate, which can increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute and last for several hours.

You might also experience red eyes as a common side effect, with blood vessels in the eyes dilating.

THC stimulates areas of the brain associated with pleasure, which can lead to euphoric or relaxed feelings that are linked with weed use.

On the other hand, it can also cause anxiety or panic, which is more likely in those who are inexperienced or those who aren't used to a potent strain.

Another common side effect of cannabis use is what's known as the "munchies," which is also known as a sudden craving for food.

This happens when THC simulates the olfactory bulb, enhancing your sense of taste and smell, making your brain think that you're hungry, even if you aren't.

Eating a full meal before using marijuana can help to alleviate this side effect.

Trump Administration considers cannabis products Schedule III

Schedule III drugs are known as controlled substances, which have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, lower than Schedule I and II.

Blanche stated on Thursday (23 April): "The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump's promise to expand Americans' access to medical treatment options,

"This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information."

He also called a hearing to consider reclassifying all marijuana, scheduled for June.

Ever since 1970, the US has classified marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it has a "high potential for abuse" and at the time, there was "no currently accepted medical use".

But things have changed in the 56 years since, as States such as California led the movement to allow the substance to be used for medical purposes.

This brought on a new wave of regulations and enforcement on the substance.

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