OtherDrugs

  • Cannabis

    Short-term Effects

    Short-term effects for cannabis may include:

    Relaxation or drowsiness • Disinhibition (lack of behavioral restraint, leading to impulsive actions driven by immediate urges or emotions) • Increased appetite • Increased sociability • Trouble with memory, learning, thinking and problem-solving skills • Difficulty maintaining attention • Hallucinations • Impaired judgment • Reduced coordination • Distorted perception • Slowed reaction time • Increased blood pressure • Increased heart rate • Dizziness • Nausea • Anxiety • Paranoia • Respiratory ailments • Increased risk of poisoning, especially in children

  • Cannabis

    Long-term Effects

    Long-term effects of regular cannabis use may include:

    Possible long-lasting or permanent problems with attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior • Increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases • Increased risk for mental illnesses, such as social anxiety or depression • Increased risk of psychosis • Lung tissue damage, when smoked • Increased risk of bronchitis, when smoked • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicide

  • Cannabis

    Effects on Youth

    Youth are especially vulnerable to the effects of cannabis. Negative effects of frequent cannabis use in youth include:

    Difficulty maintaining attention and motivation • Trouble with memory and learning • Difficulty with thinking and problem solving • Higher risk of developing psychosis or psychotic disorders later in life • Higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder

  • Cannabis

    Withdrawal Symptoms

    While withdrawal symptoms are more common in people with heavy, regular cannabis use, they are still possible. These symptoms may include: 

    Anger, irritability, or aggression • Feeling nervous or anxious • Restlessness • Decreased appetite or weight • Depression • Insomnia • Experiencing strange or unsettling dreams • Headaches • Sweating • Abdominal pain • Tremors

  • Cannabis

    Signs of an Overdose

    While there are no reports of people dying from cannabis use, it is possible to overdose. Overdose symptoms for cannabis are more severe versions of its side effects and may include:

    Extreme confusion • Anxiety • Paranoia • Panic • Fast heart rate • Delusions or hallucinations • Increased blood pressure • Severe nausea or vomiting

Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a psycoactive drug that comes from the leaves, seeds, stems, and flowers of the cannabis plant. It is usually smoked, vaped, or mixed into food and drinks, although it can also be applied to the skin.

Cannabis has several adverse health effects, but it has a stronger effect on people who started using cannabis as adolescents and people who use cannabis more frequently.

Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree in Southeast Asia used for the psychoactive properties of its leaves. Kratom has effects similar to stimulants in low doses and to opioids in higher doses. There is currently no medical or dietary use for kratom in the U.S., but it is commonly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.

Outside of case studies and self-reports from users, there is not much information on kratom, how it affects the body, or how addictive or dangerous it may be.

  • Kratom

    Short-term Effects

    In low doses (1–5 grams), kratom side effects may include:

    Increased alertness • Physical energy • Talkativeness • Sociable behavior • Loss of muscle coordination

    In high doses (5–15 grams), side effects may include:

    Drowsiness • Euphoria • Abnormally fast heartbeat • Constipation • Dizziness • Low blood pressure • Dry mouth • Sweating

    Other short-term effects for kratom may include:

    Nausea • Itching • Increased urination • Loss of appetite • Seizure • Coma • Death

  • Kratom

    Long-term Effects

    Long-term effects of regular kratom use may include:

    Anorexia (eating disorder characterized by low body weight, a fear of gaining weight, and distorted view of the body or self) • Weight loss • Insomnia • Skin darkening • Dry mouth • Frequent urination • Liver damage or injury • Constipation • Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, or confusion • Lung injury • Kidney injury • Heart damage or injury • Cognitive impairment • Withdrawal symptoms in infants with mothers who used kratom during pregnancy

  • Kratom

    Withdrawal Symptoms

    Not much is known about the withdrawal symptoms for kratom. Some people have reported mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms; however, more research is needed. Some withdrawal symptoms may include:

    Muscle spasms • Pain • Insomnia • Runny nose • Fever • Feeling less hungry • Diarrhea • Restlessness • Tension • Anger • Nervousness

  • Kratom

    About 7-OH

    One of the active chemicals in kratom is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). While not much is known about 7-OH, some research suggests that it may have opioid-like properties and may be 13 times as potent as morphine. Despite this, 7-OH and other related products are frequently sold in concentrated amounts in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.

  • Synthetic Cannabinoids

    Side Effects

    Side effects for synthetic cannabinoids may last long after the user quits and may include:

    Elevated heart rate • High blood pressure • Unconsciousness • Tremors • Seizures • Vomiting • Hallucinations • Agitation • Anxiety • Pallor (unusually pale skin) • Numbness • Tingling

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2 and Spice, are synthetic drugs intended to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. However, synthetic cannabinoids usually have different effects than cannabis. It is usually sprayed or mixed onto plant material for smoking and may be marketed and sold as potpourri and incense as well as sold as a liquid to be used for vaping. Concentrations of synthetic cannabinoids vary widely, so users have no way of knowing how much they are using.

There is not much information on synthetic cannabinoids, and more research is needed to understand its effects on the human body.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is and odorless, colorless, non-flammable gas. Nitrous oxide is used in medical and dental settings for anesthesia and pain control. However, it is also sold as a food processing propellant for culinary food use as well as both flavored and unflavored canisters, tanks, and chargers at smoke/vape shops and gas stations.

Nitrous oxide enters and exits the body quickly, which can lead users to take multiple doses, increasing the risk of overdose, suffocation, and death.

  • Kratom

    Short-term Effects

    Short-term effects for nitrous oxide may include:

    Lightheadedness • Headache • Impaired bowel bladder function • Acute psychosis (a sudden loss of contact with reality), which includes hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and muddled thinking • Palpitations (racing or irregular heart beat) • Frostbite on lips, mouth, throat, and lungs when inhaled directly from a charger • Seizures • Loss of consciousness • Coma • Lung collapse • Asphyxiation (suffocation from lack of oxygen) • Death

  • Kratom

    Long-term Effects

    Long-term effects of regular nitrous oxide use may include:

    Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia (abnormally low red blood cell counts), tingling in hands and feet, numbness, trouble walking or balancing, limb or muscle weakness, or paralysis • Psychiatric disturbances, such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or depression • Blood clots • Stroke • Heart attacks • Prolonged neurological effects, such as spinal cord or brain damage

OtherDrugs

  • Cannabis

    Short-term Effects

    Short-term effects for cannabis may include:

    Relaxation or drowsiness • Disinhibition (lack of behavioral restraint, leading to impulsive actions driven by immediate urges or emotions) • Increased appetite • Increased sociability • Trouble with memory, learning, thinking and problem-solving skills • Difficulty maintaining attention • Hallucinations • Impaired judgment • Reduced coordination • Distorted perception • Slowed reaction time • Increased blood pressure • Increased heart rate • Dizziness • Nausea • Anxiety • Paranoia • Respiratory ailments • Increased risk of poisoning, especially in children

  • Cannabis

    Long-term Effects

    Long-term effects of regular cannabis use may include:

    Possible long-lasting or permanent problems with attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior • Increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and other vascular diseases • Increased risk for mental illnesses, such as social anxiety or depression • Increased risk of psychosis • Lung tissue damage, when smoked • Increased risk of bronchitis, when smoked • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicide

  • Cannabis

    Effects on Youth

    Youth are especially vulnerable to the effects of cannabis. Negative effects of frequent cannabis use in youth include:

    Difficulty maintaining attention and motivation • Trouble with memory and learning • Difficulty with thinking and problem solving • Higher risk of developing psychosis or psychotic disorders later in life • Higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder

  • Cannabis

    Withdrawal Symptoms

    While withdrawal symptoms are more common in people with heavy, regular cannabis use, they are still possible. These symptoms may include: 

    Anger, irritability, or aggression • Feeling nervous or anxious • Restlessness • Decreased appetite or weight • Depression • Insomnia • Experiencing strange or unsettling dreams • Headaches • Sweating • Abdominal pain • Tremors

  • Cannabis

    Signs of an Overdose

    While there are no reports of people dying from cannabis use, it is possible to overdose. Overdose symptoms for cannabis are more severe versions of its side effects and may include:

    Extreme confusion • Anxiety • Paranoia • Panic • Fast heart rate • Delusions or hallucinations • Increased blood pressure • Severe nausea or vomiting

Cannabis

Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, is a psycoactive drug that comes from the leaves, seeds, stems, and flowers of the cannabis plant. It is usually smoked, vaped, or mixed into food and drinks, although it can also be applied to the skin.

Cannabis has several adverse health effects, but it has a stronger effect on people who started using cannabis as adolescents and people who use cannabis more frequently.

Kratom

Kratom is a tropical tree in Southeast Asia used for the psychoactive properties of its leaves. Kratom has effects similar to stimulants in low doses and to opioids in higher doses. There is currently no medical or dietary use for kratom in the U.S., but it is commonly sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.

Outside of case studies and self-reports from users, there is not much information on kratom, how it affects the body, or how addictive or dangerous it may be.

  • Kratom

    Short-term Effects

    In low doses (1–5 grams), kratom side effects may include:

    Increased alertness • Physical energy • Talkativeness • Sociable behavior • Loss of muscle coordination

    In high doses (5–15 grams), side effects may include:

    Drowsiness • Euphoria • Abnormally fast heartbeat • Constipation • Dizziness • Low blood pressure • Dry mouth • Sweating

    Other short-term effects for kratom may include:

    Nausea • Itching • Increased urination • Loss of appetite • Seizure • Coma • Death

  • Kratom

    Long-term Effects

    Long-term effects of regular kratom use may include:

    Anorexia (eating disorder characterized by low body weight, a fear of gaining weight, and distorted view of the body or self) • Weight loss • Insomnia • Skin darkening • Dry mouth • Frequent urination • Liver damage or injury • Constipation • Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, or confusion • Lung injury • Kidney injury • Heart damage or injury • Cognitive impairment • Withdrawal symptoms in infants with mothers who used kratom during pregnancy

  • Kratom

    Withdrawal Symptoms

    Not much is known about the withdrawal symptoms for kratom. Some people have reported mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms; however, more research is needed. Some withdrawal symptoms may include:

    Muscle spasms • Pain • Insomnia • Runny nose • Fever • Feeling less hungry • Diarrhea • Restlessness • Tension • Anger • Nervousness

  • Kratom

    About 7-OH

    One of the active chemicals in kratom is 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). While not much is known about 7-OH, some research suggests that it may have opioid-like properties and may be 13 times as potent as morphine. Despite this, 7-OH and other related products are frequently sold in concentrated amounts in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops.

  • Synthetic Cannabinoids

    Side Effects

    Side effects for synthetic cannabinoids may last long after the user quits and may include:

    Elevated heart rate • High blood pressure • Unconsciousness • Tremors • Seizures • Vomiting • Hallucinations • Agitation • Anxiety • Pallor (unusually pale skin) • Numbness • Tingling

Synthetic Cannabinoids

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2 and Spice, are synthetic drugs intended to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. However, synthetic cannabinoids usually have different effects than cannabis. It is usually sprayed or mixed onto plant material for smoking and may be marketed and sold as potpourri and incense as well as sold as a liquid to be used for vaping. Concentrations of synthetic cannabinoids vary widely, so users have no way of knowing how much they are using.

There is not much information on synthetic cannabinoids, and more research is needed to understand its effects on the human body.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is and odorless, colorless, non-flammable gas. Nitrous oxide is used in medical and dental settings for anesthesia and pain control. However, it is also sold as a food processing propellant for culinary food use as well as both flavored and unflavored canisters, tanks, and chargers at smoke/vape shops and gas stations.

Nitrous oxide enters and exits the body quickly, which can lead users to take multiple doses, increasing the risk of overdose, suffocation, and death.

  • Nitrous Oxide

    Short-term Effects

    Short-term effects for nitrous oxide may include:

    Lightheadedness • Headache • Impaired bowel bladder function • Acute psychosis (a sudden loss of contact with reality), which includes hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and muddled thinking • Palpitations (racing or irregular heart beat) • Frostbite on lips, mouth, throat, and lungs when inhaled directly from a charger • Seizures • Loss of consciousness • Coma • Lung collapse • Asphyxiation (suffocation from lack of oxygen) • Death

  • Nitrous Oxide

    Long-term Effects

    Long-term effects of regular nitrous oxide use may include:

    Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia (abnormally low red blood cell counts), tingling in hands and feet, numbness, trouble walking or balancing, limb or muscle weakness, or paralysis • Psychiatric disturbances, such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or depression • Blood clots • Stroke • Heart attacks • Prolonged neurological effects, such as spinal cord or brain damage

FAQ

Kratom is not currently listed as a controlled substance. However, the FDA issued an import alert on kratom in 2012, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have considered placing kratom under the Controlled Substances Act in the past, but there was not enough data at the time to support restricting it.

On July 1, 2026, the DEA filed to temporarily place 7-OH and related products as Class I substances under the Controlled Substance Act due to their opioid-like effects and risks.

While more research is needed, one case report suggest kratom, and by extension 7-OH, may respond to naloxone. Since kratom and 7-OH are currently unregulated, there is always a possibility that other substances may be mixed in with kratom. Always call 911 and use naloxone if you suspect that someone is experiencing an overdose.

Nitrous oxide is not a controlled substance under the DEA. However, it is illegal both federally and in the state of California to use nitrous oxide gas as a recreational drug. On June 4, 2025, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) put out an advisory advising consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide.