Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the symptoms of marijuana use
• Method 2 of 3: Noticing other possible signs
• Method 3 of 3: Communicate with the person
• Warnings

Marijuana (also known as cannabis, pot or weed) is a herbal drug that can be inhaled as smoke or consumed in an edible form. Marijuana affects different people in different ways, so the signs and symptoms of marijuana use can vary from person to person. If you are concerned that a friend or family member is using marijuana, look for the most common physical and mental symptoms, such as bloodshot eyes and decreased responsiveness. You may also notice other symptoms, such as characteristic smells, or changes in the person's behavior and interests. If you have evidence of marijuana use, try to talk to the person about your concerns.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the symptoms of marijuana use

1. Watch for bloodshot eyes. Someone who has used marijuana may have very red or bloodshot eyes. However, don't rely solely on this symptom as an indication of marijuana use. Red eyes can also be caused by a number of other things, including:
   • Allergies
   • Illness (such as a cold)
   • Lack of sleep
   • To cry
   • Irritation of the eyes
   • Prolonged sun exposure
2. Watch for signs of dizziness. Someone who has recently used marijuana may become dizzy or uncoordinated. If the person stumbles frequently, appears unusually clumsy, or complains of dizziness, these could be signs of marijuana use.
3. Check the person's responsiveness. Marijuana affects the perception of time and can lead to a much slower reaction time than in a fasted state. For example, if you are talking to someone who is high on marijuana, you may have to repeat yourself several times or wait a long time for the person to respond to something you have said to them.
   • Due to the delayed reaction time, people under the influence of marijuana are at high risk of being involved in accidents when trying to drive.
   • If a person you suspect is high wants to drive or get on a bike, you can casually offer to give them a ride.
4. Watch for memory and concentration problems. In addition to slowing down responsiveness, marijuana use adversely affects memory function. Someone high on marijuana may have trouble remembering something that just happened, or find it difficult to follow a conversation or a thought trail.
5. Watch for excessive giggling or silly behavior. Marijuana can cause euphoria and uninhibited behavior. A person high on marijuana may laugh or laugh for no reason at things they normally wouldn't find funny.
   • This is especially important if the crazy behavior doesn't suit the person.
6. Pay attention to eating habits. Marijuana use can stimulate appetite. A person who has used marijuana may experience "binge eating" and feel the urge to snack more than usual.
7. Watch for signs of fear or paranoia. While marijuana often has a relaxing or euphoric effect, it can also lead to anxiety, fear or delusions. Someone with marijuana-induced anxiety may also experience an increased heart rate or even a full-blown panic attack.

Method 2 of 3: Noticing other possible signs

1. Watch for any marijuana smell. Marijuana has a distinctive scent that can be musky and often slightly sweet. This scent can linger on a marijuana user's clothing, breath, skin, or hair. You might also notice it in a room where the person has smoked or stored tobacco products.
   • A person using marijuana may try to hide the odor by applying perfume or a scent, using mints, or using incense or air fresheners in the room (s) where the person smokes.
2. Pay attention to things related to marijuana use. Marijuana can be used in a variety of ways. Look for one of the following:
   • Rolling papers or rolled cigarettes
   • Pipes (often made of glass)
   • Hookah
   • E-cigarettes
   • Mortar
3. Watch for changes in behavior and relationships. Long-term marijuana use can lead to a variety of mental and behavioral changes. A marijuana user may experience a loss of energy and motivation. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems can worsen or appear for the first time. Marijuana use can also affect interpersonal relationships and performance in school or work. You might also notice the following:
   • A lack of interest in things that the person used to enjoy.
   • A change in habits related to money. For example, the person may often ask for money, start stealing money, or run out of money quickly without being able to explain where it went.
   • Evasive behavior (e.g., acting covertly or not providing clear answers to questions about what he or she is doing).

Method 3 of 3: Communicate with the person

1. Wait for the person to sober before discussing it. If you are concerned about a person's potential drug use, it is best to approach them if the person is sober and can think clearly. Someone high on marijuana may have a hard time communicating with you or following what you are trying to say.
2. Choose a time to talk when the person is calm and relaxed. It is best to address the person when he or she is in a relatively calm mood. If the person has had a rough week, or if the two of you have been arguing all day, it is probably better to wait until the person is in a more positive frame of mind.
   • Wanting to talk when the person is in a bad mood can make him or her more defensive, which means the conversation is unlikely to be very productive.
3. Ask the person if they use marijuana. Depending on the type of relationship you have with the person, you may be able to ask ahead of time if he or she is using marijuana. Keep your approach simple, direct, and non-judgmental.
   • For example, you could say, "Hey, you've been behaving differently lately and I noticed a funny smell in your room. Did you smoke marijuana? "
4. Let the person know that you are concerned about them. If the person thinks you are angry with them or have your judgment ready, they will be less likely to open up to you. Make it clear that you want to contribute ideas and just help.
   • For example, if you're talking to a friend, you might say, "I've found that you often cancel when we've made plans, and you always seem tired when I see you. Are you all right? I'm really worried about you. "
5. Stay calm. Panicking or getting angry is usually counterproductive. Talk to the person calmly, without raising your voice, making threats, or being sarcastic. If you approach the person in a hostile or threatening way, they will be less likely to open up to you and the situation can get worse.

Warnings

• Each of the signs or symptoms of marijuana use alone can have a different underlying cause. For example, don't immediately conclude that someone is using marijuana because he or she has bloodshot eyes or is unusually giggling. Take time to observe the person's general behavior and try to communicate with him or her before jumping to conclusions.