Cannabis (Marijuana) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cannabis (marijuana) is widely used in Grand Rapids and across Michigan, both recreationally and medically. Understanding how cannabis works, its different forms, and its health risks is especially important in our community, where access has expanded following changes in Michigan law.

This information is for general education only and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare provider in Grand Rapids.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. It can be:

  • Smoked
  • Vaped
  • Eaten (edibles)
  • Used as oils, tinctures, or concentrates

Common forms include:

  • Marijuana – dried plant leaves and flowers (often called “buds” or “heads”)
  • Hashish (hash) – a crumbly, light-brown to dark-brown resinous material
  • Hash oil / cannabis oil – a very potent, thick oil extracted from the plant or resin

The main chemical that produces the “high” is THC (delta‑9‑tetrahydrocannabinol).

How THC Affects the Brain

THC is a psychoactive substance. After use, it:

  • Enters the bloodstream
  • Travels to the brain
  • Disrupts normal brain function

This disruption causes intoxicating effects such as changes in mood, thinking, perception, and coordination. In some people, especially those at risk for serious mental illness, THC can trigger or worsen psychotic symptoms.

People who have, or may be at risk of developing, a psychotic illness (such as schizophrenia) should not use cannabis.

Common Forms of Cannabis in Grand Rapids

Marijuana (Dried Flower)

Marijuana is the most common and least concentrated form of cannabis.

  • Made from dried leaves and flowers of the plant
  • Looks like chopped grass
  • Color ranges from grey‑green to greenish‑brown
  • Often smoked in:
    • Hand‑rolled cigarettes (joints)
    • Pipes
    • Water pipes (bongs)
    • Vapes

The flower “heads” or buds are usually the most potent part of the plant.

Hashish (Hash)

Hashish is made from dried cannabis resin, pressed into small blocks.

  • Color ranges from light brown to nearly black
  • Usually smoked, sometimes mixed with tobacco or marijuana
  • Higher THC concentration than typical marijuana flower

Hash Oil and Other Concentrates

Hash oil (also called cannabis oil or concentrates) is:

  • A thick, oily liquid extracted from cannabis or hash
  • Color ranges from golden‑brown to black
  • Often:
    • Spread on cigarettes or joints
    • Used in vape pens or dab rigs

Hash oil and concentrates are more potent than most other forms of cannabis and can significantly increase the risk of side effects, especially for new or young users.

Synthetic Cannabis (“K2”, “Spice”) in Michigan

In recent years, synthetic cannabis products have appeared in Michigan, including the Grand Rapids area. These are not natural cannabis. They are:

  • Plant material sprayed with lab‑made chemicals
  • Designed to activate the same brain systems as THC
  • Sold under names like “K2”, “Spice”, “herbal incense”, or “legal high”

Although marketed as having similar effects to cannabis, synthetic cannabis:

  • Has more unpredictable effects
  • Can be more dangerous than natural cannabis
  • Has been linked to severe anxiety, psychosis, heart problems, and emergency hospital visits

If you or someone you know in Grand Rapids experiences serious symptoms after using synthetic cannabis, seek help immediately at a local emergency department such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Medicinal Cannabis in Grand Rapids, MI

Medicinal cannabis refers to approved, quality‑controlled cannabis products prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider to treat certain medical conditions or side effects.

In Michigan, medical cannabis may be recommended for conditions such as:

  • Chronic pain
  • Cancer‑related symptoms
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Some neurological conditions (for example, certain seizure disorders)

Key points about medicinal cannabis:

  • Must be obtained from licensed Michigan dispensaries
  • Should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider
  • Is not risk‑free, especially for:
    • Young people
    • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
    • People with personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder

For guidance, talk with your Grand Rapids primary care provider, a pain specialist, or a behavioral health provider at systems like Corewell Health, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Is Cannabis a Depressant?

Cannabis is often classified as a depressant drug, although it can also have stimulant and hallucinogenic effects depending on:

  • Dose
  • THC concentration
  • Individual sensitivity

“Depressant” does not mean it makes you feel depressed. It means it can slow down the central nervous system and the messages traveling between your brain and body.

Short‑Term Effects of Cannabis Use

Cannabis affects people differently. The effects depend on:

  • How much is used
  • THC strength
  • Method of use (smoked, vaped, eaten)
  • User’s mood, mental health, and environment

In Grand Rapids, people may use cannabis socially or to “relax,” especially during long winters. However, even short‑term use can cause problems.

Common Immediate Effects (Within Minutes, Lasting 2–3 Hours)

  • Feeling of relaxation and wellbeing
  • Loss of inhibition
  • Reduced concentration and short‑term memory
  • Distorted sense of time, space, and distance
  • Increased heart rate
  • Drowsiness
  • Increased appetite (“the munchies”)
  • Increased talkativeness
  • Red, bloodshot eyes
  • Confusion or restlessness
  • Feelings of excitement or giggling
  • Anxiety or panic
  • Nausea
  • Detachment from reality or feeling “spaced out”

Safety Concerns

  • Reduced coordination and slower reaction time make it dangerous to drive or operate machinery
  • In Michigan, it is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis
  • Winter conditions, snow, and ice in Grand Rapids increase the risk of accidents and injuries when driving high

High Doses and Strong Forms: Risk of Psychosis

Larger doses or more potent products (like concentrates and high‑THC edibles) can increase all side effects and may cause:

  • Hallucinations – seeing or hearing things that are not really there
  • Delusions – false beliefs, such as thinking you have special powers
  • Severe confusion and disorientation
  • Drug‑induced psychosis

Cannabis‑Induced Psychosis

Cannabis use can cause a condition known as drug‑induced psychosis. Symptoms may:

  • Appear quickly (often within hours)
  • Last for a few days, usually resolving as the drug wears off

Common symptoms include:

  • Disorientation
  • Memory problems
  • Hallucinations
  • Intense paranoia or fear
  • Inability to tell what is real and what is not

For most people, these symptoms fade as the drug leaves the body. However, for people with a psychotic illness (such as schizophrenia), the effects can be:

  • More intense
  • Longer lasting
  • A trigger for relapse or hospitalization

If someone in Grand Rapids shows signs of psychosis after using cannabis, seek urgent help at a hospital emergency department or call 911.

Cannabis and Long‑Term Mental Health Risks

There is growing evidence that regular cannabis use, especially starting in early adolescence and using high‑potency products, is linked to higher rates of psychotic illness.

Psychotic illnesses are characterized by:

  • Thought disorder – difficulty organizing thoughts or speaking clearly
  • Delusions – strong beliefs that are not based in reality
  • Hallucinations – hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there
  • Loss of contact with reality and difficulty knowing what is real

Cannabis use can:

  • Trigger the first episode of a psychotic illness in people who are predisposed (for example, those with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)
  • Worsen existing psychotic symptoms
  • Lower the chances of recovery from a psychotic episode
  • Increase the risk of:
    • More frequent and severe symptoms
    • More hospitalizations for psychosis
    • Poorer response to treatment

People with a psychotic illness, or a strong family history of psychosis, should avoid cannabis entirely.

Long‑Term Physical and Mental Health Effects

Regular or heavy cannabis use over time may lead to:

Respiratory and Cancer Risks

Smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs and airways. Long‑term use may increase the risk of:

  • Asthma and wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chronic bronchitis and chest infections
  • Emphysema
  • Cancers of the throat, mouth, and lungs

Cannabis smoke contains a higher concentration of some cancer‑causing (carcinogenic) substances than tobacco smoke. Evidence suggests cannabis may contribute to cancers of the lung and aerodigestive tract (respiratory and upper digestive tracts).

In Grand Rapids, where cold winters already increase the burden of respiratory illnesses, smoking cannabis may further strain lung health, especially for people with:

  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia

Immune System Effects

Cannabis may depress the immune system, which can increase the risk of:

  • Infections
  • Slower recovery from illness

This can be a concern during Michigan’s cold and flu season, when respiratory infections are more common.

Cognitive and Daily Life Problems

Long‑term cannabis use is associated with:

  • Poor concentration
  • Memory loss
  • Learning difficulties
  • Decreased motivation
  • Problems at home, school, or work
  • Financial difficulties
  • Relationship conflicts

Young people in Kent County who start using cannabis early and heavily are at higher risk for:

  • School performance problems
  • Dropping out
  • Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

Cannabis Tolerance and Dependence

People who use cannabis regularly can develop:

Tolerance

  • The same amount of cannabis produces less effect over time
  • Users may take larger and larger quantities to get the same “high”

Dependence

Some people become:

  • Psychologically dependent – feeling they need cannabis to relax, sleep, socialize, or cope with stress
  • Physically dependent – experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop, such as:
    • Irritability
    • Sleep problems
    • Loss of appetite
    • Anxiety
    • Cravings

If you feel you cannot cut down or stop cannabis use on your own, local support in Grand Rapids is available.

Young People and Cannabis in Grand Rapids

Teens and young adults in Grand Rapids may see cannabis as low‑risk, especially because it is legal for adults in Michigan. However:

  • The developing brain (up to about age 25) is more vulnerable to the effects of THC
  • Earlier and heavier use is linked to:
    • Higher risk of psychosis
    • Anxiety and depression
    • Poor academic performance
    • Long‑term cognitive problems

Parents and caregivers in Kent County should:

  • Talk openly with teens about the real risks of cannabis
  • Watch for changes in mood, school performance, sleep, and social circles
  • Reach out to local mental health or substance use services if concerned

Preventing the Negative Health Effects of Cannabis

The safest way to avoid cannabis‑related harm is not to use cannabis, especially if:

  • You have ever experienced psychosis
  • You have a family history of psychotic or bipolar disorder
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are under 21 years old
  • You have significant anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions

If you choose to use cannabis in Grand Rapids:

  • Avoid driving or operating machinery, especially in winter weather
  • Avoid high‑THC concentrates and large doses of edibles
  • Do not mix cannabis with alcohol or other drugs
  • Know your family mental health history
  • Take breaks and monitor for signs of dependence or mental health changes

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you are worried about your own cannabis use or that of a family member, confidential help is available locally.

Local Medical and Emergency Care

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) – Butterworth Hospital
    Emergency and behavioral health services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    Emergency and inpatient care
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    Primary care and specialty services
  • Mercy Health (part of Trinity Health)
    Various clinics and hospital services

In a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Public Health and Community Resources

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers information on substance use, mental health, and community resources.
    Website: search “Kent County Health Department substance use”

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids
    Check city resources for local prevention and education programs.

Mental Health and Substance Use Services

  • Talk to your Grand Rapids primary care doctor or pediatrician – they can screen for cannabis‑related problems and refer you to local services.
  • Local behavioral health and addiction treatment centers in the Grand Rapids area can provide:
    • Assessment and counseling
    • Outpatient or inpatient treatment
    • Family support services

If you are unsure where to start, you can:

  • Call your insurance company for a list of in‑network mental health and addiction providers in Grand Rapids
  • Contact large systems (Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health) and ask for behavioral health or addiction services

Key Points About Cannabis Use in Grand Rapids

  • Cannabis (marijuana) contains THC, which disrupts normal brain function and causes intoxicating effects.
  • People who have, or may be at risk of developing, a psychotic illness should not use cannabis.
  • There are several forms of cannabis, including marijuana flower, hashish, and hash oil/concentrates, with hash oil being among the most potent.
  • Regular cannabis use can worsen existing psychotic symptoms and may trigger the first episode of psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
  • Symptoms of cannabis‑induced psychosis usually appear quickly and may last a few days, but in people with psychotic disorders they can be more severe and longer lasting.
  • Long‑term use is linked to respiratory problems, cancer risk, cognitive issues, dependence, and difficulties in daily life.
  • Local healthcare providers and public health agencies in Grand Rapids, Michigan offer support, treatment, and information for individuals and families affected by cannabis use.