High Risk: Weed

Cannabis (weed) is one of the most commonly used recreational substances, and its legal status is changing rapidly. But what are the actual risks? The truth is, the risk isn't the same for everyone. It depends heavily on who you are, how you use it, and how often.

This page is an interactive tool to help you explore the science-based risks. Use the choices below to match your own situation, and the risk models will update to show you estimates based on data from major public health institutions.

Your Choices

To see your personalized risk estimates, please make a selection from each category below. The risk displays will appear once all the required factors have been chosen.

How do you typically use it?

How often do you use it?

What is your age group?

What potency do you typically use?

Your Estimated Risks

Short-Term Risks

These are risks associated with a single session of use.

Long-Term Risks

These are risks that develop over time with continued use.

The Link to Schizophrenia: A Scientific Debate

The connection between cannabis use and schizophrenia is one of the most studied and controversial topics. Researchers agree there is a link, but they disagree on whether cannabis can cause schizophrenia or if it's simply a correlation. We present both views below.

About the Data

All calculations are based on data from peer-reviewed studies and major public health reports. See the data page for all sources and calculation details.

Initially created by Gemini.