As former President Donald Trump signals he is “seriously considering” a sweeping overhaul of federal marijuana laws, medical experts are racing to explain exactly what cannabis does to the human body — not just in broad terms, but minute-by-minute after consumption. With legalization debates intensifying and public opinion sharply divided, the timing of this push has reignited arguments over both the health implications and the political motives behind it.
Trump hinted at the potential policy change during a rally in Phoenix last week, telling supporters that “the days of the federal government treating marijuana like the worst thing in the world might be ending.” While he offered no specific plan, sources close to the campaign told Reuters he has been in closed-door talks with industry leaders and state governors about a possible reclassification or full federal legalization — a move that would have massive economic, legal, and cultural consequences.
The announcement prompted a flood of reactions online, with supporters calling it “a historic step toward freedom” and critics warning it could “open the floodgates” to public health crises. But beyond politics, doctors and neuroscientists are eager for Americans to understand what happens inside the body, moment by moment, when marijuana is consumed — whether smoked, vaped, or eaten.
Trump just teased a major shift on marijuana laws. Supporters cheer, critics sound alarms. But do you know what cannabis does to your body minute-by-minute? pic.twitter.com/Ye4j9Ax5qk— POLITICO (@politico) August 13, 2025
0–1 Minutes: First Contact
When marijuana is inhaled, THC — the primary psychoactive compound — enters the lungs and passes almost immediately into the bloodstream. “The onset is incredibly fast,” Dr. Rachel Levin, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins, told NBC News. “Within seconds, THC is binding to receptors in the brain that influence mood, perception, and motor coordination.” If consumed as an edible, this process is delayed, as the drug must be digested and metabolized in the liver.
2–5 Minutes: The Brain Begins to Shift
Inhaled THC rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier, interacting with the endocannabinoid system — a network that regulates mood, memory, appetite, and pain sensation. Dopamine levels spike, triggering feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Some users report an almost instant sense of calm, while others feel a sudden rush of anxiety. “This is where we see the greatest variability between individuals,” Dr. Levin noted. “Your mindset, environment, and prior experience all play a role.”
5–15 Minutes: The Body Reacts
As THC circulates, heart rate can increase by up to 50%, and blood vessels expand, causing the signature red-eye effect. Short-term memory formation becomes less efficient, and time perception begins to distort — minutes may feel like hours. “Even in these early minutes, the brain’s hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are working differently,” neuroscientist David Nutt explained in an interview with BBC News. “That’s why you might forget what you were talking about mid-sentence.”
15–30 Minutes: The Peak Approaches
If smoked or vaped, THC levels in the blood reach their maximum concentration, intensifying psychoactive effects. Colors may appear brighter, music more immersive, and food more appealing — a result of cannabinoid receptors stimulating the brain’s sensory pathways and appetite centers. Motor coordination can begin to decline, increasing the risk of accidents. “This is also when paranoia can set in for some people,” Dr. Levin added, “especially if they’ve consumed a high-potency strain.”
Minute-by-minute, marijuana can change heart rate, perception, and memory — here’s the science. pic.twitter.com/2EnAVciqFk— CNN Health (@cnnhealth) August 13, 2025
30–60 Minutes: Peak Effects
The euphoric “high” typically peaks within an hour of inhalation (or 2–3 hours with edibles). Pain perception is dulled, stress hormones decrease, and muscles relax. However, cognitive processing slows, and multitasking becomes more difficult. Some users experience intense laughter or profound introspective thoughts, while others feel disoriented. “At this point, driving is absolutely unsafe,” Dr. Levin stressed. “Reaction times are impaired, even if you feel ‘fine.’”
1–2 Hours: Plateau
The most intense psychoactive effects begin to fade, but coordination, judgment, and memory remain affected. Appetite often peaks during this period, leading to the infamous “munchies.” THC is fat-soluble, meaning it accumulates in the body’s fatty tissues, where it can remain detectable for weeks — long after the high subsides. “Just because you don’t feel high anymore doesn’t mean your brain is functioning normally,” Nutt cautioned.
2–4 Hours: The Comedown
Mood and energy levels begin to normalize, though some users experience fatigue or drowsiness. Dry mouth and dehydration are common, as are lingering coordination issues. “This is when people might think it’s safe to drive or make important decisions,” Dr. Levin said. “But subtle impairments can persist for several more hours.”
4–24 Hours: The Aftereffects
For occasional users, most noticeable effects dissipate after several hours. However, heavy or chronic use can cause residual cognitive changes, disrupted sleep cycles, and altered emotional regulation the next day. Long-term risks include dependence, memory issues, and potential cardiovascular strain — especially for those with preexisting heart conditions.
As Trump weighs a major marijuana policy shift, public health experts are urging Americans to understand both the potential benefits and the risks. Supporters of legalization point to cannabis’s role in pain management, epilepsy treatment, and harm reduction compared to alcohol and opioids. Critics warn that increased access could lead to more impaired driving, adolescent use, and mental health issues.
“If Trump moves forward with federal marijuana reform, it will be one of the most consequential drug policy shifts in U.S. history.” — Policy analyst pic.twitter.com/1sPZT7a43m— The Hill (@thehill) August 13, 2025
Public opinion is sharply split. A Gallup poll from July found that 69% of Americans support legalization, while 27% remain opposed, citing health concerns and fears about increased crime. Meanwhile, several states that recently legalized recreational cannabis — including New York and Virginia — have reported both booming tax revenues and spikes in ER visits linked to overconsumption.
Economists estimate that federal legalization could generate over $20 billion annually in tax revenue, while drastically reducing the number of marijuana-related arrests. Advocates also note that reclassification would make banking services accessible to cannabis businesses, which currently operate largely in cash due to federal restrictions.
But for families like that of Emily Torres in Denver, the focus is on safety. Torres’s 19-year-old son was hospitalized earlier this year after consuming high-potency THC edibles at a party. “He was hallucinating and his heart rate was through the roof,” she told ABC News. “We’re not against legalization, but people need to know what they’re dealing with.”
Medical professionals stress that understanding the minute-by-minute effects of cannabis is critical for responsible use. “The biggest misconception is that marijuana is harmless,” Dr. Levin said. “It may be safer than some drugs, but it still carries real risks — especially for young people, pregnant women, and those with mental health disorders.”
As Trump’s potential policy shift inches closer to reality, the debate is likely to intensify. Whether the change comes in the form of decriminalization, rescheduling under the Controlled Substances Act, or full legalization, the decision will mark a turning point in America’s approach to cannabis — one with profound legal, medical, and cultural ramifications.