Pipes made for smoking cannabis, sometimes called pieces or bowls, are made of a variety of materials, including metal fittings, ceramic, borosilicate glass, stone, wood, bamboo among other materials. Learn about marijuana use and its effects on the body and brain, including short-term impacts, long-term health risks, and addiction potential. Without clear guidelines or regulations (due to federal prohibition), word-of-mouth is how most people figure out what’s what when it comes to intoxicating substances. Here’s a roundup of tips. Smoking marijuana has unique effects and risks, like lung and heart damage, when compared to other forms of consumption. Teens smoking pot can be a tricky subject to broach. Learn more about how to approach kids and substance abuse and teen addiction along with tips from our experts. What Is Marijuana? Marijuana (also called cannabis or weed) is a psychoactive substance, which means it has mind-altering (“high”) effects. It comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. But there are manufactured (synthetic) forms, as well. Other common names for it include pot and dope. How Long Does Weed (Cannabis/Pot) Stay in Your System? This video explains how long weed stays in your system. Marijuana can have benefits for anxiety and chronic pain. However, high THC levels may lead to addiction and increase your risk of a heart attack. Secondhand cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke and some in higher amounts. Secondhand cannabis smoke also contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for most of cannabis's psychoactive effects (or the high ). Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that contains close to 500 chemicals, including THC, a mind-altering compound that causes harmful health effects.