In this article, you’ll gain a better understanding of how cannabis can affect speech, what research says about the effects on speech, how this can affect conversations in social settings, and what this means for cannabis consumers.
Marijuana affects speech immediately or with a delay, depending on the consumption method. When smoked or vaped, the effects of cannabis, including changes to speech, can be felt within seconds to minutes. When ingested by mouth, the effects typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and usually last 1-4 hours.
Interestingly, modern research suggests that being born female appears to be a protective factor in immediate and delayed verbal recall compared to males and even non-consuming females. Recent studies also suggest this effect holds true in the long term, but without a clear reason why.
For example, it’s possible that chronic cannabis use can lead to long-term changes in speech patterns, such as alterations in tone, inflection, and enunciation. Long-term use may also cause cognitive impairments like difficulty with memory, focus, and thought processes. Fortunately, research suggests many of these long-term effects are reversible, often improving after 72 hours of stopping cannabis use.
Another older study suggests that long-term marijuana use may impair verbal memory, making it more difficult to recall words by middle age. The study followed men and women for 25 years, starting in their young adulthood.
Reto Auer, the study’s first author and academic chief resident at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, explained that the findings revealed a gradual decline in verbal memory with more frequent marijuana use. He clarified, however, that the study shows only an association—not a definitive cause-and-effect relationship.
Smoking marijuana as a consumption method can also harm vocal cords, potentially causing laryngitis, bronchitis, sputum production, wheezing, coughing, scarring, and other voice issues. Research shows that any smoke, whether from tobacco or cannabis, can damage vocal cords. Prolonged smoke exposure, high temperatures from smoking or dabbing, and lung retention of smoke can also lead to throat injuries, increasing the risk of voice issues.
Decades ago, a 1986 study examined the effects on social conversation after consuming cannabis and found decreases in speech quality and quantity. Researchers also observed increased heart rate and heightened self-reports of feeling “high” and sedated. However, that study was observational and conducted when cannabis research faced more significant restrictions, reducing its reliability.
While speech can potentially be negatively affected, studies still suggest that cannabis may positively enhance social experiences and conversations. For example, a 2021 case study in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research reports that one patient with treatment-resistant stuttering began taking medical cannabis and had marked improvements in:
A more recent Drug and Alcohol Dependence study found that cannabis boosts positive emotions in social settings over isolated use, revealing users felt fewer negative emotions when consuming cannabis with others. The study’s results suggest that cannabis can enhance mood and encourage social engagement, especially in groups.
The results suggest that while cannabis elevates an overall positive effect across social contexts, any impact on adverse effects can vary depending on the individual and if the person is using cannabis alone or with others. The data remained equivocal, meaning the differences were too small to draw solid conclusions.
The social context of cannabis use greatly influences its impact, as research shows that consuming cannabis with friends enhances social bonding, while using it alone may trigger negative feelings like paranoia or anxiety, depending on the individual.
Another recent study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) further shows that cannabis use in social settings reduced negative emotions and boosted positive ones, especially in those with PTSD or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), while solitary use often heightened negative emotions. Studies like these further emphasize the importance of the social environment when using cannabis to shape its effects on mood and behavior.
For people who have social anxiety disorder (SAD), a study finds that those with SAD had higher levels of CUD and were more likely to experience social withdrawal and isolation. Social isolation tends to be more common in those who use cannabis as a way to self-medicate and manage negative emotions, however.
Overall, the impact of marijuana on speech and cognition can vary from person to person. Factors such as biological sex, age, body weight, metabolism, tolerance, method of consumption, and the strain or potency of the cannabis product all play a role.
While some research suggests that cannabis may negatively affect speech and social interaction, these findings often have limitations. Although researchers have noted subtle speech changes in users, they still have not reached definitive conclusions. Female-at-birth individuals appear to have some protective factors when it comes to verbal learning and memory, even in the long term.
Many studies rely on self-reported data or small sample sizes, which can reduce conclusion reliability. Additionally, cannabis dosages, frequency of use, and individual differences influence outcomes. Therefore, it’s essential to interpret negative study findings cautiously, as they may not be conclusive.
Fortunately, emerging evidence points more toward cannabis enhancing social interactions, promoting sociability and relaxation, easing treatment-resistant stuttering, and, less commonly, adverse social effects. Still, additional rigorous studies are needed to better understand the social and communicative impacts of cannabis use.
Cannabis can potentially affect speech and social behavior in various ways, with the potential for immediate or long-term impacts. While it can enhance sociability and improve mood, it may also cause subtle speech difficulties, particularly with long-term use.
Best Weed DispensaryYes, smoking cannabis can temporarily slow speech and make it potentially challenging to maintain the flow of conversation, especially immediately after consumption. The effects of long-term subtle speech changes are also potentially linked to cannabis consumption. However, these long-term effects are typically reversible after stopping cannabis use and still require further research.
Few things go together better than weed and exploring a new city. As cannabis legalization grows across the country, so does cannabis tourism. A recent report by the Global Cannabis Tourism Association found that the cannabis tourism market grew by 20% annually between 2022 and 2024, highlighting a growing trend of travelers who want to enjoy cannabis on their trips (or safely access their medicine).
It’s not all gambling and yard-long margaritas in Vegas; the cannabis scene has taken on a life of its own in Sin City. Among the many dispensaries operating across town, Vegas is home to Planet 13, the world’s largest dispensary open 24/7. Located just a short drive outside of the Vegas Strip, Planet 13 offers free shuttle services to most hotels on the Strip every day of the week.
And that’s just the beginning of the cannabis-friendly atmosphere in Vegas. The lively city also features several consumption lounges where tourists can mingle in exclusive tasting rooms and lean into the social aspect of the plant. These lounges, paired with plenty of smoke-friendly rentals and hotel options, make for an extremely 420-friendly destination.
Denver is high on the list of cannabis-friendly cities, and for good reason. As the capital of one of the first states to legalize recreational cannabis, the city has made a name for itself in the world of weed tourism with a surplus of stores, events, and outdoor activities that pair well with a little cannabis.
Between the 420 Mile High Festival (hosted by none other than Tommy Chong this year), the various cannabis consumption venues, and a bustling cannabis culinary scene, it’s easy to see why so many cannabis lovers flock to Denver for a getaway. Let’s not forget Colorado Cannabis Tours, which offer cannabis-centric experiences that celebrate cannabis culture and bring together like-minded people for fun activities.
Referred to as the cannabis capital of California, Sacramento has made quite a name for itself in the cannabis scene. According to one study, Sacramento is home to the lowest cannabis prices in the country, with one high-quality ounce averaging $212.
Beyond the affordable options, Sacramento’s cannabis culture is alive and well, with plenty of dispensaries, farms, and delivery services operating across the city. The city is about to get even more cannabis-friendly, too. The Sacramento city council approved the launch of a cannabis lounge pilot program last year, with consumption lounges likely to open in the next year.
Like Sacramento, Portland is known for its affordable cannabis. The city is ranked as the second-lowest for cannabis prices, with a high-quality ounce costing consumers about $213. This West Coast city has fully embraced the cannabis culture, making it a wonderful destination for any cannabis enthusiast.
Visitors can check out the Potlandia Experience Bus Tours, which venture throughout the city to check out microbreweries, food carts, and popular attractions. Or they can hop on a Weed & Waterfalls tour, which celebrates the natural beauty that surrounds the City of Roses.
Although recreational cannabis has only been legal in Missouri for a few years, Kansas City has quickly soared to become a cannabis travel destination. In a 2024 report of best cannabis cities, Kansas City was named the most improved, jumping from the No. 22 spot to No. 9 between 2023 and 2024.
The same report found that Kansas City already has twice the number of dispensaries per capita as Los Angeles, despite legalizing the recreational sale of the plant six years later. The dispensary experience itself is a bit different in Kansas City, with deli-style service and drive-thru options.
Between its world-famous barbecue, the lively sports community, and its vibrant jazz scene, Kansas City is a fantastic destination for tourists looking to immerse themselves in a city’s unique culture with the added bonus of easy access to legal weed.
Like Colorado, Washington was among the first states to embrace legal cannabis more than a decade ago. Seattle has long been a cannabis-friendly city, having first hosted the Washington Hemp Expo in 1991, which later became the iconic Hempfest. The event was a protest over the prohibition of cannabis, which played a significant role in ushering in the state’s eventual legalization of the plant.
While all of the above cities are great destinations for cannabis-loving travelers, keep in mind that they all have unique laws and regulations around the plant. Public cannabis consumption is generally not legal, even in cannabis-friendly cities. Use your best judgment and be aware of the laws when sparking up in a new place.
It’s also illegal to cross state lines with cannabis, even when traveling between states with legal cannabis. While it may be tempting to cruise from Seattle to Portland with your favorite Seattle brands, it’s technically illegal to enter Oregon with Washington weed, for example.