Editor's note: This article has been reviewed and updated for accuracy in 2026. The legalization of cannabis in America has led to some fairly significant changes since it first began back in 2012. Throughout the years, more places are opening dispensaries, allowing people of legal age to purchase cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. With the growing accessibility in America, more people are curious about trying cannabis for the first time. Although cannabis has been used by humans for thousands of years, there are a lot of mixed messages being shared about it. Some people say it will make you laugh and really enjoy cartoons, and others say that it will make you lazy and ruin your life. With roughly 50 million cannabis users in the United States, you might wonder what cannabis actually does. In this article, we will take a look at what happens to your brain when you use cannabis. Your Brain on Cannabinoids: What is Happening Behind the Scenes? Any cannabis user will tell you that cannabis influences the way that you think and feel, often for the better—but what actually makes this possible? What happens to your brain during and after cannabis use that makes these sensations happen? The experiences linked to cannabis are all based on the influence of cannabinoids, which are present in cannabis. These prominent compounds can lead to a variety of different effects. The