What Marijuana Does to Your Body Minute-by-Minute as Trump Considers Major Law Change
For decades, marijuana has been one of the most hotly debated substances in American politics. While it’s become increasingly normalized in daily life — from medical prescriptions to recreational dispensaries — cannabis remains federally illegal in the United States. That could soon change.
Donald Trump recently signaled that his administration is “looking at” the reclassification of marijuana, sparking renewed conversation about the drug’s future. If approved, cannabis would shift from a Schedule I drug (the same category as heroin) to a Schedule III drug, where it would be viewed as less dangerous and easier to regulate.
But beyond the politics, the question remains: what does marijuana actually do to the human body, and how quickly?
Marijuana’s Legal Landscape in 2025
Currently, marijuana is legal for recreational use in 24 U.S. states and for medical use in most of the country. Despite this, cannabis continues to be categorized by federal law as a Schedule I substance, a classification dating back to the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
Schedule I means the government officially views marijuana as having a high potential for abuse and “no accepted medical use.” This classification places it alongside heroin, LSD, and ecstasy — a controversial stance, given modern scientific findings and the plant’s widespread medical applications.
If marijuana is reclassified as Schedule III, it would join drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids, which are recognized as having medical use but with some restrictions. Such a move would mark a historic shift in U.S. drug policy.
What Happens When You Use Marijuana? A Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
Marijuana affects the body differently depending on the method of consumption (smoking, vaping, or edibles), the dosage, and the strain. However, scientists have mapped out a general timeline of how THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — interacts with the body.
2 to 10 Minutes: The First Wave
If smoked or vaped, THC begins to enter the bloodstream within minutes. Most users feel effects between two to ten minutes after inhalation. Edibles, however, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours because they must be digested and metabolized by the liver before entering circulation.
The first noticeable changes include:
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Increased heart rate (20 to 50 beats per minute higher than normal)
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Dilated blood vessels, which often lead to red eyes
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A light, buzzing sensation as the brain begins to respond to THC
15 to 20 Minutes: Full Absorption
By this point, smoked or vaped THC has been fully absorbed into the bloodstream. The brain’s reward pathways activate, releasing dopamine and creating feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
Many users describe this phase as the “lift-off,” where relaxation and mood elevation are most noticeable. Others, however, may experience heightened anxiety or paranoia, particularly if the strain is high in THC or the user is inexperienced.
30 Minutes: The Peak
For most people, the peak high occurs around the 30-minute mark. The body is in full effect of the THC, and common experiences include:
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Heightened senses of taste and smell (“the munchies”)
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Altered perception of time
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Deep relaxation or increased sociability
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Impaired short-term memory and judgment
At this stage, the brain’s olfactory bulb is stimulated, which enhances smell and taste, tricking the body into thinking it is hungry — even if it’s not.
1 to 3 Hours: Stabilization
The intensity of the high begins to level out. Users may feel more mellow, introspective, or sleepy. For those using dabs or concentrated cannabis products, the high typically fades within this window. For edible users, however, the peak may just be beginning.
5 to 6 Hours: The Decline
Most marijuana highs begin to taper off by this stage. However, depending on dosage and potency, residual effects can linger. While the “stoned” feeling may subside, concentration and judgment may still be impaired.
Up to 24 Hours: Aftereffects
Even after the primary high has ended, THC can affect reaction time, decision-making, and memory. This is why experts caution against driving or making important decisions within 24 hours of heavy cannabis use.
Trump’s Take on Reclassification
On August 11, 2025, Donald Trump responded to questions about marijuana’s reclassification. His comments were cautious but revealed the issue is actively under review.
“We’re looking at it,” Trump said. “Some people like it, some people hate it — some people hate the whole concept of marijuana because if it does bad for the children, it does bad for people that are older than children. But we’re looking at reclassification, and we’ll make a determination over the next few weeks.”
If the Department of Justice and the White House’s Office of Management and Budget approve the proposal, marijuana could officially move to Schedule III — a shift that would reshape the cannabis industry and potentially open doors to broader federal research and investment.
What Would Reclassification Mean?
Experts argue that reclassification would change both the legal and cultural landscape of cannabis use in America.
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Medical Research Expansion – Currently, federal restrictions limit large-scale scientific studies of cannabis. Reclassification would unlock new research opportunities.
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Business Growth – Cannabis companies could gain easier access to banking services and tax benefits.
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Decline of the Black Market – As Columbia University’s Dr. Carl Hart explains, “When you legalize a compound, far more people would go to the legal market, just because it’s simple. The illicit market would certainly dwindle.”
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Public Perception – Moving marijuana out of the same category as heroin would likely reduce stigma and normalize its use further.
The Bottom Line
Marijuana has gone from a symbol of counterculture to a multibillion-dollar industry in just a few decades. Yet, despite its widespread acceptance, the federal government still classifies it as a dangerous drug.
As the science shows, marijuana impacts the body in clear, measurable ways — from the moment THC enters the bloodstream to the long-tail effects that can last a day. For some, it brings relaxation, creativity, and medical relief. For others, it can trigger anxiety or poor judgment.
Now, with Trump weighing reclassification, the U.S. may be on the verge of its most significant cannabis policy shift in half a century. If marijuana is moved to Schedule III, it could mark the beginning of a new era for both medicine and culture in America.