Which of the following is a common effect of marijuana use?

Increased appetite is a well-documented and common effect of marijuana use, often referred to colloquially as "the munchies." This phenomenon occurs primarily due to the psychoactive compound in marijuana, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which interacts with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, particularly those involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. This interaction can lead to heightened sensory perception of food and an overall increase in food cravings, resulting in individuals consuming more food than they typically would in a state of sobriety.

The other options, while some may be experienced by specific individuals under certain circumstances, are not typically recognized as common effects of marijuana. For instance, rapid weight loss would be contrary to the increased appetite induced by marijuana. Severe anxiety can occur in some users, particularly those who may not tolerate THC well, but it is not a universal effect and can vary widely among individuals. Similarly, excessive alertness is not associated with marijuana use; instead, it often causes relaxation and sedation. Thus, increased appetite stands out as the most common and characteristic effect linked to marijuana consumption.