7 Effects of Using Marijuana

Effects of Using Marijuana
Effects of Using Marijuana

Marijuana has several slag names. Some call the substance weed, grass, pot, or dope, among many others. It comes from the cannabis plant, and it can be smoked, drunk, vaped, or even eaten. Most users abuse the substance for pleasure and recreation. However, it can also be used for medical prescriptions. Marijuana contains mind-altering elements that affect a person’s physical and mental health. Furthermore, abuse of marijuana is usually addictive, and it can cause severe health issues. The following are some effects of using marijuana.

It Affects a Person’s Mental Health

Marijuana can cause severe mental issues since it may leave the user afraid, anxious, or panicked. It can also increase your likelihood of clinical depression or also worsen any pre-existing mental issues. This is not entirely clear, according to scientists. When used in high doses, it can make a person paranoid or become unrealistic, causing them to see or hear non-existing things.

It Distorts the User’s Thinking

The use of marijuana can negatively affect a person’s judgment and senses. This differs based on the substance type, method of abuse, and the quantity of abuse in the past. Some of these effects include:

  • Heightening in terms of senses. For example, it may make sounds seem louder and colors appear brighter.
  • Distorting the sense of time
  • Reducing a person’s inhibitions; hence making you have risky sex or take other risky chances

You can view more and learn other effects from a rehab center.

It May Cause Heart Issues

The use of marijuana increases the functionality of the heart. Typically, the heart rate ranges from fifty to seventy times per minute. However, this can increase to seventy to 120 times per minute for around three hours after its effects start. Other chemicals contained in the substance can also increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. Besides, these risks are more dangerous for seniors or individuals with pre-existing heart issues.

It Increases Alcohol’s Dangers

Combining marijuana and alcohol may increase the likelihood of drunk driving or worsen other professional or personal issues. Furthermore, more than one in ten alcohol users say they have abused weed in the past year.

It Can Impair Your Brain

The use of marijuana can cause difficulties in remembering things, focusing, and learning issues. Although this appears like a short-term effect that may last for some hours after abusing the substance, heavy usage can lead to permanent effects, especially in a person’s teenage years. For instance, it can physically damage a person’s brain, making the user have lower IQ scores.

It May Causes a Newborn to Be Underweight

Expectant mothers who smoke marijuana face the risk of giving birth to premature or underweight babies. However, it is not clear whether the infants are more likely to develop struggles in their education, abuse drugs, or have other health issues in their lives.

It Makes a Person ‘’High’’

This is the primary reason why people abuse marijuana. THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient, excites the part of the brain that responds to pleasures, such as sex and food. This releases dopamine, which is the chemical for giving a person a euphoric, relaxed feeling. If a person smokes or vapes marijuana, the THC can get into their bloodstream quickly, hence increasing the rate of getting high. Typically, the THC level peaks in approximately thirty minutes, while its effects may last for one to three hours. However, if you eat or drink marijuana, it may take you longer to get sober.

Marijuana can negatively affect a person’s physical and medical health. It has short-term and long-term effects, as seen above. Luckily, if you are struggling with marijuana addiction, you should consider seeking addiction treatment from a rehab center.

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I'm NOT a doctor! I'm just passionate about health and healthy leaving. The information on this website, such as graphics, images, text and all other materials, is provided for reference and educational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. The content is not intended to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition.