Marijuana Use and Addiction: What You Need to Know

Marijuana is also known as weed, pot, ganja, and other names. Previously considered illegal across the country, this substance is now permitted for both medical and recreational purposes in some states. However, this product still poses a risk. Users of marijuana should be mindful of health hazards like addiction and potential organ damage as it becomes more widely available.

What Is Marijuana?

Cannabis, usually known as marijuana, is a psychoactive substance that comes from the Cannabis plant. Because of how it affects the mind, it is used recreationally.

Cannabis contains around 100 different cannabinoids.

The two most well-known cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). While CBD is thought to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, THC is the primary chemical in marijuana that produces the mind-altering effects. In terms of science, there are still a lot of questions about marijuana. There is little knowledge of the other cannabinoids, and there is still much to discover about CBD and THC.

How Do People Use Marijuana?

People May Use Marijuana In Several Different Ways:

• Joints: Hand-rolled cigarettes.
• Blunts: Emptied cigars refilled with marijuana.
• Bongs: Pipes or water pipes.
• Edibles: Mixed in foods.

Is Marijuana Safe To Use?

Marijuana use is on the rise, and you might think it’s a harmless substance. However, issues brought on by marijuana use include:

• Asthma.
• Lung damage.
• Brain damage and memory loss.
• Changes in sex drive.
• Slowed reaction time.
• Death from impaired driving.
• Decreased immunity to illnesses.
• Lack of motivation.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Panic attacks.
• False beliefs.
• Unfounded fear or distrust.
• Psychosis.
• Withdrawals.
• Addiction.

What Are Some Effects Of Marijuana?

THC is immediately delivered to the lungs when marijuana is smoked, where it enters the circulation swiftly. Blood carries THC to the brain and other organs. THC frequently causes the following mental effects:

• altered sensations (such as touch, taste, and smell).
• change in temporal perception.
• cognitive or problem-solving challenges.
• memory issues.
• The mood shifts.

Marijuana has the potential to have more severe mental side effects with higher doses of:

• Confusion.
• Hallucinations.
• Paranoia.

Know the Risks of Marijuana

Marijuana is thought by many to not have the same negative consequences as alcohol or other narcotics. However, marijuana use does have an impact on brain growth. In studies involving individuals between the ages of 13 and 38, teens who used a lot of marijuana lost an average of eight IQ points. According to other studies, marijuana usage causes observable reductions in linguistic and general knowledge.

• Marijuana use comes with real risks that can impact a person’s health and life.
• Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing. 
• Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining.
•  Increasingly, young people today do not consider marijuana use a risky behavior.

But there are real risks for people who use marijuana, especially youth and young adults, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before. People can and do become addicted to marijuana.

Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.

A Note From Stuffstoners

Marijuana use is not always harmless and can lead to addiction. Dealing with any addiction is hard, but you can overcome it. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn about health effects of marijuana and start your road to recovery.