Common Effects Of Marijuana Usage

The side effects of marijuana usage can vary and are dependent on a variety of factors. Tolerance to THC, the main psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, will usually determine what effects are felt and for how long. The mindset of the user, as with all psychoactive drugs, also plays an important part in deciding how the user will feel after consuming marijuana.

Short-Term Side Effects

The main reason people use marijuana in the first place is to feel a sense of relaxation, euphoria, and for the overall shift in consciousness. Marijuana users usually report feeling happy and carefree when under the influence, but in some cases unpleasant experiences called "bad trips" or "bummers" can result, especially from a strong dose. Marijuana is seen by users as a mental stimulant, making ludicrous thoughts seem much more ingenious than they may actually be. While on marijuana, some people report a loss of their sense of time, making minutes feel like hours or vice versa. Users also report that everyday events and chores may become very entertaining. Marijuana affects a person's short term memory as well. While high, it is not uncommon for a user to forget what they were doing or why they were doing it in the first place. Another bad side effect of marijuana use is a feeling of paranoia. Large marijuana doses taken orally are especially well known for causing panic attacks, although these can take place after smoking the drug also.

A myriad of physical effects can be observed in the marijuana user as well. In addition to an increased sense of relaxation, marijuana can cause lethargy or overall sleepiness in its users. Marijuana, whether eaten or smoked, is also effective in increasing a person's appetite. This has led to the term "munchies" being associated with feeling hungry after marijuana use.

Some types of marijuana are even prescribed to people who have trouble eating as a result of chemotherapy. Marijuana can also be used as a painkiller, and many of the stronger strains of cannabis indica are prescribed for that exact same reason. Other physical side effects caused by use of marijuana are bloodshot eyes, lightheadedness, and a decrease in overall coordination.

Marijuana Side Effects in the Long-Term

Due to prolonged marijuana use over a period of time, a user may experience changes in their mood or even overall mental health. The short and long-term memory of a frequent marijuana user is diminished with use of the drug. As with any other drug, tolerance to its effects will rise and the user will feel the need to consume more marijuana to get the desired effect.

Withdrawal symptoms from frequent use of the drug may include indifference to events in life, difficulty sleeping, and a desire to use marijuana. While marijuana is not considered to provoke mental instability after usage has stopped, some studies have shown that marijuana users are slightly more likely to develop psychosis or another related mental illness than non-users. Although not many side effects from using marijuana can be viewed as life threatening, it is profoundly unwise to use marijuana unless you have been instructed by a licensed professional in a state where medicinal marijuana can be prescribed legally.

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Learn more about Marijuana Addiction and Marijuana Addiction Treatment.

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