In a world where marijuana (cannabis) is becoming more widely accepted and even decriminalized, it’s easy to think it’s a harmless substance. The conversation around its use is evolving, but it is crucial to remember that cannabis is a powerful drug that carries significant risks, especially with long-term use. If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana use, understanding its effects is a critical first step toward getting help.
This guide will provide you with a clearer picture of marijuana, from what it is to its potential impact on your physical and mental well-being.
We will cover:
- A better understanding of marijuana as a drug.
- The short- and long-term effects of marijuana on your physical and mental health.
- How to get help if you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana addiction.
Our goal is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions and to feel empowered on your journey to recovery.
What Is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a drug that comes from the dried leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It is known by many different names, including pot, weed, herb, grass, ganja, and Mary Jane, just to name a few. The methods of consumption are as varied as its names.
Some people smoke it in hand-rolled cigarettes (known as joints), in pipes, or in cigar wraps (called blunts). Others might prefer to consume it in teas or in “edibles” like brownies, cookies, or candy. More recently, more potent versions of marijuana have become available as concentrated extracts, such as “hash oil,” “wax,” or “shatter.” The act of smoking these resin extracts is known as “dabbing” and exposes a person to very high concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical in marijuana that is responsible for producing the intoxicating effects that people feel.
In a recent survey, a significant portion of the American population reported using marijuana within the prior year. Among this group, a substantial number also met the diagnostic criteria for a cannabis use disorder, which is the clinical term for a cannabis addiction. For adolescents, the risk is even higher. Research has shown that people who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults. This highlights the particular vulnerability of the developing brain to the effects of cannabis.
Short-Term Marijuana Effects
When a person smokes marijuana, its effects can set in almost immediately. The THC and other chemicals are absorbed from the lungs into the bloodstream, where they are then carried to the brain and throughout the rest of the body. If a person ingests cannabis that has been baked into foods or brewed into beverages, the effects can be delayed anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or even more. This delay can lead to a person accidentally consuming a higher dose than they intended, as they may not feel the effects right away and may decide to take more.
While many people report feelings of relaxation and euphoria from marijuana, the experience can vary greatly from person to person. It is not always a pleasant experience, and a person may instead feel anxiety, panic, paranoia, mistrust, and a general sense of fear. These adverse effects are more common with higher doses or in individuals who do not use the substance regularly, but they can happen to anyone.
Other short-term effects of weed use can include:
- Altered sensory perception, such as an increased sensitivity to sounds or colors.
- Changes in the perception of time, where time seems to slow down.
- Mood changes, which can range from feeling happy and giggly to feeling irritable or sad.
- Impaired body movement and coordination, making activities like driving or exercising unsafe.
- Impaired cognition and memory, making it difficult to learn new things or remember details.
- An increased heart rate, which can be particularly concerning for people with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Bloodshot eyes and a dry mouth.
These are the immediate, temporary effects that a person may feel while they are under the influence of the drug. However, the true danger lies in the potential for permanent effects of weed that can develop over time.
Long-Term Effects and Dangers of Marijuana Use
In addition to its more acute effects, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests marijuana use, especially frequent use over a prolonged period, may have lasting effects of weed on the body and the mind. These consequences are particularly concerning when use begins in adolescence, as the brain is still in a crucial stage of development.
Long-term use can lead to other physical and mental health problems, which may include:
- Respiratory difficulties: Smoking marijuana can irritate the respiratory tract, including the throat and lungs. Frequent use over a prolonged period increases the risk of problems such as a chronic cough, bronchitis, and an increased risk of pneumonia and other lung illnesses.
- Pregnancy-related risks: Research indicates that children exposed to marijuana while they were in the womb were more likely to experience problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving later in life. Other studies suggest that moderate amounts of THC can pass from a nursing mother to her child through breast milk, which could impact a developing baby’s brain.
- An increased risk of testicular cancer: A few studies have shown a link between adolescent marijuana use and an aggressive form of testicular cancer. This is a concerning finding that highlights the potential dangers of using the drug at a young age.
- Severe cyclic nausea and vomiting: While rare, a condition known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can develop with chronic, heavy use. This condition is characterized by severe, repeated bouts of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Adolescent brain development issues: Some research indicates that regular marijuana use during adolescence, while the brain is still developing, can lead to impaired learning, memory, and impulse control. There is evidence that shows significant differences in brain development when heavy cannabis use starts before age 18. For adults over the age of 18, potentially persistent memory loss and declines in IQ may be linked to chronic or heavy marijuana use, though the evidence is still being studied.
- Psychiatric disorders: Several studies have shown a link between marijuana use and an increased risk of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, especially in individuals who are genetically predisposed. In fact, one study found that daily marijuana use, particularly starting at a young age, makes individuals with specific genes seven times more likely to develop schizophrenia than people with the same gene who do not use the drug. Additionally, marijuana has been shown to worsen symptoms associated with schizophrenia for those who already have the illness.
- Addiction: Marijuana can be an addictive substance, and the risk of developing a compulsive misuse or an addiction is much higher when use begins in adolescence.
- Increased risk of other substance use disorders: Some research suggests that marijuana use might be associated with an increased risk of future or concurrent addiction to other substances such as alcohol or nicotine.
- Unknown consequences of high potency use: The trend toward higher-potency marijuana, which contains a higher concentration of THC, could pose additional and yet-unknown risks. Researchers do not yet know the full extent that these higher concentrations of THC will have on the body and brain, especially the developing brain.
It is important to be aware that marijuana use, especially in high doses or over a long period, can increase the risk of mental health issues like psychosis. Additionally, chronic users may experience cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a severe condition with unpleasant physical effects. These permanent effects of weed are a serious consideration for anyone who uses cannabis regularly.
Can You Overdose on Marijuana?
While there are no reported cases of a person dying from using marijuana alone, it is still possible to have a very negative experience by using too much. With high doses of THC or by using more marijuana than intended, a person may experience some very unpleasant side effects, such as paranoia, anxiety, and in rare cases, psychotic episodes that may include hallucinations or delusions. This can be particularly frightening for a person who is not used to the drug’s effects.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Chronic and frequent use of marijuana can lead some individuals to develop a physical dependence on the drug. This dependence is the body’s physiological adaptation to the presence of THC in its system, meaning the body has become so used to having it that when a person stops, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can develop shortly after a person with a significant physical dependence stops using the drug. The symptoms tend to peak within the first week after quitting and can last for up to two weeks.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Irritability and changes in mood.
- Difficulty sleeping, including insomnia.
- A decrease in appetite.
- Cravings for marijuana.
- Restlessness and a general feeling of being unwell.
These symptoms can make it difficult for a person to quit on their own, highlighting the need for professional help.
Marijuana Addiction
Compulsive marijuana use can impair several areas of a person’s life, from their relationships to their career. Healthcare professionals use a set of diagnostic criteria to make a diagnosis of a substance use disorder.
A person with a marijuana use disorder may have symptoms, including:
- Using more marijuana than intended.
- Being unable to quit marijuana, despite trying.
- Spending an increasing amount of time using, obtaining, and recovering from marijuana use.
- Having strong cravings for marijuana.
- Continuing to use marijuana despite problems at home, work, or school.
- Using marijuana even though it causes social or relationship problems.
- Giving up other activities you used to enjoy in favor of using marijuana.
- Using marijuana in physically dangerous situations, such as while driving.
- Continuing marijuana use despite psychological or physical problems.
- Requiring more marijuana to get the same high (tolerance).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if marijuana use is stopped.
If a person exhibits two or more of these symptoms, they may be diagnosed with a cannabis use disorder.
Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana addiction, help is available. Individuals with a marijuana use disorder, especially adolescents, often also suffer from co-occurring psychiatric health conditions. Additionally, research shows that individuals with a marijuana use disorder may also be addicted to other substances, such as cocaine or alcohol. For this reason, a comprehensive approach to treatment is necessary.
While there is no FDA-approved medication for the treatment of marijuana use disorder, individuals who receive this diagnosis can benefit from treatment that addresses polysubstance use, treats co-occurring mental health disorders, and utilizes behavioral therapies, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is based on the idea that dysfunctional behaviors come from a dysfunctional way of thinking. CBT addresses this by teaching individuals the techniques to change their thoughts and improve coping skills to help them stay marijuana-free.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): Also referred to as motivational interviewing, this counseling technique helps individuals resolve uncertainties about quitting marijuana by helping them come up with their own solutions. Rather than telling them what to do or change, the therapist helps them come up with solutions that will work best for them through guided conversations that involve reflections, empathy, and support.
- Contingency management (CM): CM helps support positive behavior change, such as abstaining from marijuana, by giving tangible rewards. The reward may come in the form of a gift card, movie tickets, or something else. Rewards continue with “good” behavior milestones until healthy habits are established.
The length and specifics of your treatment plan will depend on the amount and frequency of cannabis use, any co-occurring disorders, polysubstance use, and other factors that are unique to your story.
Inpatient Drug Detox and Marijuana Treatment in Atlanta
Finding the right program for inpatient drug detox and addiction treatment in Atlanta is a crucial step in your journey to recovery. Our team at West Georgia Wellness Center is here to help you find the program that fits your needs and to make today the first day of your new life. We offer a full continuum of care, from medically monitored weed detox to residential treatment and aftercare, all designed to provide you with the support you need for a lasting recovery. We can help you navigate the process of finding the right program for you and can answer any questions you may have about what to expect.
The journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life is waiting. You don’t have to face it alone. Contact West Georgia Wellness Center today at 470-625-2466 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about our comprehensive drug detox and residential substance abuse treatment in Atlanta and begin your journey toward a life free from the cycle of addiction.
Marijuana Side Effects Frequently Asked Questions
What are the permanent effects of weed?
The permanent effects of weed can include impaired learning and memory, especially for those who begin using it during adolescence. Long-term use has also been linked to an increased risk of certain respiratory and mental health issues.
What are the short-term effects of marijuanas?
The short-term effects of marijuanas include an altered perception of time, impaired body movement and coordination, increased heart rate, and mood changes that can range from euphoria to anxiety and paranoia.
What is ganja addiction?
Ganja addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, is a medical diagnosis given to a person who has a compulsive use of marijuana despite negative consequences in their life.
Is it possible to overdose on weed?
There are no reported cases of a fatal overdose from marijuana alone. However, a person can experience a “bad trip” from using too much, which can include symptoms like extreme anxiety, paranoia, and even temporary psychotic episodes.
How long do the effects of weed last?
The effects of smoked marijuana typically last for 1 to 3 hours, while the effects of ingested marijuana (edibles) can last for 4 to 12 hours or more, depending on the dose and a person’s metabolism.
What is the difference between short-term effects of weed and the lasting effects of weed?
The short-term effects are the immediate feelings a person has while under the influence of the drug. The lasting effects of weed are the changes to the body and brain that occur as a result of chronic or long-term use.
How can I find help for a marijuana addiction?
You can find help for a marijuana addiction by contacting a professional treatment center that specializes in substance use disorders. They can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help you find the right treatment plan for your needs.
