Cannabis (commonly referred to as marijuana or weed) is a plant which contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids and used both recreationally and medically. Two cannabinoids in particular contribute significantly to marijuana’s effects: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. THC acts on the body’s endocannabinoid system to alter how certain things cause responses in the brain such as feelings of intoxication and euphoria while CBD acts differently with potentially no psychoactive side-effects.
All depends on how much and which strains you use
The effects of marijuana depend on how and how much is taken, as well as your method of consumption. Smoking joint or pipe tobacco is the traditional way of using this drug, although food items or beverages containing cannabis may contain it too. A modern alternative for smoking marijuana involves using a vaporizer which allows users to inhale liquid extract rather than smoke directly into their lungs.
Marijuana can produce effects lasting a few hours to several days, including relaxation, hunger and sleepiness. It alters your sense of reality — colors appear brighter and sounds can seem louder than usual; some users also report experiencing loss of coordination or difficulty thinking or making decisions; at high doses it may even cause hallucinations — more likely among teenagers and young adults using marijuana heavily before their brains have fully matured.
Effects of Marijuana
- Short-term effects of marijuana use include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, dry mouth and red eyes. Mixing cannabis with other stimulant drugs like cocaine or Ecstasy increases the likelihood of harmful side effects; mixing marijuana with alcohol compounds these effects and increases risk for drunk driving accidents or workplace disruption as well as heart attack or stroke risk.
- Long-term marijuana use increases your risk for mental health problems like anxiety and depression. It may even lead to addiction – the feeling that one needs drugs in order to function – making it hard to remember or pay attention in work or school environments and inhibit problem-solving skills, as well as increasing lung disease risks.
Medicinal marijuana has been demonstrated to ease nausea associated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, and can also reduce vomiting caused by other diseases or long-term illnesses like AIDS and HIV. Unfortunately, research into how it works remains limited.
Taken in excess, marijuana use can cause “cannabis psychosis”, a short mental illness in which people believe or see things that aren’t true. It often happens among young people who start smoking regularly if they already have other mental health issues or family history of psychosis. Individuals suffering from serious mental illness should never use marijuana and should instead be closely monitored by a physician; treatment typically includes counseling (talk therapy) and behavior change techniques. Regular marijuana users should try reducing their usage as soon as possible in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as angry/irritable feelings as well as better sleep.