Marijuana, often referred to as weed, is the most commonly used drug in the United States. In 2020, an estimated 25.4 million people aged 12 or older used marijuana in the past month.
Marijuana use can have both short-term and long-term effects on the brain and body. It can also instigate distinct signs and symptoms of use.
There are many signs that someone may be using marijuana. This does not always indicate an addiction as weed has been made legal across many states and is even approved for medical use. In addition, there are also other names for weed.
However, if you suspect someone is using cannabis, some of the tell-tale signs include:
You may be asking yourself, “is marijuana addictive?” The short answer is, yes.
However, cannabis use and addiction are two different things. Marijuana use is when someone uses the drug on a regular basis, but they are still able to control their use. That can easily become a weed addiction (marijuana use disorder) when someone is unable to control their use of the drug, even though it is causing problems in their life.
Some of the signs of marijuana addiction include:
The symptoms of marijuana use can be both mental and physical. While smoking cannabis one time is not likely to have a long-term effect on you, the decisions you make while high could change your life.
The short-term effects of marijuana can vary depending on the amount of marijuana used, the person’s individual metabolism, and the environment in which the marijuana is used. Some of the short-term effects of marijuana include:
The long-term effects of marijuana abuse can also vary depending on how the marijuana was consumed, the amount of THC in the weed, the person’s individual metabolism, and the environment in which the marijuana is used. Some of the long-term effects of marijuana include:
Marijuana can have a number of effects on the brain. Some of these effects include:
Marijuana can also have a number of effects on the body. Some of these effects include:
Marijuana can be a dangerous drug. Some of the dangers of marijuana include:
Marijuana can impair judgment and coordination, which can lead to accidents. In fact, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that drivers who had recently used marijuana were twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drivers who had not used marijuana.
Marijuana can impair judgment and coordination, which can lead to injuries. For example, a study by the University of California, San Francisco found that college students who used marijuana were more likely to be injured in falls, car accidents, and sports injuries.
Marijuana can impair judgment and impulse control, which can lead to violence. Research shows that people who used marijuana were more likely to be arrested for violent crimes than people who did not use marijuana.
Marijuana can impair judgment and mood, which can lead to suicide. For example, a study by the National Institute of Health found that people who used marijuana were more likely to attempt suicide than people who did not use marijuana.
Marijuana can trigger psychosis in people who are already at risk for the disorder. Psychosis is a mental disorder that can cause hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms.
Increased risk of schizophrenia: Marijuana can increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder that can cause hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms.
Marijuana smoke can irritate the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Marijuana smoke can contain carcinogens, which are substances that can cause cancer. In fact, a study by the National Cancer Institute found that people who smoked marijuana were more likely to develop lung cancer than people who did not smoke marijuana.
Marijuana can affect sperm production and may make it more difficult for men to get their partners pregnant.
It is important to note that these are just some of the dangers of marijuana. Marijuana can also have other negative effects on the brain and body. If you are concerned about the risks of marijuana, talk to your doctor.
It is important to note that these are just some of the dangers of marijuana. Marijuana can also have other negative effects on the brain and body. If you are concerned about the risks of marijuana, talk to your doctor.
If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana addiction, there is help available. The Hope House is a luxury inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center located in Scottsdale, Arizona. We offer a comprehensive addiction treatment program that includes individual and group therapy, as well as holistic treatments such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. We also offer a variety of support groups for family members and friends of those struggling with addiction.
If you are interested in getting help for marijuana addiction, please contact The Hope House today. We are here to help you get your life back on track.
