Marijuana is a plant that contains the active ingredient THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). When consumed, it can alter your perception and cause feelings of relaxation or bliss. When used regularly, it can have long term negative effects on your health and life.
Many people find that they are unable to control their use and need help to stop. Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the world and, like all addictive substances, can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. The most common symptoms include cravings, loss of interest in social activities, trouble sleeping, irritability and problems at school or work. Some users have reported experiencing suicidal thoughts or violent behavior when they stop using marijuana.
The drug can interfere with your brain's natural chemical balance, causing you to feel less happy and increase your anxiety levels. Marijuana can also interfere with your memory and make it harder to learn new things. It can also lead to a higher risk of depression and psychosis. It can be particularly harmful to adolescents who are still developing their brains. Studies have shown that adolescent marijuana misusers have poorer life outcomes than their peers. They have more mental health disorders and are more likely to drop out of school. They are also more likely to be unemployed or underemployed.
Heavy marijuana use can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, and can lead to respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing and lung infections. Puff for puff, marijuana smokers inhale three to five times as much tar and carbon monoxide as tobacco smokers. Inhaling edibles can cause aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when you inhale food into your lungs.
Combined with alcohol, marijuana can cause your heart to beat faster and increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. It can also lower your blood pressure, leading to dizziness and confusion. Taking marijuana with prescription painkillers such as opioids can also increase your risk of overdose and death. Using marijuana with antidepressants, sedatives or other drugs that affect your central nervous system can also increase your chances of having a seizure.
You should never drive under the influence of marijuana, and you should avoid mixing it with other drugs or alcohol. This is because combining them can double the chances of having a drunk driving accident. It can also impair your ability to think clearly and make decisions, which could lead to serious consequences.
The main reason that people get addicted to marijuana is because their brains become reliant on the changes it brings. When you use marijuana, your brain begins to shut down receptors that normally prevent the release of dopamine, which gives you a feeling of pleasure and well-being. Over time, this can lead to a physical addiction. Marijuana misuse can lead to psychological problems, too, including denial and a lack of motivation. A person who has an addiction to marijuana may neglect their family and friends, lose interest in social activities, withdraw from work or hobbies and not complete their responsibilities at home or at school.
