Marijuana

…depending on the amount of THC absorbed in the brain, the type of cannabis used, the setting of the use, and the neurochemistry of the user. The immediate effects of smoking or ingesting marijuana include sedation or physical relaxation, difficulty concentrating, a distorted sense of time, increased appetite, small to moderate loss of coordination, pain relief from certain conditions, blood-shot eyes, and impaired depth perception. High doses of marijuana can result in hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis.

The long-term effects of marijuana include respiratory complications, abdominal pain and vomiting (hyperemesis), suppressed immune system function, and amplified mental health issues. Additionally, the THC in marijuana artificially stimulates the brain’s novelty center in the part of the brain called the amygdala. This makes even familiar sensory inputs seem more interesting. When an individual uses marijuana regularly, the receptors in the amygdala being overloaded by THC can become inactive. This is called down regulation. When a person becomes down regulated and stops using marijuana, things that are new and exciting may seem dull and uninteresting. This effect of long-term marijuana use can last for lengthy periods of time – in some cases up to a year.

Similar to alcohol, the effects of marijuana are stronger on juvenile brains than they are on adult brains. This is especially true for memory and distorted thinking, as these are functions of the prefrontal lobes, which are not yet developed in juvenile brains.

Also that when you stop using, there are no withdrawal symptoms. While it is true that withdrawal from marijuana looks differently than it does for other substances like alcohol or heroin, research suggests that marijuana withdrawal symptoms do exist.  Withdrawal effects of marijuana include: depression, difficulty concentrating, aches and pains, anger, irritability, anxiety, aggression, sleep disturbances, slight tremors, and stomach pain.

Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder consists of behavioral therapy. There are currently no medications available to assist in treating this condition. Certain antidepressant medications might be useful for initial withdrawal symptoms and to prevent relapse.