Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are two different types of plants used for the production of marijuana. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a chemical found in marijuana plants that has mind-altering properties.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit santa barbara dispensary drugs in the U.S. Many states still view marijuana as an illicit substance despite nine states and Washington, D.C. legalizing it for general use and 29 allowing it for medical use.
Cannabis, and THC in particular, has been shown to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing cancer treatment. In people who have HIV or other medical conditions, it may also reduce nerve damage pain (neuropathy).
Is Marijuana Addictive?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that 30 percent of marijuana users have some form of marijuana use disorder. The number of people who become dependent on weed varies between 10 and 30%, with only 9 percent developing addiction. Exact figures aren’t available.
When drug use is stopped or not ingested for a period of time, withdrawal symptoms occur as a result of dependence. When your brain becomes accustomed to having weed in it, it reduces its production of endocannabinoids. You may experience irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, cravings, restlessness, and lack of appetite for several weeks after stopping. These symptoms are not related to addiction.
A person becomes addicted to a substance when their brain or behavior changes due to it. NIDA says there are no reliable statistics about marijuana addiction since it’s possible to be dependent without being addicted.
There were approximately 4 million Trusted Source users who met the diagnostic criteria for a marijuana-use disorder in 2015. It is estimated that the same year, approximately 15,1 million adults in the United States over the age of 18 had an alcohol use disorder, as per the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 37.8 million adults in the United States smoke cigarettes.
The Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana:
There are different strains of marijuana with different amounts of THC, and depending on who distributes the weed, there’s always a risk of chemicals or other drugs being laced with it. Most medical marijuana dispensaries offer safe marijuana. It is possible to have side effects at any time, although some are dose-dependent, as mentioned below.
There are several possible side effects of marijuana, including:
- Headache
- Dry Mouth
- Fatigue
- Dry Eyes
- Increased Appetite (Commonly Called “The Munchies”)
- Coughing
- Dissociation Or Altered State
- Altered Sense Of Time
- Dizziness Or Lightheadedness
- High Blood Pressure
- Impaired Memory
Weed can also cause delusions, hallucinations, and psychosis in very high doses. However, this is an extremely rare occurrence. According to some experts, people who experience psychosis from marijuana may already be at risk for psychosis.
It is possible that weed can worsen manic states in some people with bipolar disorder. Marijuana may exacerbate depression symptoms and increase the risk of depression. This is something you should consider and perhaps discuss with your physician or therapist if you have a mental health condition.
You should check if there are any potential interactions between any medications you are taking, whether they are prescriptions or over-the-counter. There is evidence that marijuana can enhance the effects of alcohol, interfere negatively with blood clotting medications, and increase the risk of mania in individuals who take SSRI antidepressants. Weed can interact adversely with the medications and supplements you are taking, but your doctor should know about any medications and supplements you are taking.
