How does cannabis affect the mind and body?

NYS Cannabis Connect Staff -

Marijuana is the most popular drug that comes from the Cannabis plant family. It has been around for centuries, and there are numerous ways to consume this psychoactive drug. Initially, it was used for recreational purposes only, but now, after being the subject of extensive scientific research, it is also being used to treat certain medical conditions or reduce the symptoms. Marijuana is a mind-altering drug that can affect both our body and the brain, and using marijuana comes with numerous pros and cons. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Marijuana Can Get You High

As mentioned earlier, most people use marijuana for recreational purposes because it is psychoactive and can cause euphoria. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive component of marijuana responsible for unleashing a chemical compound called dopamine produced in our blood. Its increased quantity in the blood can cause a state of euphoria and an overall relaxed feeling. Smoking is the fastest way to get the dose into the bloodstream, and it starts to produce this effect within minutes. 

Marijuana Is Addictive

THC has the ability to form strong bonds with the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. It is commonly associated with dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms. Regular marijuana users report mood and sleep difficulties, irritability, decreased appetite, restlessness, and cravings when reducing or eliminating their dosage of THC. 

Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health

While some people have a pleasant experience with marijuana, others are left feeling afraid, anxious, or paranoid after a dose. Research has shown that marijuana can also raise the chances of clinical depression and worsen its symptoms if you are already suffering from it. 

 Some of the most common short-term mental effects of marijuana include:

  • Altered sense of time
  • Anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic
  • Loss of coordination and slower reactions
  • Faster heart rate
  • Feeling relaxed
  • Increased hunger

People who use marijuana for a long time may also have to face the long-term effects, including:

  • Breathing issues
  • Decreased memory and learning skills
  • Severe nausea and vomiting
  • Coughing or lung sickness

Using Medical Marijuana

Marijuana is composed of a wide range of chemical compounds called phytonutrients and phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids including CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, and CBC are known to interact with our body at the molecular level, and this interaction can be helpful for our bodies in specific ways. Tetrahydrocannabinol is known to reduce pain, nausea, and muscle spasms. Most states in the US allow medical marijuana for a list of severe health conditions, including:

  • Epilepsy
  • Crohn's disease
  • Glaucoma
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Cancer

However, you will have to get yourself checked by a licensed physician for any of these qualifying conditions in order to acquire the cannabis card, a card that aids patients in buying marijuana legally.

Wrap-Up

Marijuana used to be primarily a recreational drug, but in recent years it has become widely used for its medicinal properties as well. However, users need to be very careful with the THC content of the strain they use, as it can also cause adverse effects.