Key Takeaways
- Marijuana is not risk-free: THC can affect memory, attention, coordination, judgment, and mood, and the risks can vary based on factors such as age, frequency of use, THC potency, and method of consumption.
- Regular marijuana use can lead to cannabis use disorder, and some people may experience cravings, difficulty cutting back, or withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
- Smoking, vaping, and consuming marijuana in edibles can affect the body differently, but each method of using THC can carry potential health and safety risks.
Yes, marijuana can carry health and safety risks, and it can be addictive for some people. The level of risk can depend on factors such as THC potency, frequency of use, age, underlying health conditions, and how marijuana is consumed. Regular use can also lead to cannabis use disorder in some individuals.
Marijuana is legal for recreational or medical use in many parts of the United States, but legal availability does not mean cannabis use is risk-free.
The reality is that the dangers surrounding recreational marijuana use aren’t quite as clear-cut as one might be led to believe by the passing of a law or controlled use for medical purposes. If you’ve been wondering if marijuana is dangerous and addictive, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we explore the topic further.
Short-Term Effects of Using Marijuana
The reason why most people use marijuana is that it generates a euphoric high, a sensation caused by a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). When someone smokes marijuana, THC travels through the lungs, into the bloodstream, and ultimately to the brain. There, it connects with receptors in the brain that impact, among other things, your mood and how you feel.
It’s important to point out that marijuana consumption doesn’t just take place through smoking. Cookies, gummies, and brownies are popular forms of edibles or food items that contain marijuana or THC baked directly into the product. Since they aren’t smoked, edibles reach the bloodstream by way of the digestive system before eventually reaching those brain receptors. This slight detour can cause a delay in the time it takes for someone to feel high.
Though not every high is the same, short-term effects of marijuana can include:
- Altered senses and perception
- Changes in mood
- Impaired memory
- Difficulty thinking or problem-solving
- Impaired coordination and reaction time
- Anxiety or paranoia in some people
These effects can vary depending on the individual, the amount consumed, and the potency of the product when using marijuana.
Long-Term Effects of Using Marijuana
The high obtained through marijuana may feel blissful at the moment, but it is a temporary sensation. And it’s that quest for the next high that often leads to continued marijuana use — which studies show can have significant effects on the body.
Research has examined whether frequent marijuana use, particularly beginning during adolescence, may be associated with changes in learning, memory, and other cognitive abilities. However, the relationship between long-term cannabis use and lasting cognitive changes is complex, and factors such as age of first use, frequency, THC exposure, and other health or lifestyle factors may play a role.
The user’s mental health stability is also a prevailing concern, as long-term marijuana consumption has been linked to temporary hallucinations and paranoia and heightened symptoms for patients battling schizophrenia.
But the brain isn’t the only part of the body that can be impacted by continued marijuana use. Smoking cannabis can also expose the lungs to potentially harmful chemicals and irritants.
Does Marijuana Smoke Affect the Lungs?
According to the CDC, smoked cannabis can harm lung tissue and contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens found in tobacco smoke. Smoking marijuana has also been associated with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and increased mucus production.
Additionally, marijuana use can temporarily increase heart rate, and long-term or frequent use can lead to a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome, which causes regular cycles of nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
In addition to the risk of bodily harm associated with marijuana use, there are also a host of behavioral choices people on marijuana may make that can have negative outcomes. Marijuana can impair coordination, judgment, and reaction time, making activities such as driving while impaired particularly dangerous.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that marijuana use has reached record highs in recent years, but THC concentrations in cannabis products can vary considerably, and some products available today contain high levels of THC. As we talked about earlier, THC is the chemical compound primarily responsible for the euphoric high associated with marijuana.
Marijuana can be addictive. Some people who regularly use marijuana develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), meaning they may have difficulty stopping or controlling their cannabis use even when it is causing problems in their lives.
The risk of developing cannabis use disorder is not the same for everyone and can be influenced by factors including how frequently someone uses marijuana and the age at which use begins.
There are instances where cannabis use disorder becomes severe enough that marijuana use interferes significantly with daily life. For many with cannabis use disorder, feelings of withdrawal can occur when they aren’t able to access the drug. This can include irritability, changes in mood or appetite, difficulty sleeping, and cravings for marijuana.
Signs Marijuana Use May Be Becoming a Problem
Not everyone who uses marijuana develops an addiction. However, it may be worth seeking professional guidance when someone:
- Has difficulty cutting back or stopping marijuana use
- Experiences strong cravings for marijuana
- Continues using despite problems at work, school, home, or in relationships
- Needs increasing amounts to achieve the desired effect
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms after reducing or stopping use
These signs do not necessarily mean someone has a cannabis use disorder, but they can indicate that marijuana is beginning to have a greater impact on daily life.
“It really comes down to what marijuana is doing to your life. If you feel like you need it just to get through the day, or it’s starting to affect your relationships, responsibilities, or the things you care about, that’s worth paying attention to and talking to someone about.”
Midwest Recovery Centers Treats Marijuana Addiction
If you or someone you love is battling what you believe to be a marijuana use disorder or addiction, Midwest Recovery Centers can help. We provide individualized treatment for people struggling with marijuana addiction and cannabis use disorder. Depending on individual needs, treatment may include counseling and education, individual and/or group therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, family counseling, and 12-step group programs.
We strive to work with the user on breaking the firm grip dependency has on their life, guiding them toward a future filled with healthy choices, positive relationships, and the skills needed to avoid continued marijuana use.
Ready to start the process toward recovery? We’re here when you need us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana addictive?
Yes, marijuana can be addictive for some people. Regular use can lead to cannabis use disorder, which can involve difficulty controlling marijuana use despite negative effects on health, relationships, work, school, or other areas of life.
What are the short-term effects of marijuana?
Short-term marijuana effects can include altered senses, changes in mood, impaired memory and coordination, difficulty thinking or problem-solving, and anxiety or paranoia in some people. Effects can vary based on the individual, THC potency, amount consumed, and method of use.
What are the long-term risks of marijuana use?
Frequent or long-term marijuana use may be associated with cannabis use disorder, respiratory problems when marijuana is smoked, and effects on memory, learning, and mental health in some individuals. Risks can vary considerably depending on how and how often marijuana is used.
Is smoking marijuana harmful to your lungs?
Smoking marijuana can harm lung tissue and expose the lungs to toxins and irritants found in cannabis smoke. Regular smoking may also contribute to respiratory symptoms such as coughing and increased mucus production.
What are the signs of cannabis use disorder?
Possible signs include difficulty reducing marijuana use, strong cravings, continued use despite negative consequences, spending significant time using or recovering from marijuana, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping use.
Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., MAADC II
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.