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Common Effects Of Marijuana Usage

By: Chris Channing Side effects experienced from marijuana usage can include a number of things ranging from benign to potentially life threatening. Like other drugs, the overall marijuana experience and its side effects are determined in large part by a user's tolerance to the psychoactive ingredient, THC. Another thing to consider when talking about marijuana is the user's overall state of mind when entering into the experience.

Short-Term Side Effects

Shortly after using marijuana, users usually report a feeling of elation, enhanced ability to relax, and changes in their perception of the world around them. Mental effects of marijuana can often be hard to predict, although the general consensus is that using marijuana is a very pleasing experience, but reports of "bad trips", or unpleasant experiences, are not uncommon. Ideas often flow more freely, giving users a sense of being more creative or intuitive. A marijuana user's sense of time may be distorted, resulting in hours feeling like minutes or vice versa. While under the influence, marijuana users may find that tasks that were previously viewed as boring or unfulfilling have become entertaining or completely satisfying. Short term memory is decreased substantially, and some marijuana users often find it hard to remember things they have just been told or have done. Some level of paranoia is present after consuming certain strains of the drug, and at high dose levels panic attacks may ensue.

The physical effects experienced with marijuana can also vary widely. Although the main reason some people use the drug is for relaxation purposes, many other changes in behavior and appearance might take place. In some cases, relaxation can lead to lethargy and unwillingness to do much of anything. Marijuana is a powerful appetite stimulant, resulting in the use of the term "munchies". This has led to marijuana being prescribed to people who have trouble holding down their food, usually chemotherapy patients. Marijuana also numbs the sense of touch, and some stronger varieties of the cannabis indica species are used as painkillers both recreationally and as a prescription.

Some types of marijuana are even prescribed to people who have trouble eating as a result of chemotherapy. Marijuana can also be used as a painkiller, and many of the stronger strains of cannabis indica are prescribed for that exact same reason. Other physical side effects caused by use of marijuana are bloodshot eyes, lightheadedness, and a decrease in overall coordination.

Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use

After prolonged marijuana use, many changes in a marijuana user's overall mood, and, in some cases, mental health can occur. After periods of frequent use, a user's memory, both short and long-term, is affected tremendously. Marijuana users may find themselves desiring to use more and more if they are unable to get high as their tolerance to THC rises.

Withdrawal symptoms from frequent use of the drug may include indifference to events in life, difficulty sleeping, and a desire to use marijuana. While marijuana is not considered to provoke mental instability after usage has stopped, some studies have shown that marijuana users are slightly more likely to develop psychosis or another related mental illness than non-users. Although not many side effects from using marijuana can be viewed as life threatening, it is profoundly unwise to use marijuana unless you have been instructed by a licensed professional in a state where medicinal marijuana can be prescribed legally.