8 Ways Marijuana Causes Problems

One of the addictive substances used most in the U.S. is marijuana. Marijuana can have many short- and long-term health effects on the brain and body. People who smoke marijuana from the cannabis sativa plant do so for a variety of reasons, such as recreational or medicinal use (for managing seizure disorders). Unfortunately, both can lead to negative health effects.

1. Marijuana Can Have Significant Short-Term Effects 

Some of the common short-term effects of marijuana use include:

• Problems with memory 
• Difficulty with problem-solving skills or thinking clearly
• Impeded body movement
• Mood changes
• Increased heart rate
• Altered sensory perception

When used in excessively high doses, marijuana can also have severe forms of health risks, such as:

• Psychosis
• Delusions
• Hallucinations

2. Marijuana Has Considerable Long-Term Effects on the Brain

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated the negative long-term effects on a marijuana user’s brain, including reduced cognitive development and impaired memory. Marijuana addiction can also be associated with mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and other long-term effects on brain health.

3. Marijuana Can Cause Loss of Memory

The use of marijuana has been proven to cause short-term memory loss. Evidence shows that marijuana use during childhood and by young adults can cause lasting memory loss and other problems.

Marijuana use during brain development can cause long-term effects on brain functioning, such as learning, memory, or attention.

4. Marijuana Can Cause Brain Damage

Animal studies have led researchers to believe that the use of marijuana can damage brain functioning and lead to mental problems, such as risk-taking behaviors and impulsivity, leading to the use of other substances.

5. Marijuana Can Impact Your Mental Health

Mental health can be impacted over time by the use of marijuana, especially when used frequently or in large amounts. Marijuana has been linked to increased occurrences and symptoms of:

• Suicidal ideation
• Anxiety
• Depression

Highly concentrated forms of cannabis can lead to lasting schizophrenia and temporary psychosis.

Marijuana is an addictive substance from the cannabis plant. Between 9% and 30% of marijuana users develop marijuana use disorder, which is one out of a group of mental disorders.

Marijuana use disorder can be diagnosed if a person exhibits at least two of the following behaviors:

• Continued use despite psychological or physical problems
• Continued use despite health and social problems
• Craving marijuana
• Difficulty reducing or controlling use
• Limiting or giving up other activities 
• Problems at home, school, and work 
• Spending a lot of time using
• Using in high-risk situations
• Using more than intended

Marijuana’s Long-Term Effects on the Body

Over time, marijuana impacts the various systems of the body, including potential harm to a developing fetus if used during pregnancy. The following discusses the long-term adverse effects marijuana can have on the body.

6. Marijuana Can Affect The Lungs

When inhaled, cannabis smoke can irritate the lungs. The same cancer-causing chemicals and toxins in tobacco smoke can be found in marijuana smoke. People who use marijuana can have similar health risks and respiratory problems as those who smoke tobacco. Long-term effects on lung health may include:

• Increased risk of lung infections
• More frequent respiratory illnesses
• Increased mucus or phlegm production
• Frequent coughing

More research is needed on how marijuana products affect respiratory systems and chronic respiratory illnesses like chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD), emphysema, and lung cancer.

7. Marijuana Can Affect The Heart

Research suggests that prolonged and chronic use of marijuana can put a person at higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other vascular diseases of the heart and blood vessels because of marijuana’s ability to temporarily raise blood pressure and heart rate.

People with pre-existing heart conditions who use prescription drugs and older people could be at an increased risk of cardiovascular issues when they use marijuana.

8. Smoking Marijuana While Pregnant is Dangerous

According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 20% of pregnant women 24 and under, tested positive for traces of marijuana. 

Women using marijuana during pregnancy have an increased risk of unusual neurological development and lower birth weight in their newborns. The effects of cannabis can pass through a pregnant woman’s system, impeding the fetus’s development. 

Some chemicals found in marijuana can be passed through breast milk. Secondhand marijuana smoke can cause asthma, ear and lung infections, and respiratory infections. 

Seek Help For Cannabis Use Disorder 

Long-term marijuana use can lead to life-long difficulties for users of cannabis marijuana, such as the use of other drugs. Substance use disorder can be treated with the help of the professionals at Synergy Mental Wellness. Contact us today via our online form to schedule a consultation about drug abuse or marijuana addiction.