Marijuana: The Mental and Physical Effects of Cannabis

Ever since marijuana became a schedule, I controlled substance; there has been much stigma and myths surrounding the plant. Due to its many medicinal properties, it is now being legalized as a prescription for a number of ailments as well. Despite it being one of the most common and talked about drug, many are conflicted about its effects. Here is the cold hard truth on what marijuana is and the proven side effects it has on our bodies.

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant that can be used for medical or recreational purposes. The dried flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant contain mind-altering psychoactive compounds like THC. There are other active compounds such as cannabidiol, CBD for short, that are not mind-altering and are proven to have many health benefits.

Physical Effects

Elevated Heart Rate

Research shows that cannabis has an elevating effect on the cardiovascular system. These effects include raising heart rate at rest, dilated blood vessels, and higher blood pressure.

Bloodshot Eyes

The dilated blood vessels cause the traditional red eyes found in marijuana users. It is also thought to relieve intraocular pressure and treat glaucoma, but studies have yet to confirm.

Heightened Appetite

Increased appetite, also known as “the munchies”, is one of the most common effects linked to marijuana. This is particularly helpful for patients with AIDS, cancer, or other illnesses that make appetite difficult.

Pain Relief

Medical marijuana is a great alternative to traditional pain relief medications, especially opioids. Marijuana can treat and ease pain caused by nerve damage, inflammation, among other conditions.

Mental Effects

Marijuana can cloud your senses and judgment. The effects can differ depending on things like how potent your pot was, how you took it, and how much marijuana you’ve used in the past. Marijuana affects everyone differently. It can make you feel relaxed and happy or quiet and reflective. This is attributed to how marijuana triggers dopamine release when it is consumed. The effects are felt soon after smoking it. Unfortunately, marijuana can also have harmful physical effects. It may cause: Feelings of panic and fear (paranoia)rnHallucinationsrnTrouble concentratingrnDecreased coordination and motor skills rnHeightened sensesrnDistort your sense of timernLower your inhibitions Despite what many will tell you, it can be addictive. Prolonged marijuana use can result in a psychological dependency, and those that quit will emulate similar withdrawal symptoms compared to most addictions. In many cases, while they are fine physically, they may feel anxiety and irritability when they withdraw, as well as have trouble sleeping or having an appetite.

How Long Does Marijuana Stay In Your Body?

According to a company that specializes in sleep relief seeds, it depends. The effects of smoking marijuana often clear up within a few hours, but if you consume edible marijuana products, it can last as long as twelve hours. If you’re wondering about the chemical composition itself and how long before it can no longer be detected in your body, it depends on how long you’ve used it and your individual physiology. Many users believe that “detoxing” is possible, but there is little to no evidence that it works. The only true way to clear it from your system is to stop consuming it immediately and wait.

Our Verdict

Is marijuana good for you? Well, that depends on many factors. According to the National Institutes of Health, people have used cannabis as medicine for thousands of years. While it hasn’t been studied enough to determine whether it is a public health concern, it is used to treat or lessen the symptoms of many conditions. If medical marijuana is legalized in your area, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Not only will it determine if the consumption of marijuana is right for you, but you will also obtain prescription medication from a reputable and safe source.