What is marijuana?
Marijuana is a preparation made from parts of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) which often appears as dry crumbly mixture of leaves, flowers, seeds and stems. Each part of the cannabis plant has different concentrations of THC, and the flowers have the highest concentrations followed by the leaves. Therefore, most marijuana preparations are made from flowers and leaves.THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the principal psychoactive constituent of marijuana. THC has a chemical formula C21H30O2 and is the psychoactive element which triggers euphoria in users. Still, marijuana is just one of many psychoactive products made from the cannabis plant. Other psychoactive preparations made from cannabis include kief (trichomes from the flower), hashish (concentrated resin from the flowering buds), hash oil (highly concentrated oil from the plant) and edibles, which are food and drink prepared with added cannabis extracts or actual marijuana.
Why do people use marijuana?
Several factors may trigger marijuana use. These include medical or therapeutic use, euphoric effect, or as a coping mechanism for psychological/emotional issues.In fact, marijuana can subjectively help people relieve the stress, anxiety, fear, pain or anger related to personal, psychological or family issues. And, because popular culture increasingly endorses marijuana use with a low perception of harm, some people use marijuana to relax.
Further, people may use marijuana recreationally to feel altered senses and perception of time, place and present situation. Therapeutic uses of marijuana include treatments for:
- as an adjunct cancer therapy
- diseases affecting the nerves or nerve cells
- glaucoma
- migraines
- movement disorders
- pain caused by structural, muscular, or psycho-physiological disorders
- to address symptoms of AIDS
- to treat malnutrition (an appetite stimulant)
Marijuana effects
Marijuana mainly targets the nervous system. Our brain, made of nerve cells, include areas called cannabinoid receptors, which are places at which THC can attach and cause effects. However, these cannabinoid receptors are located in areas of the brain involved with memory, concentration, perception and movement. Therefore, marijuana use often cause changes to these cognitive functions. Marijuana can affect:- concentration
- memory
- movement
- perception
- a sense of relaxation
- an altered sense of time, sound and space and sight
- bloodshot eyes
- dryness of the mouth
- lowered attention
- lowered inhibition
- nausea
- sleepiness
Is marijuana addictive?
Absolutely. The marijuana abuse potential is great, since it is a psychoactive drug. Users can become addicted to marijuana, and develop both physical and psychological marijuana dependence. If you use marijuana, you may be addicted to it if you use it daily, experience cravings for marijuana, or if you are having drug-related problems that affect your school, work, or home life.drug.addictionblog.org/tag/marijuana/
How does marijuana work?
But how does marijuana affect the body and brain? Does marijuana have the same effects for everyone? What are the dangers and side effects of marijuana use? And is marijuana addictive? We’ll explore all those questions and more in this article. Plus, we invite your questions about marijuana at the end.
How Does Marijuana Work In The Body?
When marijuana is smoked or ingested, THC is taken from the bloodstream to the brain. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called the cannabinoid receptors. Most cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain which influence pleasure, concentration, memory, and sensory/time perception. So when THC acts on the body’s cannabinoid receptors, this is what causes the “high” associated with weed, including symptoms of altered senses, and relaxation. Can you eat weed and get high? Yes, just like smoking. But the euphoric effect is what makes it possible to become addicted to THC – whether you are addicted to hash, addicted to synthetic weed or addicted to cannabis – the euphoric cause is the same.Marijuana, especially when smoked, also effects other areas of the body which you may not know about. For example, marijuana can increase a person’s heart rate by 20-100%, raising the risk of heart attack. Smoke from marijuana can also irritate the lungs and can cause some of the same respiratory issues as smoking tobacco cigarettes.
How Does Marijuana Affect The Brain And Nervous System?
Marijuana affects the central nervous system and can cause a variety of effects, including:- anxiety or panic attacks
- distorted perceptions
- euphoric feelings
- hallucinations
- loss of motor control
- memory loss
- paranoia
- relaxation
How Fast Does Marijuana Work
When smoked, marijuana releases THC into the bloodstream instantly. THC can reach the brain within seconds – so the effects typically only take a few minutes to reach full effect. When marijuana is ingested in food or tea, it takes longer for it to enter your system, and peaks usually within an hour after ingestion.How Long Does Marijuana Work?
Marijuana’s effects typically last 1-2 hours when smoked. When ingested, marijuana’s effects will be milder, but will last longer. However, marijuana can stay in your system for much longer than the effects it gives you and can be detected in drug screens for days or weeks after use, depending on frequency of use. How long does marijuana stay in the system? THC has a relatively long half life and is lipid soluble, which means that it can be stored in fat cells. Therefore, the blood plasma and urinary half-life of an individual dose of THC are best estimated at 3 – 4 days after ingestion. Chronic ingestion of marijuana increases the length of time THC stays in your system, which can be weeks long.What Makes Marijuana Work Better
Marijuana works the most quickly when it’s smoked. However, for people with asthma or other lung problems, this may not be an option. (Smoking marijuana may also raise the risk of lung cancer and breathing problems.) For people using marijuana for medical purposes, the longer-lasting effects of ingested marijuana might be preferable. It’s often baked into food rather than being eaten on its own.Does Marijuana Work For Everyone?
No, marijuana won’t have the same effects for everyone. Some people may not get high or may not feel the pleasant effects of marijuana. Furthermore, people with a history of drug abuse and addiction may be unable to use marijuana casually. These people may become addicted to marijuana. While marijuana addiction is rarer than addiction to many other drugs, it’s still possible in chronic users. And although addiction to weed may not be as obvious as a narcotic addiction, you can still identify marijuana addiction using diagnostic standards for other drugs.If you work for a big corporation or a government organization, you may be subject to drug tests and may not want to use marijuana. It can stay in your system for weeks and is easily detected by standard urine screens. If you might be risking losing your job, marijuana is not for you. Using marijuana is also a bad idea if you’re looking for employment, as many employers will subject applicants to drug testing. Even if you’re using it for medical reasons with a valid doctor’s prescription, the shaky legal status of medical marijuana means you might still be at risk of discrimination.
drug.addictionblog.org/how-does-marijuana-work/
Is THC addictive?
In fact, the addictive properties of weed are well known and documented. Withdrawal symptoms such as panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and aggression can occur when you stop taking THC suddenly. But what makes THC addictive? And how do you know that you’ve become addicted to THC, or not? We review these questions here and invite your questions about the addictive potential of THC at the end.
What Is THC Used For?
While the national debate surrounding medical use of marijuana continues, THC has been made legal in some states for medical purposes. While not covered by many medical insurance companies, people seek out its use to treat cancer, disease, mental disorders, and other conditions. While THC can be used to medicate, THC is also used for recreational purposes. Still, THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is in its own classification of substances: Cannabis. The reason THC is in its own class is that its reactions with the brain and body are unique. In other words, THC can’t be purely classified as a stimulant or a depressant because THC can produce both effects.What Is THC Made Of?
THC is harvested from the buds of the female part of the cannabis plant. These are clipped dried and chopped up much like tobacco. Like tobacco it is then smoked through several different process. Sometimes THC is extracted in more potent quantities and comes in a waxy or synthetic substance. Other times, THC is created synthetically in laboratories. Is THC in Spice, a blend of synthetic cannabinoids? No.How Addictive Is THC?
THC is a schedule I substance, grouped with substances like heroin or cocaine. It is federally illegal to use THC and can result criminal charges. Why and how does marijuana affect the brain? THC leads to changes in the brain that disrupt the chemical neurotransmitters linked to feelings of pleasure. Specifically, cannabis affects nerve receptors which influence memory, thought, concentration, and sensory time perception.There are many different opinions on how addictive THC is. Contrary to popular belief, research shows an increasing likelihood that habitual abuse leads to addiction. Still, the psychological element of addiction plays a role in how likely it is that you become addicted to THC. Sometimes, a psychological dependence on THC can be harder to overcome than physical dependency. However, most experts agree that the addictive potential of THC increases with the level and consistency of use.
THC Dependence Vs. Addiction
THC dependence is not necessarily the same as THC addiction. Physical dependence on THC manifests as withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking THC. Withdrawal symptoms are one sure sign that you’ve become dependent on THC because the body needs the presence of THC to function normally. Additionally, note here that THC does present withdrawal symptoms. They can include anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.In contrast, addiction to THC is characterised by psychological symptoms of cravings and compulsive use. That is, the main symptom of THC addiction is that you feel you need THC to self-medicate and deal with the stressors of life. However, the more you use THC, the harder it is to stop using it. Addiction can happen in those who start to abuse THC beyond medical reasons or who use THC to simply get high.
How Do You Get Addicted To THC?
New evidences is mounting that indicate that prolonged use of THC leads to addiction. While people use THC to treat real medical conditions, the abuse potential of THC is increasing. Its ever growing popularity is changing its societal acceptance. Ways you can get addicted to THC include:- Habitual use
- Self-medicating
- Using THC like alcohol at the end of the day or at parties
- Using THC to avoid the presence of withdrawal symptoms
Signs Of THC Addiction
Sometimes noticing the difference between dependence and addiction can be hard to determine. However, addiction involves the craving for the drug and a need to us it to feel normal. Possible signs of addiction of THC include:- rationalizing THC as a better drug than such and such
- using THC even in the presence of adverse effects
- using THC to mitigate withdrawal symptoms
- using THC to self-medicate
Smoking marijuana
Marijuana smoke has a pungent and distinctive, usually sweet-and-sour, odor. And when consumed, marijuana is usually smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in pipes or water pipes (bongs). It is also smoked in blunts-cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with a mixture of marijuana and tobacco.Does Smoking Marijuana Work Or Get You High?
Not always. Some people feel nothing at all when they smoke marijuana. Others may feel relaxed or “high.” however, euphoric effect is a difficult experience to standardize or describe, with individual and subjective reactions. Some smokers can experience sudden feelings of anxiety and paranoid thoughts (even more likely with stronger varieties of marijuana).What Does Smoking Marijuana Do To You?
When marijuana is smoked, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. At this point, the psychoactive chemical is carried to the brain and other organs throughout the body. Once it crosses the blood-brain carrier, THC acts on specific molecular targets on brain cells, called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are ordinarily activated by chemicals similar to THC that naturally occur in the body and are part of a neural communication network called the endocannabinoid system. This system plays an important role in normal brain development and function. Is it the interaction with the nerve cells that causes your mind and body to react to THC.However, smoking marijuana has been associated with diseases of the liver (particularly with co-existing hepatitis C), lungs, heart, and vasculature. While significant tobacco-adjusted association between marijuana smoking and lung cancer development have not been identified (despite evidence of precancerous histopathologic changes of the respiratory mucosa), some studies indicate increased rates of cancer and others do not. The studies do indicate increased prevalence of pre-cancerous changes in the user’s airways.
Smoking Marijuana Side Effects
Like smoking tobacco, smoking marijuana may cause:- coughing
- depressed immunity to disease
- lung diseases
- trouble breathing
Smoking Marijuana On Tin Foil
Marijuana, typically sold in baggies is occasionally smoked on tin foil and is purchased by a diverse group of individuals at open-air drug markets, at private residences, in nightclubs, and on college campuses. But is it safe to smoke marijuana on tin foil? The foil is so thin that it actually burns out and you inhale the burning aluminum foil. According to the scientists, when you put aluminum into your bloodstream, this can lead to Alzheimer’s.Is Smoking Marijuana Bad For You?
Yes, smoking marijuana is bad for you. Advocates of medical or recreational marijuana tend to play down its bad effects. While eating marijuana in the form of oil, in cooking, or as a standardized THC pill can be less harmful in the long run than smoking, there are still adverse side effects to the long term use of marijuana. And no matter how it is consumed, using marijuana can lead to other serious problems that affect health, safety, relationships, and welfare. These consequences are compounded when you mix marijuana with alcohol or other drugs, and can include:- anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia (being excessively suspicious and/or distrustful of others)
- distorted perception
- loss of coordination
- problems with memory and learning
- reduced ability of the immune system to fight disease
- trouble with thinking and problem solving
Can You Smoke Marijuana?
Exposure to marijuana has biologically-based physical, mental, behavioral and social health consequences. The decision on whether or not you use marijuana will always be a personal one. However, keep in mind that eating or orally ingesting marijuana helps lower risk of respiratory problems or disease.drug.addictionblog.org/smoking-marijuana/
How long does marijuana last?
The duration of a marijuana high usually depends on mode of administration. Additionally, the effects of marijuana vary by individual. We review marijuana high effects on the body and brain here. Then, we invite your questions about marijuana at the end.Marijuana Effects On The Body And Brain
Marijuana effects are highly dependent on several factors related to the administration of marijuana and marijuana’s quality in general. For example, if marijuana is ingested orally, the effects will be milder but will last longer than several hours. Bear in mind that a first time marijuana user will not necessarily feel the same high effects as a chronic user; effects will vary from euphoria and panic to no effects at all.Other factors which affect the psychoactive effects of marijuana include:
- age, height, weight, and general health
- amount of THC found in the dose
- concurrent use of marijuana with other drugs
- environment
- mode of administration
- the person’s level of tolerance to marijuana & THC
- personal expectations
- previous experiences with or exposure to marijuana
- type of cannabis strain
A person using marijuana may also become aware of usually automatic, non-conscious muscle tensions, movements, feedback and control processes. Additionally, the effects of marijuana on mood often varies from person to person. In general, emotions can become exaggerated, which makes the user act inappropriately in regular situations. Marijuana also has the ability to cause short-term memory loss and can affect IQ.
Marijuana Time In The Body
The active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or delta-9-THC or simply THC, enters the body’s bloodstream rapidly after smoking marijuana. If marijuana is ingested orally, it takes longer to be absorbed into the blood (usually from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours).How long does THC stay in the system?
Once in the blood, THC is rapidly metabolized into molecules known as metabolites. At least 80 different metabolites are formed from THC. The majority of THC is excreted by the feces (65%) and over 30% leaves the body via the urine, although a very small amount of unchanged THC leaves the system intact. In urine, THC is noticeable up to 3 days after the last dose of marijuana. However, chronic use can be detected weeks or months after last use. And as with any other drug, the hair follicle drug test detection time for marijuana is a minimum of 90 days in a single human hair.
How Long Do Marijuana Effects Last?
Effects of smoking marijuana are noticeable within minutes after the first toke, and usually reach peak levels after 30 minutes. Most physical and psychological effects of marijuana will return to normal within 5 hours after administration, with exceptional strains or high potency THC effects reported to last for 24 hours.How Long Does A Marijuana High Last
The duration of a marijuana high is highly dependent on several factors, such as chronic (medicinal or recreational) use, polydrug use, etc. But generally, marijuana highs usually last for about 2 to 3 hours. A typical high from smoking marijuana lasts for about 2 hours; orally ingested THC or marijuana can trigger a high that lasts for longer: about 4-6 hours. However, psychomotor impairment can remain after the initial high effects have worn off. Most common among these after effects are irregular time tracking, hand and eye coordination, or memory gaps.Marijuana High Effects
A wide range of effects may occur during a marijuana high, which vary in their intensity and quality. Among the most common and easily noticeable effect of marijuana high is the intensification of sensation and increased clarity of perception. Visual perception can change, colors seem to be brighter, patterns and graphic design are easily recognizable. Among other possible effects of a marijuana high are:- appetite stimulation
- changes in perception of pain
- changes in perception of time
- enhanced sense of taste and smell
- increased fidelity and dimension of music
- intensified sense of hearing
- more sensitivity to heat, cold, and pressure receptors
- objects appear more visually distinct
drug.addictionblog.org/how-long-does-marijuana-last/
When does marijuana kick in?
While using marijuana is considered an offense under the U.S. Federal Law, many states allow smoked marijuana to be used for medical purposes.
Marijuana Active Ingredients
Marijuana is in fact the dried and shredded mixture of stems, seeds and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. The most potent chemical contained in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 400 other chemicals called cannabinoids. The TMC is, in fact, what causes the mind-altering effects of marijuana; it is the amount of THC that determines how strong the marijuana is. The highest amount of THC is found in the female marijuana plant, from which hashish is made.When Does Marijuana Start Working?
The way marijuana is taken determines the onset of effects. When smoking marijuana as a cigarette/cigar or inhaled through a pipe/bong, the effects can be felt within few minutes, sometimes seconds. If taken with food, usually with baked goods (brownies, muffins), the effects take longer, usually about 30-60 minutes. Depending on the way it is taken, the individual’s heart rate increases by 20 to 50 beats/min, the eye blood vessels expand giving blood-shot eyes look and the bronchial passages opens up. These effects can be intensified if taking other drugs along with marijuana.Factors That Influence Marijuana Onset
Did you ever wonder what happens before marijuana kicks in? Let’s look at the factors that influence the onset of marijuana effects:Bioavailability – The amount of marijuana that is actually absorbed from the dose taken is an important determining factor. The bioavailability depends on the manner that MJ is being administered; smoking weed produces faster effects than eating or oral consumption of marijuana.
Concentration – As mentioned above, the higher the concentration of THC, the stronger the marijuana. The stronger the marijuana, the faster the delivery of the psychoactive ingredient to the brain.
Drug form – Marijuana comes in various forms, each one determining the onset of its effects. While joints and pipes filled with marijuana will make one “high” faster, brownies and muffins spiced with marijuana will keep one ”high” longer.
Mode of administration – When smoking marijuana, the THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream immediately carrying the chemical to the brain and distributing it to other organs. Orally consumed marijuana is first transformed by the liver to 11-hydroxy-delta-9-THC and it takes some time until it reaches the brain.
When Does Marijuana Peak?
The feeling of being “high” is felt within minutes when smoking marijuana, and reaches its peak between 10-30 minutes. When orally consumed, marijuana triggers the feeling of being “high” occurs within an hour and reaches its peak somewhere between 2.5-3.5 hours.When Does Marijuana Wear Off?
Effects of smoked marijuana begins to wear off about 2 hours after initial use, but some individuals need longer to get back to normalcy. Effects of orally consumed marijuana require more hours for effects to wear off.drug.addictionblog.org/when-does-marijuana-kick-in/
Do you get high if you eat weed?
Yes. You get high when you eat marijuana. But it usually takes longer and is not as intense as inhaling marijuana smoke. But the high lasts longer, and is highly detectable in urine after eating it.Marijuana is usually smoked in a pipe or cigarette but can also be mixed in baked goods and ingested orally as a pill or capsule (dronabinol or oral THC). Weed and brain damage effects are currently be investigated by scientists, and may be equally damaging after chronic use whether you are smoking or eating marijuana. Here, we present information on bioavailability of eaten marijuana, issues in drug testing, as well as how to quite marijuana if you think that you have a problem. Please feel free to ask your questions about weed below. We’ll be happy to respond with a personal answer ASAP.
Marijuana Bioavailability
Bioavailability is the the degree and rate that drugs like marijuana are absorbed into the body or are made available at the site of physiological activity. The bioavailability of marijuana is different when you eat it versus when you smoke it. In other words, how fast, how long, and how intensely you feel the effects of marijuana depend on how you use it. There are three main points that we’d like to explain here about HOW marijuana administration affects euphoric sensation (the feeling of being high).1. Onset – If you breathe in marijuana smoke, euphoric effects occur within seconds or minutes of inhalation (although smoking weed and lung damage risk increases). If you eat foods containing weed, effects occur after a longer period of time (30 -60 minutes) because delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) must first be metabolized by the digestive system.
2. Length – If you eat marijuana, the duration of euphoric effect (feeling high) tends to last longer than if you inhale marijuana smoke, although the intensity may be less.
3. Drug testing – Eating weed increases amounts of cannabinoids in urine, making drug detection more likely
Why It Takes Longer To Get High When You Eat Weed
When cannabis is ingested by mouth, there is a low (6%–20%) and variable oral bioavailability. Why does this happen? Well, basically, bioavailability of cannabinoids is reduced after oral ingestion due to extensive first pass metabolism. Orally administered drugs must pass through the intestinal wall and then are metabolized by the liver before they reach systemic circulation. And it is this process of slower absorption into the bloodstream that is associated with more delayed peak levels of THC in the body.By contrast, inhaled marijuana smoke bypasses the body’s digestive system and therefore the effects are more intense and occur more rapidly than oral ingestion. When inhaled, cannabinoids enter the bloodstream quickly from the lungs to the left side of the heart, where they enter the arterial circulation that carries them to the brain. When inhaled, cannabinoids like THC reach a peak concentration in 2 to 10 minutes, declining rapidly for a period of 30 minutes and with less generation of the psychoactive 11-OH metabolite.
Eating Weed Decreases Your High, But It Lasts Longer
Peak plasma concentrations of THC occur 1 to 6 hours after you orally ingest marijuana and remain elevated with a terminal half-life of 20 to 30 hours. So not only do cannabinoids take longer to act, but the body begins to metabolize them before they can act on the brain. Enzymes in the stomach, intestines, and liver begin breaking down the drugs so they can be cleared from the body. Therefore, eating weed results in lower THC concentrations than after inhaling marijuana smoke.
Still, some cannabinoids do not lose their potency as a result of being ingested. Dronabinol and THC-COOH are present in equal concentrations in plasma and concentrations peak at approximately 2-4 hours after either oral or inhaled smoke dosing.
Is Eating Weed More Risky On Drug Tests?
Yes. Oral ingestion of marijuana in cooked brownies during clinical trials has led to excretion of highly concentrated amounts of cannabinoid in urine. Although marijuana smokers can potentially measure and adjust the balance of weed effect and thus their amount of marijuana exposure, the effects of oral ingestion of marijuana are slow in onset and do not allow you to adjust dosage. Therefore, the amounts of 9-carboxy-THC in urine after oral ingestion were, at times, substantially higher than those observed after smoking equivalent doses.drug.addictionblog.org/do-you-get-high-if-you-eat-weed/
Can you overdose on marijuana?
Although impossible to have a toxic overdose of marijuana, it is quite possible to consume more weed than necessary. When you smoke too much marijuana or eat too much pot-based food, you can manifest symptoms of ataxia/dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, possible crying, and sometimes a sensation of dying. But don’t be concerned; ingesting too much marijuana is not fatal or injurious to any organs.How do you recognize and treat symptoms of marijuana overdose? We review here. Then, we invite your questions about a marijuana overdose at the end.
Can You Overdose On Marijuana?
Yes and no. If you’re asking if you can overdose and die from marijuana: the answer is no, its not very likely. However, you can experience extreme anxiety (panic attacks) or psychotic reactions (where you lose touch with reality and may become paranoid) after consuming high potency marijuana strains with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Additionally, people can and do injure themselves because of marijuana’s effects on judgment, perception, and coordination. Further, marijuana accents the effects of other drugs; this is why mixing marijuana and alcohol can lead to a high level of intoxication, risky behavior and/or intensified effects of drinking.What Happens When You Overdose On Marijuana?
When a temporary overdose of marijuana occurs, it is called “greening out.” It is important to understand that a temporary overdose of marijuana will not result in permanent disability or death, but can be quite common in people who have not used the drug often. The following are the symptoms of too much marijuana in the system:- disorientation
- fast heart rate
- hallucinations
- pupil dilation
- shaking that is hard to control, feeling cold
- shortness of breath
- temporary feelings of paranoia, fear and anxiety
- vomiting and/or nausea
How Much Marijuana Is Too Much?
It is difficult to establish marijuana potency levels, due to the variation in types of marijuana users consume. Simply put, until more refined and purified cannabinoid preparations are available, it will simply not be possible to derive a more specific or exact dosing schedule, let alone be able to predict overdose amounts. Additional factors such as age, general health, exposure to marijuana, marijuana tolerance levels, etc. contribute to an individual’s overdose level. For example, a long-term cannabis user may require significantly larger amounts of cannabis than an initiate to achieve desired effect.However, if you find yourself in any of these scenarios, perhaps it is time to take a break and re-evaluate your recreational marijuana usage:
1. Your health goes downhill
Long term effects of using marijuana can include reduced immune system response as well as cognitive changes in the brain. Consider also that there have been links between marijuana and brain damage, as well as other long term effects. So while you might be avoiding acute overdose, long term effects still take a toll on your physical and mental health.
2. You can’t shake that wheezing cough
You’re not likely to risk lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease like a cigarette smoker, but frequent, heavy marijuana use by smoking can lead to an irritated throat and lungs. Consider switching to vaporization or using edibles until your lungs can recover.
3. You’re blowing off your responsibilities
Being a responsible cannabis consumer means your personal use of marijuana doesn’t negatively affect fulfilling your responsibilities at work, at school, and as a parent, roommate and spouse.
4. You’re not getting high anymore
Increased tolerance can signal dependence on marijuana. And when physical dependence is present, psychological dependence may also be indicated. If you’ve stopped getting high on marijuana, it might be time to consider a break. Dealing with psycho-emotional issues which compel use can help you avoid the need for marijuana.
drug.addictionblog.org/can-you-overdose-on-marijuana/
Signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction
Marijuana Addiction Signs
Being physically dependent on marijuana is not the same as being psychologically addicted to it. Physical dependence has to do with the body, while psychological addiction has to do with the behavior associated with the use of the drug.A physically dependent person demonstrates a specific set of withdrawal symptoms when levels of THC are drastically reduced or stopped completely. On the other hand, a psychologically addicted person will oftentimes lose self-control if s/he risks drug deficit. Simply, the mind of an addict does not accept a period of abstinence from the drug. A person addicted to marijuana needs weed to cope with daily stresses and/or to avoid psycho-emotional issues.
To recognize a physical dependence, look for the following physical signs:
- disorientation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- forgetfulness
- impaired learning
- increased appetite (munches)
- laughing without reason
- mood changes
- red, bloodshot eyes
- anxiety
- depression
- drug craving
- headache
- increased aggression
- irritability
- sleeping difficulties
Symptoms Of Marijuana Addiction
In order to address any type of addiction properly, keep in mind that physical dependence is different than psychological addiction. Now, that the distinction between these two is made clear, let’s see what symptoms would give out a person psychologically addicted to marijuana:- compulsive behavior
- continuous use even when knowing the negative consequences
- cravings and urges when off the drug
- feeling in danger when the supplies are low
- feeling indifferent about work, home, school etc
- inability to quit
- obsessive thinking about how to get marijuana
Marijuana Addiction Symptoms: Can They Be Treated?
However, the addict has to first accept that s/he has problem with marijuana and next be ready to deal with it. If you are treatment ready and think you can quit on your own, think twice. Have you tried that already? If yes, how many times? The same applies for a person you know and suspect s/he might be an addict. Talk to that person. Ask them if they have tried to quit and how many times. If you cannot stop using marijuana on your own, you may need a more formal or professional intervention. These treatment episodes usually begin with a full assessment, including a physical and psychological survey.One of the best starting points for seeking help is to consult with a family doctor or a general practitioner. Based on your overall health condition and the level of addiction and/or dependency, a doctor can make a good judgement as to how safe and effective treatment at home may be. A doctor can also prescribe prescription medications or recommend OTC treatment to ease the symptoms. Finally, a doctor can recommend you to different types of treatment programs or resources in your area.
Typically, marijuana addicts go through the detox stage of treatment (during which THC leaves the body) at the same time they receive other therapies. While detox from marijuana may not be as difficult as detox from opiates or benzodiazepines, assessment and supervision are required during this time. Even tough medications are not usually prescribed during marijuana detox, former addicts may benefit from short term prescription of anti-depressants, for example.
After withdrawal, what follows next includes behavioral and psychological therapy. These types of therapies can take the form of motivational enhancement therapy (MET), group or family therapy, individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM) and/or attendance at support groups. The aim of this stage of treatment is to encourage the individual to stay off the drug and deal with cravings, adapt positive thinking and habits. Having the support from close ones and avoiding people who use marijuana is crucial for maintaining abstinence.
drug.addictionblog.org/signs-and-symptoms-of-marijuana-addiction/
