In these last few years, we have seen a much more relaxed approach to marijuana, particularly within the medicinal field. There is a lot of good to say about is substance’s use as a treatment for chronic pain and anxiety, but that doesn’t mean that marijuana is risk-free, particularly for those who use it recreationally.
As with all drugs, there are negative long-term effects of marijuana use. Addiction or reliance is a real risk too. If you or someone you know uses marijuana chronically (once a week or more), reach out for help to avoid these long-term effects.
The long-term effects of marijuana use.
There has been a large misconception that marijuana is a “safe drug”. With the recent increase in research, we have found that to not be the fact. As we have mentioned, there have been a number of positive uses for the substance but that doesn’t mean it is free of risk or danger. This is particularly true of the developing brain, so anybody under the age of 26.
These effects include:
- Respiratory difficulties
- Altered brain development
- Difficulty paying attention
- Chronic nausea
- Cognitive impairment
- Lower sense of achievement
- Increase risk of testicular cancer
- Increase risk of mental illness
The popular mental health YouTube channel, HealthyGamerGG, describes another effect that marijuana has on the brain. “When people use marijuana the biggest problem that I see is it becomes hard for them to break habits.” This stops people from being able to change the bad habits in their life.
The video is only eight minutes long. We highly recommend you give it a watch below for more information.
You can develop an addiction to Marijuana.
Marijuana doesn’t have the same reputation around addiction that other drugs do. This is largely due to the many people who have used it not developing an addiction. That doesn’t mean you have a free pass. Like all drugs, marijuana is addictive.
There are several signs of marijuana addiction:
- Using more than intended.
- Habitually planning the next use or craving.
- Being unable to stop using.
- Increasing in time using.
- Giving up other activities to use.
- Continuing use despite negative effects.
- Requiring more of the drug to get the same high.
Can you Overdose on Marijuana?
There have been no reported cases of overdose of marijuana. This is another reason why the drug is seen as safer than others but users are not in the clear. High doses of marijuana can cause paranoia and anxiety. Very rarely, these high doses can also cause hallucinations or delusions.
Contact Get Help
While the effects of marijuana might not be immediately life-threatening, they do negatively impact health and quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with marijuana or using it at a developmental age, contact us at Get Help as soon as possible. Your call comes at no additional costs and our help to guide you through the next steps to recovery come free.
