What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is legal in some countries and in several states have recently legalized it for medical purposes as well as recreational purposes. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a preparation of a specific plant used for recreational and medical purposes.  The psychoactive chemical within the cannabis plant, commonly referred to as THC can produce euphoric effects and in the proper doses, has medicinal properties.

What are the side-effects?

Marijuana causes physical and psychological changes which could be severe in the long term. In short term it causes lethargy, increased hunger, and slowness of mind. In addition to these effects, some of the common long term side-effects of marijuana include:

• Paranoia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Changes in mood
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate

In addition to the above side effects, marijuana addiction could cause social and financial problems because of loss of interest in any activities that do not involve marijuana and spending money excessively to score “pot” for recreational use or for self-medication.

What are the warning signs?

The most common warning sign of marijuana addiction is bloodshot eyes, unusual increase in appetite, random laughter or crying fits, forgetfulness and dizziness. If you see your loved one losing interest in activities they used to have fun with and looking for different ways to get out of uncomfortable situations, or being consistently absent minded, then performing a drug test for marijuana use might be in order.

What are the withdrawal effects?

Developing a marijuana addiction is extremely easy and some of the most common withdrawal effects associated with marijuana are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Changes in mood
• Agitation
• Irritability
• Body aches
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Marijuana is generally smoked to relax so withdrawal effects of marijuana include extreme restlessness and could make the person anxious as well. In addition to loss of appetite, weight loss, frequent and sudden changes in mood along with irritability and anger are some of the most commonly associated withdrawal symptoms of marijuana.

Treatment

The jury is still out regarding the actual science of marijuana addiction.  That being said, it still can have a radically negative impact on one’s life to the point where the addicted individual can completely lose control of the ability to live a normal, enjoyable live.  If you or a loved one is suffering from Marijuana addiction, please reach out to us, we can get you in front of the right people to confront the situation.