Weed, pot, grass, devils lettuce, bud, ganja, Mary Jane, this herb has gone by many names over the years. Known for its many qualities, marijuana’s identity has shifted through time as well. But, what makes marijuana a controversial substance?
Whether recreational or medicinal, the use of marijuana is vast but again controversial. Since the early 1900s, marijuana has gone through many legal battles as well. So, is it possible to take advantage of marijuana because it is now legal in 18 states?
Is doing too much marijuana a thing to be concerned about?
If so, how much is too much, and what happens when you do too much marijuana?
Like all psychoactive substances, marijuana must be respected and taken seriously. Continue reading to learn more about what happens when the line is crossed and it is time to quit using.
What is Marijuana?
Research has traced marijuana as far back as 500 B.C., its origins tracing back to Central Asia. The hemp plant was used similar cotton in that it was used to make cloth, paper, and food.
Plants are categorized as indica, sativa, and hybrid. Like all things, in nature, these plants are male or female. Indica, sativa, and hybrid plants possess different intoxicating effects but it is not how you might think.
There is a common misconception that each plant poses differing qualities, depending on marijuana’s active ingredients — mainly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Common misconceptions:
- Sativa = energy
- Indica = relaxation
- Hybrid = combination of both
What has been found is that each plant might possess these qualities based on the levels and variations of cannabinoids contained within the marijuana plant. However, each person may react uniquely and marijuana’s effects can have diminishing returns when it is abused.
How Marijuana Works
Marijuana contains the psychoactive ingredient called tetra-hydro-cannabinol (THC), the compound that gives you the “high” feeling. Cannabinoid compounds like delta-9 are among the chief psychoactive and euphoria-inducing compounds that produce chemical reactions with receptors to make you feel high.
Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids called endocannabinoids.
When someone smokes marijuana, THC and other cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and course all through the body, storing in fat cells. Once there, they attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Therefore, intoxicating the ECS, resulting in increased blood flow to the prefrontal cortex.
The ECS is a system in the body composed of neurotransmitters (messengers), receptors, and enzymes. This system helps the body maintain a balance in bodily functions. And, if the body keeps accumulating THC, it can throw off your body’s natural homeostasis.
With all that being said, the effects of the intoxication of the ECS may vary from person to person.
Marijuana Dependency
The burning question remains: Can I become dependent upon marijuana and the long-term effects of use? In the United States, approximately 11.8 young adults reported using marijuana in a survey taken in 2018.
Although it is not possible to overdose from marijuana alone, it can lead to a substance use disorder — marijuana use disorder.
Short term effects:
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Altered state of conscious
- Changes in mood
- Cognitive impairments, such as thinking and problem solving
- Memory loss
Long term effects:
- Negative impact on brain development
- Breathing and respiratory problems
- Grumpiness when not high
- Fatigue
- Lack in appetite when not high
- Higher levels of anxiety
- Increased cravings
Self-medicating with marijuana for mental health, pain management, and many other reasons is dangerous. You should always consult a doctor before using marijuana for medical purposes.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Although there are no addictive properties in marijuana, dependency qualities cause users to experience withdrawal-like symptoms once they stop using.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleeplessness
- Lack in appetite
- Cravings
- Restlessness
- Various physical discomforts
These symptoms may manifest themselves within the first week that someone stops using marijuana. These symptoms may last up to two weeks before they dissipate.
Detox From Marijuana Now
You are probably asking yourself, why detox?
Why risk the possibility of failing a drug test? Why risk passing a drug test by masking a urine sample with cranberry juice, detox kits, synthetic urine, detox drinks?
There are vital questions you should ask yourself to determine whether you should consider detox programs.
- Are my cravings becoming too much?
- Has my tolerance grown to which I need to consume more?
- Am I hoarding large amounts?
- Am I spending too much money on marijuana?
- Am I withdrawing from work or social events to use marijuana?
- Am I taking too many risks?
- Have I increased the frequency of use?
- Most importantly, have you failed attempts to quit on your own?
The marijuana detox process is more manageable with trained professionals such as the excellent staff here at Wavelengths Recovery Centers. Here, we can provide comprehensive addiction treatment as your body naturally rids of THC metabolites.
Take the Next Step
Here at Wavelengths Recovery Centers, we specialize in every kind of addiction treatment, including marijuana addiction treatment. The treatment for marijuana addiction can be vital to your overall health and well-being.
Contact us today for help, don’t wait, let’s find your purpose and reaffirm your foundation.
