Marijuana/THC

Despite its negative effects, marijuana’s popularity continues to soar

Marijuana & THC: What You Need to Know

Marijuana has definitely become more mainstream in the past several years. Not only do people smoke it and use it in water pipes (bongs), but it can be used to brew tea, mixed into foods (edibles), and used in vapor form.

The main chemical that produces the “high” is THC, which is found in the resin produced by the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant.

After alcohol, Marijuana is the most commonly used psychotropic drug in the United States with 37.6 million users in the past year. While legal in 11 states as of summer 2020 for adults over the age of 21 and approved for medical use in 33 states, research has shown it’s not as harmless as its reputation might indicate.

Marijuana use directly affects several key brain sectors including the ones responsible for coordination, decision making, emotions, learning, and reaction time. Those who use marijuana heavily can have short-term issues with attention span, recall, and the absorption of information, not to mention mood changes.

For babies, children, and teenagers with brains still developing, the harmful effects of marijuana may be linked to problems with problem-solving, memory, attention span, and behavior problems in the future.

How It Works

The chemical structure of THC found in marijuana is similar to the brain’s own chemical anandamide. This similarity allows the body to recognize THC and alter normal brain communication that influences pleasure, memory, concentration, and coordination, to name a few.

As a result, THC has the capability of attaching to neurons and activating them in the brain. The one that probably appeals to most users is the kickstart of the brain’s reward system, which produces the pleasurable feelings that marijuana users seek.

Proven to be quite the multitasker, THC also affects the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex, areas of the brain that enable people to form new memories and shift their focus. It also disrupts the function of the cerebellum and basal ganglia, which regulate balance, posture, coordination, and reaction time.

Marijuana

The Stats on Marijuana/THC:

Effects of Marijuana/THC:

  • Impairment of judgment, memory, motor coordination, and reaction time
  • Impaired driving ability
  • Poorer educational outcomes than non-smoking peers
  • Hallucinations and paranoia
  • Increased risk of injury at work
  • Damage to lung tissues
  • Scarring and damage to blood vessels
  • Greater risk of bronchitis
  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased risk of stroke and heart disease
  • Breathing issues
  • Intense nausea and vomiting

Help for Marijuana/THC Addiction:

If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana addiction, we’re here for you. Dr. Claudia Black, the clinical architect of our treatment program, has decades of experience working with family systems and addictive disorders. Her leadership and our entire team’s professional, compassionate approach have helped many young adults find freedom, hope, and a healthy path forward.

“Marijuana use directly affects several key brain sectors including the ones responsible for coordination, decision making, emotions, learning, and reaction time. Those who use marijuana heavily can have short-term issues with attention span, recall, and the absorption of information, not to mention mood changes.”

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