What Are The Major Effects Of Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant that has been used by people throughout recorded history for its psychoactive and medicinal qualities. There are two strains of cannabis, the cannabis sativa plant and the cannabis indica plant.

Cannabis consumption produces a wide array of effects. These effects vary depending on factors such as the strain, amount consumed, and method of ingestion of the cannabis plant. The effects from when you smoke marijuana differ from when you ingest weed.

Common effects include relaxation, increased talkativeness, increased appetite (“the munchies”), and altered senses. Some users may experience dry mouth, red eyes, dizziness, impaired coordination and time perception, paranoia, or anxiety.

Cannabis’ effects can vary depending on several components, yet all are typically fleeting. With numerous benefits, you can feel stress relief, increased appetite, anxiety reduction, and improved creativity immediately.

By engaging with the body’s Endocannabinoid System, phytocannabinoids found in cannabis may temporarily influence the mind and physical body. Cannabis also reduces pain and inflammation while improving your quality of life.

The Major Effects Of Cannabis

1. Relaxation

Cannabis has long been renowned for its ability to reduce stress and induce relaxation. Research has found that cannabinoids present in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a set of receptors and neurotransmitters responsible for regulating physiological functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception.

Studies have also demonstrated that consuming cannabis can reduce emotional reactivity and enhance the ability to cope with challenging situations. The effects of using cannabis on relaxation tend to be felt while consuming it and may last up to several hours afterward, allowing users to feel calm even after they are no longer under its influence.

Cannabis can also be used to ease symptoms of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. For this reason, medical professionals have started recommending it more often as a potential treatment option for those suffering from mental health issues or chronic stress-related conditions.

2. Increased Appetite

The major effects of cannabis on the human body are increasingly well known, with increased appetite being amongst the most often discussed. This is known to affect both physical and mental health, as marijuana consumption can cause an increase in food consumption.

This has a range of side effects, such as rising cholesterol levels and an increase in obesity risk. In some cases, this may even lead to higher levels of depression due to greater caloric intake, which is particularly true for individuals prone to compulsive eating or with pre-existing mood issues.

3. Altered Sensory Perception

Cannabis is known for its ability to affect the senses, especially the perception of sight and sound. Studies have shown that THC, the main psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis, induces alterations in brain functioning which can disrupt normal sensory perception.

This can lead to difficulty processing visual and auditory stimuli and a heightened sense of everything around you. Cannabis is also linked to changes in appetite and substance use disorders, making it easier for people experiencing this altered perception to become reliant on drugs to cope with their sensations.

THC produces a temporary decline in cognitive function and reaction time, so users need to be aware of the potential effects of using cannabis before consuming or using it as a form of medication. Most importantly, individuals who take other substances at the same time as cannabis may experience even greater levels of disruption in their sensory perceptions.

4. Dry Mouth

Cannabis use is known for causing cottonmouth or dry mouth. This is due to the body releasing a hormone that inhibits saliva production when THC binds to receptors in the brain.

5. Red Eyes

Cannabis use can lead to red eyes as cannabis relaxes blood vessels in the eyes and increases blood flow to them.

6. Dizziness & Impaired Coordination

Due to the effects of THC on coordination and balance, users may experience dizziness or impaired motor skills.

7. Anxiety & Paranoia

Depending on the strain used, cannabis can cause feelings of anxiety or paranoia.

8. Improved Creativity & Inspiration

Marijuana may help open up new pathways in the brain that can lead to inspiration and creativity.

9. Pain Relief

Cannabis has been shown to reduce inflammation, relax muscles and provide relief from chronic pain.

10. Increased Energy Levels

Low doses of cannabis can increase energy levels so users feel more active and productive,

Special Notice

Cannabis can have unique effects on various individuals, so don’t be surprised if you experience something completely different than what you anticipated. Drug abuse is never recommended, so be sure to use it responsibly and always in moderation.

It is important to know your tolerances and limits regarding THC and CBD levels and the appropriate dosage sizes to reduce the chances of experiencing unpleasant effects from cannabis consumption. Start with a low dose when trying new products and gradually increase your dosage until you find the best level.

When smoking marijuana, it is also important to consider the environment and available activities. Marijuana use should never be done in a place of danger or while operating heavy machinery or vehicles. Knowing how your body reacts to different strains is also essential, as effects may vary.

Examining the Perpetual Impacts of Cannabis Consumption

When used responsibly, ingesting or smoking cannabis has minimal long-term effects. Research has indicated that prolonged use of cannabis may have lasting implications, indicating the need for further investigation.

If beginning to consume recreational marijuana before age 25, notably with high THC strains and/or regularly, there are substantial risks of impending brain development. Prolonged and excessive consumption of substances poses an imminent hazard to the mental well-being of marijuana users.

Inhaling marijuana smoke can potentially lead to permanent lung damage and respiratory infections. Secondhand marijuana smoke, like tobacco smoke, can also negatively affect a person’s cardiovascular system and lead to an unhealthy heart rate or lung cancer.

Prolonged exposure to cannabis smoke can result in chronic coughing, irritation, and a sore throat. Limiting your use or considering alternative consumption methods is recommended to avoid these adverse effects.

Additionally, numerous studies have pointed to an increased cancer risk from prolonged cannabis consumption. There is a risk of impairment to one’s ability to concentrate, make decisions, develop intelligence and retain knowledge.

To reduce potential negative long-term effects, consumers should always use cannabis with caution and moderation to ensure their experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Additionally, consuming cannabis should never be done at a young age. 

A person’s brain can still be in the developmental stage during early adulthood, making it essential to abstain from any substance until they are of legal age. By following these guidelines, one can safely and effectively enjoy the benefits of cannabis without any long-term adverse effects. 

Wrapping Up

When consumed responsibly, cannabis consumption can provide many benefits without long-term effects. However, it is important to remember that any substance can cause harm when overused or abused. Be sure to consume cannabis responsibly and develop an understanding of your limits. Everyone reacts differently, so finding what works best for you is essential.

References:

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html