Cannabis is a drug that is used for recreational and medicinal purposes. The cannabis plant has many compounds called cannabinoids, THC’s most well-known of which. THC interacts with the brain to give users the feeling of being high. Cannabis can also have other effects on the body, such as reducing inflammation and nausea. There has been much debate over the years about whether cannabis is safe or not, with research both supporting and contradicting its use. This article will look at some of the latest findings on how cannabis affects both the brain and body.
Euphoria
Marijuana causes a feeling of euphoria by stimulating the brain to release dopamine. It can decrease anxiety and the subjective sensations of pain while increasing relaxation and appetite. Short-term memory is negatively affected, reducing one’s ability to process information quickly. The effects of cannabis use can be both mental and physical. These feelings lead many to debate whether marijuana is a stimulant or depressant.
Mood Changes
The use of marijuana can cause mood changes in the user. THC binds to receptors in the brain responsible for mood, pleasure, and memory. When these receptors are activated, they produce feelings of happiness and relaxation. However, when marijuana is used regularly, the brain adapts to the presence of THC by producing less dopamine. It can lead to a decrease in the user’s overall mood. Marijuana can also trigger anxiety and paranoia in some users. THC can activate other receptors in the brain that are associated with fear and anxiety. These effects are more likely to occur if marijuana has high THC content.
Short Term Memory Loss
THC affects the hippocampus part of the brain, which controls memory. When under the influence of marijuana, one’s short-term memory is impaired, and it becomes difficult to retain new information, leading to a lack of concentration or attention span. However, memory loss only lasts for the duration of intoxication.
Relaxation
Cannabis has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress and anxiety. It causes the user to feel relaxed and happy due to THC’s effect on the brain’s dopamine levels. The ability to relax is the most common psychological effect of cannabis use. Many people use marijuana to relax or before certain events that involve socializing.
Increased Appetite
One of the most noticeable physical effects of marijuana use is increased appetite, known as “the munchies.” It can be easy to lose time and constantly eat when high. The effects of cannabis can also stimulate one’s senses, allowing them to become more aware and appreciative of the food they eat. This effect often leads to overeating and an increase in weight.
Poor Coordination
Marijuana can be dangerous when driving because it decreases coordination, reaction time, and balance. It causes the user to feel relaxed, which can cause them to do things without thinking carelessly. Also, it decreases one’s peripheral vision making the user only focus on what is directly in front of them. Reaction time is also slowed down because it slows down the brain’s processing speed.
Pain Reduction
One of the most widely known effects of cannabis use is reducing pain. Marijuana can be used as a natural pain killer because it helps release dopamine, which reduces one’s perception of pain. This effect has been helpful for those suffering from chronic pain or cancer patients trying to manage their discomfort during treatment. However, this can also increase pain when coming down from the high, especially those suffering from chronic pain.
Addiction
Marijuana is addictive. People who use marijuana regularly can develop an addiction to the drug. They will feel a strong need to use marijuana and have difficulty controlling their use.
Marijuana addiction can lead to many negative consequences, such as problems with school or work, social isolation, and financial troubles. It can also increase the risk of developing other addictions to drugs or alcohol.
Improves Sleep
Cannabis use can aid insomnia by helping them fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. The chemical THC increases one’s ability to enter REM sleep, which significantly reduces the effects of insomnia and leaves the user feeling more rested and rejuvenated in the morning. This effect typically helps insomniacs fall asleep rather quickly.
Although there are many positive effects of marijuana, such as appetite stimulation and pain relief, the dangers of its use must also be taken into consideration. The most common side effect is impaired coordination and judgment due to slowed thought processes and reaction time. It can also cause users to behave in strange or dangerous ways without realizing it.