Despite the cool connotations associated with smoking weed, smoking cannabis is not full of freedom. You’d be still living within the psychological and physiological effects that are sure not favourable once it begun and eventually damaging your health. Read on the how cannabis can put a considerable effect to your health. For more information on the potential dangers, see our article on The Dangers of Cannabis.
Cannabis (also known as pot, herb, and most commonly as weed) is produced from the hemp plant called Cannabis sativa and you can use the dried leaves, stems, flowers, and even seeds to get the ‘high’ feeling. To date, nearly four percent smokes it at least once a year and now it’s begin to worrying that the statistics will be increased as there are as many as thirty percent of teens smoke the pot.
There are more than 66 cannabinoid compounds with the most potent one is tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC). To learn more about THC, check out our article on What is THC? The compound binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the nerve cell, causing activity changes to release the ‘feel — good’ hormone dopamine. These changes are what we feel as high, increase in anxiety, paranoia, and acute psychosis (causing you to dissociate from your present reality).
Sure people are pointing out that smoking the herb occasionally won’t put a significant harm to our health but how can we be sure that we’re not on our way to get addicted to cannabis’s effects?
Short Term Effects of Cannabis
Along with the high — like feeling, you can feel cannabis effect within thirty to sixty minutes after smoking the weed as THC gets absorbed into the blood via lungs (causing the heart to beat rapidly) and the effect can last as long as weeks. After the euphoria subsides, cannabis user will tend to feel sleepy, fear, panic, and depressed for no reason. For a more comprehensive look at how cannabis affects your body over time, read our article on How Long Does Cannabis Stay in Your System? A Complete Guide.
Additionally, short-term effects of cannabis can also include impaired coordination and reaction times, which can make everyday activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery dangerous. It can also cause red and bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, increased appetite (commonly known as “the munchies”), and a decreased ability to focus or concentrate.
It’s important to note that the short-term effects of cannabis can vary depending on the individual and the amount consumed. Some users may experience a milder high, while others may experience more intense feelings of euphoria or paranoia.
While the short-term effects of cannabis may not be immediately harmful, chronic use can lead to long-term negative effects on physical and mental health. It’s important for individuals to understand the risks associated with cannabis use and to make informed decisions about their consumption.
Effects to Your Brain and Lungs
Using cannabis long enough will put a considerable damage to your brain, making you unable to think and remember clearly. With brain damaged by THC, you will tend to hallucinate and live in delusions even when you are not taking cannabis at the moment. To understand more about the potency of modern cannabis, see our article on How Strong Is Cannabis Nowadays? Frequent smoking the weed can also cause burning to your mouth and throat, forming various respiratory problems and infections (similar to tobacco smokers).
The Dangers of Cannabis Use
Smoking pot can make you more at risk to suffer lung cancer, affecting your fertility, and reduce your appetite. For a deeper dive into the risks associated with cannabis use, read our article on The Facts about Cannabis. Your psychology state is no doubt will be affected. You tend to get angry easily (especially when there’s no weed in hand), depressed, and tuning out of reality more often than you realised.
Moreover, long-term cannabis use can also lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. You may experience intense cravings, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty in sleeping when you stop using marijuana. It can also affect your social life, leading to poor relationships with family and friends. In addition, it can have a negative impact on your work or school performance, leading to poor grades, lost opportunities, and even job loss.
Apart from the physical and psychological damages, using cannabis can also expose you to legal troubles. Possession and consumption of marijuana are illegal in many countries, and you can face severe consequences if caught by the law enforcement agencies. It can stain your reputation and lead to a criminal record, which can be detrimental to your future prospects.
If you’re concerned about cannabis use in the workplace or for personal reasons, it’s important to know that there are various Types of Cannabis Drug Testing Kits available.
In conclusion, while cannabis may offer some benefits, including pain relief, it is essential to weigh the potential harms against the benefits before using it. If you decide to use it, be aware of the potential risks, and use it responsibly and in moderation. If you’re unsure about cannabis use, you might find our article on 7 Things You Need to Know About Cannabis helpful. Otherwise, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting, affecting your health, relationships, and future.
You can buy cannabis drug tests online at www.zoomtesting.co.uk
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in January 2015. It was last updated in June 2023.
