What is Marijuana and its effects?

What is Marijuana and its effects?

Marijuana is a more common name for cannabis, often referring to it in its dried form. The cannabis plant, originally from Central and South Asia, was historically cultivated for hemp, a durable fibre used in textiles and rope. As a drug, the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds are dried to make marijuana.

Marijuana contains many substances called cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid. The other cannabinoid of interest is cannabidiol (CBD). This article focuses on THC, the primary reason marijuana produces psychoactive effects.

How is marijuana used?

Marijuana can be used in several different ways, each with varying effects depending on the method of consumption:

• Smoking: The dried plant material is rolled into joints or blunts, or smoked using pipes and bongs. This is one of the most common and immediate ways to feel the effects.
• Vaping: Oils and concentrates extracted from marijuana are heated and inhaled using vaporizers or dab rigs. These methods deliver high levels of THC quickly and may increase the risk of negative side effects.
• Edibles: Marijuana can be infused into foods and drinks such as baked goods, gummies, candies, or beverages. Edibles take longer to take effect (30 minutes to 2 hours), which can lead to overconsumption and serious health complications.
• Tinctures: These are cannabis-infused liquids, taken in small doses under the tongue or mixed into food or drink. The effects are typically milder and easier to control.
• Topicals: Lotions, balms, and oils infused with marijuana are applied directly to the skin. These are usually used for localised relief and do not cause a high.

The effects of marijuana.

Marijuana affects people in different ways depending on how it is used, the strength of the product, and the individual’s tolerance or health. The effects can begin within minutes when smoked or vaped. When consumed in edible form, the onset is slower and may take between 30 minutes and 2 hours. These effects can last for a few hours, with edibles often lasting longer than other forms.

Although the noticeable effects wear off, marijuana can remain in the body for days or even weeks. How long it stays in your system depends on how often it is used and in what amount. It is also possible to test positive for marijuana after being exposed to secondhand smoke, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Now, let’s explore the short-term and long-term effects in more detail.

What are the short-term effects of marijuana?

Short-term effects of marijuana use can vary depending on the dose, the method of consumption and the individual. The most common effect is a sense of intoxication or feeling “high.” This often includes feelings of happiness, relaxation and an altered perception of time. Some users may experience increased appetite, commonly known as “the munchies.”

Marijuana can also impair thinking, memory, coordination and body movement, which may affect a person’s ability to concentrate, drive or perform daily tasks safely. In some cases, users may experience feelings of irritability or restlessness.

At higher doses, marijuana can cause more serious effects such as anxiety, fear, distrust, panic, or even hallucinations. These reactions are more likely in people who are inexperienced with cannabis or those using high-THC products.

It is important to note that accidental consumption, especially by children, can lead to serious illness and hospitalization. Edibles are particularly risky, as they often look like regular food or sweets and take longer to produce effects, which can lead to delayed symptoms and accidental overdosing.

What are the long-term effects of marijuana?

Long-term marijuana use can have a range of effects on physical and mental health, especially when use begins in adolescence or continues heavily over time.

Smoking marijuana can harm lung tissue and lead to respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, large airway inflammation, lung hyperinflation, and increased airway resistance. Because marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke, it may also increase the risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

Long-term use has been linked to increased risks of stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmias, especially in individuals with underlying heart conditions. Chronic use can also lead to gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcer disease. In rare cases, some individuals develop cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition marked by repeated episodes of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Cognitive functions may also be affected. Long-term marijuana use has been associated with difficulties in learning, memory, attention, processing speed, language, and perceptual motor skills. These effects can be more severe when cannabis is used frequently during adolescence, a critical period for brain development. Regular cannabis use has been linked to an earlier onset of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Marijuana use in teens.

Marijuana use in teens can have lasting harm on brain development. Since the brain continues to mature into a person’s mid-20s, using cannabis during this critical period can interfere with areas responsible for learning, memory, attention and decision-making. Teens who use marijuana regularly may struggle with school performance, reduced motivation and lower academic achievement.

Frequent marijuana use during adolescence is also linked to an increased risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and in some cases, psychosis. Early marijuana use may also increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorders later in life.

Marijuana overdose symptoms.

Although marijuana overdose is not common, using high doses of THC, especially in edibles or concentrated products, can lead to serious effects that require medical attention. These effects may not be life-threatening by themselves, but they can impair judgment and physical coordination, increasing the risk of injury or dangerous situations. For example, someone may panic and fall, handle hazardous objects, or attempt to drive while impaired.

Symptoms of a marijuana overdose include:

These symptoms are more likely in people who are inexperienced, use very strong products, or have underlying health conditions. If someone shows signs of a severe reaction, it is important to stay with them, keep them calm, and get medical help if needed.

Is marijuana an addictive drug?

Yes, marijuana can be addictive. While not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted, some individuals develop a condition known as cannabis use disorder. This disorder occurs when a person finds it difficult to control their marijuana use, even when it starts to interfere with daily life. The severity can vary, ranging from mild to severe. In more serious cases, the behaviour becomes compulsive, with continued use despite clear negative effects on relationships, work, health, or mental well-being.

People with cannabis use disorder may also experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop, including irritability, trouble sleeping, cravings, and changes in mood or appetite.

In addition to physical dependence, some users develop a strong emotional reliance on marijuana. Many report that it makes everyday tasks feel easier or more enjoyable. Over time, they may find themselves using marijuana not just to cope with boredom or stress, but also to enhance activities they once enjoyed without it. This emotional attachment can deepen the cycle of use and make it harder to stop.

Getting help for marijuana use.

While not everyone who uses marijuana needs formal treatment, some people do struggle to stop using it on their own. When use becomes difficult to control, starts affecting relationships, mental health, or daily responsibilities, support may be needed to break the cycle. This is especially true for those experiencing cannabis use disorder or emotional reliance on marijuana to cope with everyday life.

The Way Recovery offers a compassionate and structured environment for individuals ready to take that step. Even though marijuana is often viewed as less harmful than other substances, what is often misunderstood is that marijuana can still lead to serious challenges that impact a person’s well-being. At The Way Recovery, the focus is on treating the whole person, helping clients understand their relationship with marijuana, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild a meaningful life without dependency.

24/7 SUPPORT | 021 030 0323

& ADMISSIONS | 074 588 0897