The Effects of Marijuana on Your Body

Marijuana, this is a drug which is also known as ganja, weed, pot or cannabis. The substance is the same. Marijuana is usually made from the buds, leaves, and stems of the plants. There exist mainly 3 types of marijuana strains: indica, sativa, and ruderalis. The indica strain is known to be the strongest whereas the sativa is known to be mild. The ruderalis strain is usually used in the textiles industry. However, its auto flowering gene is one which is sought by many marijuana growers and harvesters. That is why ruderalis is more commonly used to create hybrids so that its auto flowering technique is passed on to the offspring.

There exists a lot of controversy over marijuana use. Many countries and states have classified it as a banned and illegal drug. However, many people and countries are warming up to the idea of marijuana use. This is because of the study on the drug which has been carried out and the benefits of marijuana effects to the human body. It does more good than harm, however, there is no exact consensus because not much research has been done. After all, many countries still consider marijuana to be an illegal drug.

The Key Chemicals in Marijuana

There are two main chemicals in marijuana which determine how marijuana affects the body.

• THC. THC’s full form is tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the main chemical in marijuana which is responsible for giving you the high effect. It passes from the lungs into the blood stream and from the blood stream it goes into the brain. This chemical tends to increase the production of dopamine in the brain which is mainly known as the ‘happy chemical’. This chemical stimulates the parts in the brain which basically tend to respond to sources of pleasure, such as sex. The effects of THC can vary. It depends on the kind of strain used, whether the marijuana was smoked or ingested and the user’s metabolic system.
• CBD. Its full form is cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is not responsible for causing a high effect. Instead, it tends to counteract the effects of THC, such as paranoia or anxiety and makes the user more focused.

How to Use Marijuana?

The two main ways to use marijuana are: smoking and ingesting.

• Smoking. Smoking is perhaps the fastest and the easiest way to use marijuana. It is rolled into a cigarette, also known as a joint, and then it is smoked. The THC enters the lungs and penetrates into the blood. From the blood stream, the THC quickly reaches the brain and gives you the high effect within a second or a minute (the effect of marijuana depends on the strain you smoke). The marijuana effect tends to last for a good 30 minutes and then it starts fading away.
• Ingesting. Marijuana can also be easily eaten. Many people also ingest marijuana in the form of cannabis oil. The marijuana effects take time to show because they have to pass through your digestive system. However, the effects of weed on the body also tend to last for a longer period than if you smoke marijuana. Marijuana can be cooked into foods such as brownies and cakes.

The Effects of Marijuana on the Body

Every year, it is a researched fact that marijuana usage keeps on increasing. People who are aged from 18 to 25 have very commonly come across marijuana at some point in their lives. That is why potential users should know of how weed affects your body.

• Respiratory system. Similar to tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke is also known to have a very harmful effect on the human body. It is known to contain harmful toxins such as ammonia. Such toxins can play a huge role in irritating your bronchial passages and lungs. Moreover, regular smokers are known to cough and wheeze a lot. They produce a lot more phlegm as well. If you suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma or a sinus infection, marijuana may only worsen those conditions. However, there is mixed research on whether marijuana usage causes lung cancer because of the carcinogens in it. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, there is inadequate information and proof to say that marijuana effects contribute to lung cancer.
• Circulatory system. By now everyone knows that THC moves from the lungs and enters into the blood stream and moves around the body. This tends to increase your heart beat rate from 20 to 50 beats per minute. This is very harmful, especially if you suffer from a heart disease. This is because it can increase the danger of suffering from a heart attack. Moreover, another marijuana effect on the body is that the eyes become quite red when marijuana is used because the blood vessels expand. Research has also been carried out that marijuana reduces the pressure on the blood vessels near the eyes, which helps with glaucoma. All in all, there are positive conclusions of marijuana effects on the circulatory system, going as far as to say that it can help to slow down the growth of cancer cells. Research is still needed.
• Central nervous system. Marijuana use is thought to have positive effects on the nervous system. It can help to reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and seizures. However, there are still negative effects of marijuana use. THC in the marijuana causes the release of the ‘happy chemical’ called dopamine which gives you a pleasant high experience. However, the THC can impair the functioning of the hippocampus which is responsible for forming memories or even remembering. Too much marijuana use can even cause hallucinations and delusions that is why it is suggested to users with mental disorders to not use marijuana. As the marijuana high falls down, it can also cause depression. Moreover, it impairs a person’s ability to walk, talk, and reflex movements.

Summary

The length of the marijuana effect can be different. It all depends on whether you smoke or eat it. And the effects of marijuana usage can also be different. In this article, you’ve learned all that concerns about marijuana, its key chemicals, and effects on your body.