Marijuana – Not So Harmless
Marijuana has been legalized in many places all over the world. There is a myth that legalization of marijuana for medical purposes makes the drug harmless for every day consumption. Generally speaking, individuals who use, marijuana recreationally do not stop there. Most consider it to be a light drug and many teenagers experiment and mix it with other drugs. Between 9% and 13% of regular users develop an addiction to marijuana which results in;
- Drug cravings
- Possible physical dependence on weed
- Psychological dependence
Several medical studies have confirmed that the use of cannabis outside a strictly control environment such as hospitals or treatment centers is not harmless. Moreover, long-term use is known to cause many damages, particularly to the brain. Some of them include:
- addiction, a chronic brain disease
- chronic cough, bronchitis and respiratory problems
- diminished satisfaction with life
- impaired cognitive functions
- loss of memory
- reduced motor coordination
- risk of psychosis
Do not take the use of marijuana lightly!
Let’s try to understand more about what it does to your brain and body. We look at the metabolism of marijuana in the body and how it affects almost every organ therein.
How Does Marijuana Work In The Body?
- You smoke marijuana. It can also be eaten or drunk as a tea.
- LUNGS: Smoking marijuana results in rapid absorption with peak THC plasma concentrations occurring prior to the end of smoking.
- STOMACH: Following oral administration, absorption is slower and has a more delayed peak in THC levels.
- HEART: As cannabis gets absorbed into the body, THC makes it’s way through the bloodstream to the rest of the body.
- BRAIN: THC binds to cannabinoid receptors and interferes with cannabinoid neurotransmitter systems. Weed leads to impaired short-term memory, perception, judgment and motor skills.
- LIVER: THC is metabolized in the liver. The terminal half-life of THC can range from about 20 hours to 10 days, depending on the amount and potency of the marijuana used.
- COLON: More than 65% of cannabis is excreted in the feces.
- KIDNEYS: Approximately 20% of cannabis is excreted in urine.
Cannabis is a drug, and one that many think is completely harmless, this is not the case. If you or a loved one has a cannabis problem all you need to do is pick up the phone and one of our professional counsellors will be there to talk to you.
Take your first step toward a happier and healthier life with Step One Recovery.