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-theropy
-a 12 step program
-family education and theropy

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Marijuana is often considered harmless. Thousands of people smoked it in the 1960s and they turned out all right. The truth is, today's marijuana is a lot more potent than the weed of five decades ago. In just one example, modern pot contains six times more delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. This chemical is the main active ingredient and the primary reason for the high that occurs.

Current estimates state that 95 million Americans over the age of 11 have tried marijuana in some form at least once. One out of five high school seniors had reported smoking marijuana in 2010, according to a National Institute on Drug Abuse study. The same survey states that an increasing number of high school students are using marijuana daily.

Marijuana is known by many names: Mary Jane, reefer, chronic, ganja, kif, herb, boom, pot or weed. It is a combination of buds, leaves and seeds from the Cannabis sativa plant. Whether the drug is smoked in a joint, inhaled through a bong or eaten as food, the danger is real. Extended use leads to dependence, addiction and harmful side effects. Getting treatment early is the best way to minimize the impact.

Modern Marijuana Dangers for Teens

A lot of people dismiss the dangers of smoking marijuana because they believe it is not addictive. In reality, pot smokers can become chemically dependent just like anyone else who takes drugs.

The THC in all forms of marijuana acts on the nerve connections in the cerebellum, hippocampus, basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. This attack triggers the brain to release dopamine, which is a chemical that makes the body feel good. Everyone likes pleasure, so the person is more likely to use drugs again in order to reclaim that high. Teenagers are three times more likely to become dependent on marijuana than adults.

This dependence can cause a continual craving for the euphoria from a THC high. This feeling eventually leads to more frequent and more potent drug use, even when the behavior has serious consequences. Adolescent marijuana users are likely to forget about schoolwork, skip classes, stop enjoying recreational activities, and distance themselves from family and friends. They may even give up on life and concentrate on the high. If this pattern continues, it can ruin the opportunity to go to college, get a good job, start a family, and live a happy, productive life.

If you feel you have entered this dangerous territory, you still have hope. A trained counselor is waiting at to discuss your situation.

Risks of Teen Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana cravings and dependence are very real possibilities after smoking weed. Full addiction is also possible. Just like with other drugs, teenagers can become so focused on the high that they try risky behaviors in order to obtain it. They may steal, damage property or even hurt friends in order to score an ounce.

The odds of becoming addicted to marijuana depend on many factors, such as:

How much marijuana is used

Frequency of usage

The drug's potency

Whether it has been laced with other drugs

Whether it is willingly taken with other drugs or alcohol

"Roughly one out of 10 marijuana users ends up chemically dependent."Roughly one out of 10 marijuana users ends up chemically dependent. Starting young doubles the chances of addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Use marijuana every day as an adolescent and you will be five times as likely to get hooked.

It is important to note that addiction is not a lifetime sentence. Hundreds of treatment facilities across the United States possess the knowledge and skills to help you stop the cycle and prevent relapse. Even if you have committed a crime, they can put in touch with lawyers, doctors and therapists who can assist with your case.

Symptoms and Side Effects

Despite the growing number of teens using it, marijuana is not safe. You can never truly know what is in the marijuana that you buy on the street. In addition, the United States still considers pot usage to be illegal, so you can be arrested for possessing, using or selling even the smallest amounts.

The National Institutes of Health points out the most common side effects of marijuana use:

Loss of coordination

Loss of balance

Memory problems

Cognitive delays

Difficulty learning new things

Problems concentrating

Poor judgment

False perceptions

Slow reaction times

Low motivation

Increased heart rate

Bronchitis

Anxiety

Panic attacks

Depression

These health and life problems may not seem significant, but they can quickly lead to a downward slide. For instance, making poor judgments can lead to risky sexual activity, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS. Slow reaction times contribute to car accidents, accidental injuries and even death. In the long term, people who abuse marijuana report having problems at school and work, having more relationship issues, enjoying life less, and having more mental health problems than their peers who do not smoke marijuana.

Adolescent Addiction Treatment

Marijuana treatment programs often follow a holistic approach to treat the minds and bodies of the patients in their care. The treatment may be outpatient at a local clinic or inpatient at a residential facility, depending on whether your addiction is mild or severe.

Young men and women first go through a period of detoxification to remove the carcinogenic chemicals from the body. They are supported throughout this period to reduce the uncomfortable feelings of withdrawal.

Recovering addicts then go through weeks of individual or group counseling. These sessions center on why you use illegal drugs and why you are motivated to stop. They help you uncover your triggers and find ways to avoid situations that encourage drug use or at least handle those situations better.

Finally, patients graduate from their treatment programs and start living without relapse. No marijuana addict is ever cured, so follow-up therapy is important. Twelve-step programs like Marijuana Anonymous can fill the void and deliver social support from like-minded people.

No matter how many times you have smoked pot and no matter how often you have taken other drugs, the important step is to seek help. Marijuana is often viewed as a gateway drug. People who move on to harder drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, often start with marijuana. Instead of falling for this trap, call . You have access to a confidential, caring professional who understands your struggles and can make recommendations that will move you towards a better life.

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Marijuana is often considered harmless. Thousands of people smoked it in the 1960s and they turned out all right. The truth is, today's marijuana is a lot more potent than the weed of five decades ago. In just one example, modern pot contains six times more delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC.

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why teens end up using cannabis product:

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why teens end up using cannabis product:

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there are a number of reason why teen begin smoking such as and not limited to; as an escape from abuse, knowledgeable of the dangers, they live in a place where this drug is common, or a family member does it.

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I frequently give talks about marijuana at schools. If the audience includes parents, the most common question is a variation on, "What are the signs that my kid might be abusing marijuana?"

The question is common for a reason, and important given that 17 percent of adolescents-compared to nine percent of adults-who use marijuana will develop an addiction. Those numbers may seem insignificant, though with 22 million Americans using marijuana last year, a small fraction of a large number can be a large number.

Simply put, one in six of teenagers who use marijuana today will become addicted, and unfortunately, it's hard to pick-up on the often subtle cues that may tip a parent off, such as:

a slight dip in academic performance

a decreased interest in once-loved activities

a different group of friends

Even if worry is warranted, and a problem exists, most parents don't know what to do about it. When addressing this issue with kids, there are four key steps in the progression from measured concern to getting your adolescent proper and effective treatment.

1.) Preparation: Figuring out that something is not quite right usually requires a keen sense of what is normal for your child and maintaining open lines of communication. Neither is easy to achieve, especially in this era of technology where texting often trumps talking. Parents must make the effort, though, so that if something is not quite right, your child might be willing to let you know. Kids often do not want to talk with you when you'd like them to, but while they may be annoyed at your persistent attempts to engage, you cannot afford not to try. One of my patients told me, "My dad only talks with me about two things - the Red Sox and the weather." That's simply not going to cut it; we have to talk to our children about important things so that when things go awry, they will feel they can come to you with their problems.

The second aspect of preparation is thinking about how your child will respond when asked about their marijuana use. A child will either be amenable to seeing someone to determine if there is a problem present or not, and parents must be prepared for both possibilities. If your child is willing to see someone, that person needs to be competent, of course, and an appropriate fit. While I am not hung-up on credentials-there are excellent physicians, psychologists, and social workers out there-the choice is critical because the window of opportunity may not be open for long. If your child denies that there is a problem and refuses to see someone, determine how you will revisit the issue. Unfortunately, when parents are met with resistance in these instances they often don't know what to do and, as a result, nothing happens.

2.) Conversation: Once you've decided that you are uncomfortable with the possibility that your child is using marijuana or using it in a problematic fashion, the actual conversation is a simple one. The parent's message should be a variation of "I am concerned about your marijuana use and I think you need an evaluation by a professional." There is no value judgment here, and you are not attempting to make a diagnosis. "I think you are addicted to marijuana!" will not produce the desired effect. The parent can point out that they are uncertain if a problem that requires treatment is present, but they would like someone who deals with these issues every day to make that determination.

3.) Evaluation: As mentioned above, the letters after the clinician's name matter far less than their level of expertise in getting a thorough evaluation. The actual meeting takes about 70 to 90 minutes; I spend around 50 minutes with the adolescent performing an evaluation that covers their marijuana use, including why they use and the possible psychosocial factors that may be playing a role in their use, other drug use, their psychiatric history with special emphasis placed upon depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, medications, family history of psychiatric or substance abuse issues, and social history (family, school, and relationships). The rest is spent reviewing a recommended plan of action with both the adolescent and their parents.

Understanding the role that marijuana plays in their life is the most important piece of the evaluation. It is essential to acknowledge how they must at least perceive some benefit from marijuana if they have made it a regular part of their routine. By contrast, if the clinician hammers an adolescent with the negatives of marijuana use without appreciating the appeal of using marijuana, they will not get far. I want young people to know the scientific evidence that underscore the dangers of marijuana in the developing brain, but I also know that scientific evidence alone won't get them to change their marijuana use. I have never had a young person come into my office and exclaim, "Doc, I heard that I might lose up to eight points of my IQ if I keep smoking weed-please help me stop!"

The clinician must also figure out what is important to the adolescent: getting in to a particular college, being eligible to participate in sports, or using the family car are examples of things that will motivate a young person to make a change.

Aside from gathering information, the second most important element of the evaluation is the development of an alliance, or rapport, with the patient. This is where the current state of technology works to the clinician's advantage. While the young person may be uncomfortable, at least initially, having a conversation, they find the experience of someone listening to them an unusually powerful experience. Listening intently establishes quickly that the clinician cares what they have to say, and the questions the clinician asks lets the adolescent know that the clinician knows what he or she is talking about.

4.) Referral: The final step is making a treatment recommendation to the adolescent and their parents. All parties should hear the recommendation so that everyone is on the same page. Recommendations typically range from adding a therapist that can help the adolescent examine their stressors to a structured treatment program. It is important to point out that most people who see me for a consultation do not want follow my treatment recommendations - at least right away. If I have done my job during the evaluation and established an alliance with the patient, however, they will call me back when they are ready to follow my recommendations and I will make a referral to a specific therapist or program. The hope is that they call me back before they have lost the things that are important to them.

What's most important is to remember that if you're a parent of a teen struggling with addiction, there are resources available to you, and you're not alone. Staying vigilant, communicative, open-minded, and resourceful is critical when supporting healthy decisions for your family.

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I frequently give talks about marijuana at schools. If the audience includes parents, the most common question is a variation on, "What are the signs that my kid might be abusing marijuana?" The question is common for a reason, and important given that 17 percent of adolescents-compared to nine percent of adults-who use marijuana will develop an addiction.

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-Becoming dependent on marijuana
-Dropping out from study or work
-Financial difficulties
-Difficulty with memory and learning

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What is marijuana?

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other similar compounds. Extracts can also be made from the cannabis plant (see " Marijuana Extracts").

Marijuana is the most commonly used addictive drug after tobacco and alcohol. Its use is widespread among young people. In 2018, more than 11.8 million young adults used marijuana in the past year. According to the Monitoring the Future survey, rates of past year marijuana use among middle and high school students have remained steady, but the number of teens in 8th and 10th grades who say they use it daily has increased. With the growing popularity of vaping devices, teens have started vaping THC (the ingredient in marijuana that produces the high), with nearly 4% of 12th graders saying they vape THC daily. In addition, the number of young people who believe regular marijuana use is risky is decreasing.

Legalization of marijuana for medical use or adult recreational use in a growing number of states may affect these views. Read more about marijuana as medicine in our DrugFacts: Marijuana as Medicine.

How do people use marijuana?

People smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in pipes or water pipes (bongs). They also smoke it in blunts-emptied cigars that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana. To avoid inhaling smoke, some people are using vaporizers. These devices pull the active ingredients (including THC) from the marijuana and collect their vapor in a storage unit. A person then inhales the vapor, not the smoke. Some vaporizers use a liquid marijuana extract.

People can mix marijuana in food ( edibles), such as brownies, cookies, or candy, or brew it as a tea. A newly popular method of use is smoking or eating different forms of THC-rich resins (see " Marijuana Extracts").

Marijuana Extracts

Smoking THC-rich resins extracted from the marijuana plant is on the rise. People call this practice dabbing. These extracts come in various forms, such as:

hash oil or honey oil-a gooey liquid

wax or budder-a soft solid with a texture like lip balm

shatter-a hard, amber-colored solid

These extracts can deliver extremely large amounts of THC to the body, and their use has sent some people to the emergency room. Another danger is in preparing these extracts, which usually involves butane (lighter fluid). A number of people have caused fires and explosions and have been seriously burned from using butane to make extracts at home.

How does marijuana affect the brain?

Marijuana has both short-and long-term effects on the brain.

THC acts on numerous areas in the brain (in yellow).

Short-Term Effects

When a person smokes marijuana, THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. The blood carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The body absorbs THC more slowly when the person eats or drinks it. In that case, they generally feel the effects after 30 minutes to 1 hour.

THC acts on specific brain cell receptors that ordinarily react to natural THC-like chemicals. These natural chemicals play a role in normal brain development and function.

Marijuana over activates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of these receptors. This causes the "high" that people feel. Other effects include:

altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)

altered sense of time

changes in mood

impaired body movement

difficulty with thinking and problem-solving

impaired memory

hallucinations (when taken in high doses)

delusions (when taken in high doses)

psychosis (risk is highest with regular use of high potency marijuana)

Long-Term Effects

Marijuana also affects brain development. When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may impair thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Researchers are still studying how long marijuana's effects last and whether some changes may be permanent.

For example, a study from New Zealand conducted in part by researchers at Duke University showed that people who started smoking marijuana heavily in their teens and had an ongoing marijuana use disorder lost an average of 8 IQ points between ages 13 and 38. The lost mental abilities didn't fully return in those who quit marijuana as adults. Those who started smoking marijuana as adults didn't show notable IQ declines.

In another recent study on twins, those who used marijuana showed a significant decline in general knowledge and in verbal ability (equivalent to 4 IQ points) between the preteen years and early adulthood, but no predictable difference was found between twins when one used marijuana and the other didn't. This suggests that the IQ decline in marijuana users may be caused by something other than marijuana, such as shared familial factors (e.g., genetics, family environment). NIDA's Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, a major longitudinal study, is tracking a large sample of young Americans from late childhood to early adulthood to help clarify how and to what extent marijuana and other substances, alone and in combination, affect adolescent brain development. Read more about the ABCD study on our Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD Study) webpage.

A Rise in Marijuana's THC Levels

The amount of THC in marijuana has been increasing steadily over the past few decades. For a person who's new to marijuana use, this may mean exposure to higher THC levels with a greater chance of a harmful reaction. Higher THC levels may explain the rise in emergency room visits involving marijuana use.

The popularity of edibles also increases the chance of harmful reactions. Edibles take longer to digest and produce a high. Therefore, people may consume more to feel the effects faster, leading to dangerous results.

Higher THC levels may also mean a greater risk for addiction if people are regularly exposing themselves to high doses.

What are the other health effects of marijuana?

Marijuana use may have a wide range of effects, both physical and mental.

Physical Effects

Breathing problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and people who smoke marijuana frequently can have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco. These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections. Researchers so far haven't found a higher risk for lung cancer in people who smoke marijuana.

Increased heart rate. Marijuana raises heart rate for up to 3 hours after smoking. This effect may increase the chance of heart attack. Older people and those with heart problems may be at higher risk.

Problems with child development during and after pregnancy. One study found that about 20% of pregnant women 24-years-old and younger screened positive for marijuana. However, this study also found that women were about twice as likely to screen positive for marijuana use via a drug test than they state in self-reported measures. This suggests that self-reported rates of marijuana use in pregnant females is not an accurate measure of marijuana use and may be underreporting their use. Additionally, in one study of dispensaries, nonmedical personnel at marijuana dispensaries were recommending marijuana to pregnant women for nausea, but medical experts warn against it. This concerns medical experts because marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight and increased risk of both brain and behavioral problems in babies. If a pregnant woman uses marijuana, the drug may affect certain developing parts of the fetus's brain. Children exposed to marijuana in the womb have an increased risk of problems with attention, memory, and problem-solving compared to unexposed children. Some research also suggests that moderate amounts of THC are excreted into the breast milk of nursing mothers. With regular use, THC can reach amounts in breast milk that could affect the baby's developing brain. Other recent research suggests an increased risk of preterm births. More research is needed. Read our Marijuana Research Report for more information about marijuana and pregnancy.

Intense nausea and vomiting. Regular, long-term marijuana use can lead to some people to develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. This causes users to experience regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention.

Reports of Deaths Related to Vaping

The Food and Drug Administration has alerted the public to hundreds of reports of serious lung illnesses associated with vaping, including several deaths. They are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the cause of these illnesses. Many of the suspect products tested by the states or federal health officials have been identified as vaping products containing THC, the main psychotropic ingredient in marijuana. Some of the patients reported a mixture of THC and nicotine; and some reported vaping nicotine alone. No one substance has been identified in all of the samples tested, and it is unclear if the illnesses are related to one single compound. Until more details are known, FDA officials have warned people not to use any vaping products bought on the street, and they warn against modifying any products purchased in stores. They are also asking people and health professionals to report any adverse effects. The CDC has posted an information page for consumers.

Mental Effects

Long-term marijuana use has been linked to mental illness in some people, such as:

temporary hallucinations

temporary paranoia

worsening symptoms in patients with schizophrenia-a severe mental disorder with symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking

Marijuana use has also been linked to other mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among teens. However, study findings have been mixed.

Are there effects of inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke?

Failing a Drug Test?

While it's possible to fail a drug test after inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke, it's unlikely. Studies show that very little THC is released in the air when a person exhales. Research findings suggest that, unless people are in an enclosed room, breathing in lots of smoke for hours at close range, they aren't likely to fail a drug test. Even if some THC was found in the blood, it wouldn't be enough to fail a test.

Getting High from Passive Exposure?

Similarly, it's unlikely that secondhand marijuana smoke would give nonsmoking people in a confined space a high from passive exposure. Studies have shown that people who don't use marijuana report only mild effects of the drug from a nearby smoker, under extreme conditions (breathing in lots of marijuana smoke for hours in an enclosed room).

Other Health Effects?

More research is needed to know if secondhand marijuana smoke has similar health risks as secondhand tobacco smoke. A recent study on rats suggests that secondhand marijuana smoke can do as much damage to the heart and blood vessels as secondhand tobacco smoke.But researchers haven't fully explored the effect of secondhand marijuana smoke on humans. What they do know is that the toxins and tar found in marijuana smoke could affect vulnerable people, such as children or people with asthma.

How Does Marijuana Affect a Person's Life?

Compared to those who don't use marijuana, those who frequently use large amounts report the following:

lower life satisfaction

poorer mental health

poorer physical health

more relationship problems

People also report less academic and career success. For example, marijuana use is linked to a higher likelihood of dropping out of school. It's also linked to more job absences, accidents, and injuries.

Is marijuana a gateway drug?

Use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are likely to come before use of other drugs.Animal studies have shown that early exposure to addictive substances, including THC, may change how the brain responds to other drugs. For example, when rodents are repeatedly exposed to THC when they're young, they later show an enhanced response to other addictive substances-such as morphine or nicotine-in the areas of the brain that control reward, and they're more likely to show addiction-like behaviors.

Although these findings support the idea of marijuana as a "gateway drug," the majority of people who use marijuana don't go on to use other "harder" drugs. It's also important to note that other factors besides biological mechanisms, such as a person's social environment, are also critical in a person's risk for drug use and addiction. Read more about marijuana as a gateway drug in our Marijuana Research Report.

Can a person overdose on marijuana?

An overdose occurs when a person uses enough of the drug to produce life-threatening symptoms or death. There are no reports of teens or adults dying from marijuana alone. However, some people who use marijuana can feel some very uncomfortable side effects, especially when using marijuana products with high THC levels. People have reported symptoms such as anxiety and paranoia, and in rare cases, an extreme psychotic reaction (which can include delusions and hallucinations) that can lead them to seek treatment in an emergency room.

While a psychotic reaction can occur following any method of use, emergency room responders have seen an increasing number of cases involving marijuana edibles. Some people (especially preteens and teens) who know very little about edibles don't realize that it takes longer for the body to feel marijuana's effects when eaten rather than smoked. So they consume more of the edible, trying to get high faster or thinking they haven't taken enough. In addition, some babies and toddlers have been seriously ill after ingesting marijuana or marijuana edibles left around the house.

Is marijuana addictive?

Marijuana use can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, a medical illness in which the person is unable to stop using even though it's causing health and social problems in their life. Severe substance use disorders are also known as addiction. Research suggests that between 9 and 30 percent of those who use marijuana may develop some degree of marijuana use disorder. People who begin using marijuana before age 18 are four to seven times more likely than adults to develop a marijuana use disorder.

Many people who use marijuana long term and are trying to quit report mild withdrawal symptoms that make quitting difficult. These include:

What treatments are available for marijuana use disorder?

No medications are currently available to treat marijuana use disorder, but behavioral support has been shown to be effective. Examples include therapy and motivational incentives (providing rewards to patients who remain drug-free). Continuing research may lead to new medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms, block the effects of marijuana, and prevent relapse.

Points to Remember

Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant.

The plant contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other related compounds.

People use marijuana by smoking, eating, drinking, or inhaling it.

Smoking and vaping THC-rich extracts from the marijuana plant (a practice called dabbing) is on the rise.

THC overactivates certain brain cell receptors, resulting in effects such as:

altered senses

changes in mood

impaired body movement

difficulty with thinking and problem-solving

impaired memory and learning

Marijuana use can have a wide range of health effects, including:

hallucinations and paranoia

breathing problems

possible harm to a fetus's brain in pregnant women

The amount of THC in marijuana has been increasing steadily in recent decades, creating more harmful effects in some people.

It's unlikely that a person will fail a drug test or get high from passive exposure by inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke.

There aren't any reports of teens and adults dying from using marijuana alone, but marijuana use can cause some very uncomfortable side effects, such as anxiety and paranoia and, in rare cases, extreme psychotic reactions.

Marijuana use can lead to a substance use disorder, which can develop into an addiction in severe cases.

No medications are currently available to treat marijuana use disorder, but behavioral support can be effective.

Learn More

For more information about marijuana and marijuana use, visit our:

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24. Cadoni C, Pisanu A, Solinas M, Acquas E, Di Chiara G. Behavioural sensitization after repeated exposure to Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cross-sensitization with morphine. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001;158(3):259-266. doi:10.1007/s002130100875.

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Marijuana DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other similar compounds. Extracts can also be made from the cannabis plant (see " Marijuana Extracts"). Marijuana is the most commonly used addictive drug after tobacco and alcohol.

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Signs Of Marijuana Abuse

If you're concerned someone you care about is using Marijuana, being aware of the signs of abuse is the first step toward finding out. Some common signs and symptoms that may indicate Marijuana use include:

However, it is also important to never diagnose yourself or a loved one without the consultation of a medical professional first. Reach out to a treatment provider to ask questions and learn more.

The Dangers Of Marijuana

Vaguely similar to alcohol, many Americans take little issue with Marijuana use. Increasingly over the years, states are legalizing the distribution and use of the substance for both medicinal and recreational purposes, but also like alcohol, simply because something is legal does not mean it is risk-free.

The psychological consequences of prolonged Marijuana abuse aren't completely understood and ultimately require more research. For example, some studies suggest that Marijuana use can lead to a dependence and eventual addiction and may increase the chances of developing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, motivational disorder, and schizophrenia. Alternatively, medical Marijuana doctors may prescribe cannabis for severe and/or chronic pain management, arthritis, or to combat or minimize side effects from cancer treatments. A hot button topic of conversation in today's culture, it can be difficult to extrapolate absolute truths-mostly because at this time, there is not enough evidence or research.

It is equally important to discuss both the risks and possible benefits of Marijuana use-especially as more and more states legalize either medicinal or recreational use.

Marijuana use affects short-term memory and can alter the senses for a period of time following consumption; the long-term effects are less certain and ultimately require more research.

One of the biggest concerns is the age in which an individual began using Marijuana. While there is still a lot scientists do not know, studies have shown a correlation between teenage Marijuana use and prolonged long-term mental deficiencies such as a loss in IQ points.

Immediate Side Effects Of Marijuana Abuse

The short-term side effects of Marijuana aren't life-threatening, but there are potential dangers of use. Some of the immediate side effects of Marijuana include:

Paranoia

Elevated heart rate

Overeating

Impaired motor function

Impaired memory

Impaired cognition

Anxiety

Altered sense of time

Long-Term Effects Of Marijuana Abuse

The science is less than concrete when it comes to the knowledge of long-term side effects of Marijuana use and abuse. While certainly not as detrimental and damaging as other substances, scientists have made some correlations, despite the lack of clear, absolute cause and effect. Some of the observed long-term effects include:

Mood swings

Lung infections or other breathing problems

Panic attacks

Worsening symptoms in those with schizophrenia

There have also been studies linking Marijuana use with increased experiences of mental health problems like depression or anxiety.

Possible Effects On Teens

The potential long-term risks of Marijuana abuse were highlighted in a study conducted by Duke University. It was shown that, among 1,037 people, those who regularly used Marijuana as teens experienced an average decrease of 8 IQ points between ages 13 and 38. However, another study investigating twins did not find a predictable difference in overall knowledge and ability when one used Marijuana and the other one did not, thus speculating that IQ differences can be attributed to various other factors.

While the science is relatively inconclusive regarding the long-term effects, researchers do not believe that adolescent Marijuana use in particular is harmless. Like the research mentioned above, there are other observational studies that link youth cannabis use with prolonged learning difficulties and challenges with overall mental development as well as an increased risk of schizophrenia.

Recognizing A Marijuana Addiction

One of the biggest signs of a Marijuana addiction is an insatiable urge to use Marijuana no matter the negative outcome. This could mean getting high at work or spending more on the drug than is affordable. Generally, most people addicted to Marijuana don't feel normal unless they can get high.

Some clinical warning signs of Marijuana addiction include:

Consuming more Marijuana than intended or for a longer period of time

The inability to cut down on intake, despite the desire to do so

Continuing to use Marijuana despite obvious negative consequences in your personal/professional life

Learn more about the clinical criteria used to diagnose an addiction.

Intervention For A Marijuana Problem

If Marijuana is hindering a healthy and productive life for you or someone you care about, an intervention can be a good way to help facilitate a change. Often, people who have become addicted to Marijuana do not believe they have a problem and may need the assistance of someone on the outside to see what they cannot.

For example, parents of teens who have started abusing Marijuana may stage an intervention to educate and explain the potential dangers of a drug so wrought with varying and often contradictory information. Learn more about staging an intervention.

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Marijuana Withdrawal, Treatment, And Next Steps

Some people who have used Marijuana for years have reported symptoms of withdrawal when they attempted to quit. Unlike those quitting Heroin or alcohol, the primary symptoms of Marijuana withdrawal are psychological rather than physical.

Chronic Marijuana users who quit all at once, may experience irritability, insomnia, cravings, depression, restlessness, changes in sleep patterns, changes in eating patterns, and anxiety.

Most Marijuana withdrawal symptoms develop within the first 24-72 hours after the last use, peak within the first week, and last approximately 1-2 weeks. Sleep difficulties may last more than 30 days. Post-Acute Withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) are reported to last anywhere from 12, 18, or 24 months. Some PAWS include restlessness, irritability, agitation, diminished appetite, poor concentration, increased anxiety, difficulty with decision-making skills, diminished ability functioning at same level as prior to using Marijuana, and cravings. The process of PAWS are inexorable and it is crucial to learn healthy coping skills to manage PAWS in order to remain sober.

Seeking help through treatment can teach users how to get over the emotional hurdles of quitting Marijuana. Treatment often includes a therapist who can coach patients through rough days and support groups that can provide comfort. Contact a treatment provider if you or someone you care about needs help finding treatment.

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Jeffrey Juergens

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If you're concerned someone you care about is using Marijuana, being aware of the signs of abuse is the first step toward finding out. Some common signs and symptoms that may indicate Marijuana use include: However, it is also important to never diagnose yourself or a loved one without the consultation of a medical professional first.