Drug effects

Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. It is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Cannabis contains a chemical called THC (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is a mind-altering drug. People usually take it for the effects it has on their mood and their feelings. THC is also a depressant drug, that is, it slows the brain down, particularly if taken in high doses. It can give people hallucinations, make them feel sedated or sleepy or it can act as a stimulant.

Marijuana effects

Some people may feel chilled out, relaxed and happy, while others have one puff and feel sick. Others get the giggles and may become talkative. Hunger pangs are common and are known as 'getting the munchies'.Users may become more aware of their senses or get a feeling of slowing of time, which are due to its hallucinogenic effects.

People who are intoxicated on cannabis usually feel more sensitive to things around them and sensations can seem different. For example, time can seem to slow down, colours seem brighter and richer and new details and meanings can be seen in things. People concentrate less well, often talk and laugh more than usual and can have problems with their balance.

Using marijuana can be especially dangerous in certain situations, such as when you are driving, because your reaction time is slower. This make it more difficult to react to a dangerous situation, which could cause an accident.

Marijuana Side effects

Using weed regularly over a long time can lead to a state called "burnout." A person who is in this pattern tends to be inattentive. They can be described as dull, and being burned out from marijuana abuse affects their performance at work or at school.
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Personal relationships suffer because the user just doesn't have the ability to fully participate in them. When burnout is especially pronounced, the pot user may not be able to respond to other people at all. They are in their own world.

Other common side effects of using marijuana:

• Trouble remembering things
• Slowed reaction time
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleepiness
• Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility
• Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
• Anxiety
• Psychological dependence
• Paranoia (feeling that people are "out to get you")
• Altered time perception
• Red, bloodshot eyes
• Daily cough and phlegm production
• More frequent acute chest illnesses
• Increased risk of lung infections

What about during pregancy?

There is some evidence that women who smoke cannabis during the time of conception or while pregnant may increase the risk of their child being born with birth defects. Pregnant women who continue to smoke cannabis are probably at greater risk of giving birth to low birthweight babies.