How Does Marijuana Affect the Body?

How Does Marijuana Affect the Body?

Some countries, states, or cities legalize marijuana and this plant remains prohibited in some areas. So a question pops up in your mind, ‘How does marijuana affect the body?’. The urge to know how it affects a person’s body is linked to the status of legality or the contrary.

With a vast selection of marijuana created by modern cultivation, the effects of every strain vary. Some may be best suitable for recreation and some excel in providing relaxation. The most valuable side is being medical marijuana as it helps numerous individuals who suffer from illnesses.

How Does Marijuana Affect the Body and The Different Systems 

Respiratory System

The smoke from marijuana is not different from tobacco. It is also filled with various toxic chemicals like hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. These elements can irritate your lungs and bronchial passage.

Regular marijuana consumers usually experience coughing, wheezing, and having phlegm. Weed can worsen respiratory ailments such as cystic fibrosis and asthma. It can also heighten the risk of lung infections and bronchitis.

Marijuana smoke may also contain carcinogens which expose the tokers to acquiring lung cancer. Some studies have results that contradict these statements. NIDA, the authority that oversees the use of drugs stated that there’s no definite evidence that it can cause cancer. 

Circulatory System

Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana travels starting with your lungs and ends up in your bloodstream. Then it proceeds all over the body. There will be changes in your heartbeat in just a matter of a few minutes. The increase is around 20 to 50 heartbeats every minute.

The increase can keep on going for up to three hours. It must not happen to those with heart ailments as they are being exposed to the chance of having a heart attack.

Having bloodshot eyes is known as the usual adverse effect. The eyes turn red because of the blood vessel expansion due to marijuana consumption. 

On the other hand, marijuana can decrease the pressure on the eyes. Thus, it alleviates the symptoms of glaucoma. But more studies are needed regarding this discovery.

Another finding of the study fuels a positive outlook on the long term use of this plant. Marijuana can stop the development of blood veins that tolerate cancerous tumors. Promising effects show that it can prevent cancer and it can be used for treatment. They sound so good but more research and studies are needed to confirm all of these things.

Central Nervous System

The effects of marijuana move forwards to the central nervous system. Some medical benefits from weed occur in this part of the body. For example, the relief for pain and inflammation and its ability to undermine spasms and seizures.

In this part, the negative effects on the central nervous system will be disclosed. THC is the component of marijuana that makes users high because it gives off a large amount of dopamine to make you feel good.

During the time that you feel high, your perception may be impaired. There will be an increase in sensory perception and how you comprehend time. Your judgment is altered too as THC alters the normal way of processing information. These modifications take place in the hippocampus which carries out memories. So it is almost impossible to generate fresh memories when in euphoria.

The changes also affect the basal ganglia and cerebellum which are the generator of balance and movement. Thus, marijuana can interfere with your reflex, balance, and coordination. So never drive when you’re under the influence of weed.

Delusions and hallucinations can happen when a high amount of THC. NIDA released a statement that there might be a connection with mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, it still calls for further study. You have to avoid taking too much THC if you are suffering from schizophrenia as it would only make things worse.

The brains of consumers below 25 years old are not at its peak yet. Marijuana delivers lasting effects on memory and consciousness to the said group of people. It’s not good for pregnant women as well as it can contribute to the brain development of the unborn child. It will come out that the baby will have issues with memory and concentration. It may not enhance their skills in solving problems.

Digestive System

Some may have experienced having a stinging feeling and burning sensation on their mouth and throat. These instances occur during inhaling. You should know that digestive issues arise when marijuana is taken orally. 

Nausea and vomiting happen when THC is ingested as it proceeds to the liver. Once it arrives in that part, damages start to exist. There’s also a finding called ‘cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome’ which experts think the main driver of marijuana trips. However, it remains understudied.

On the contrary, marijuana is a reliable medical source of easing nausea and upset stomach. This effect covers several health conditions.

‘Munchies’ is a term that is related to marijuana consumption. It is related to one of its effects as it increases appetite. So it’s advisable to have some food beside you. The psychoactive structure of THC activates a sole component which is the appetite suppressing cell. Even though you had enough, you still feel hungry.

It is most beneficial for people who are undergoing chemotherapy as they tend to lose appetite. It’s a disadvantage for people who want to lose weight. However, there’s a 2014 study that gave a result that body weight is not caused by munchies

Some studies show that it can relieve inflammatory bowel ailments like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. But the precision and reliability need to be proven from further study. 

Immune System

Some studies show that marijuana has adverse effects on an individual’s immune system. It implies that users may be more vulnerable to ailments. But it’s not proven to be true. It would be recognized by the authority if more studies are made to make it factual.

Conclusion

The effects of marijuana on a person’s body are weighed in different circumstances. So to answer the question ‘How does marijuana affect the body?’, you have to consider other factors. Unfortunately, further study and research are needed to prove the discoveries connected to this plant.

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