Overview
Weed, also known as marijuana, is a drug derived from the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of either the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. There is a chemical in the plants called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that has mind-altering properties.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),
Marijuana, and THC in particular, has been shown to reduce chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea for people going through cancer treatment. It can also help to reduce nerve damage pain (neuropathy) in people with HIV or other conditions.
According to NIDA, approximately
A substance use disorder starts in the form of dependence, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped or not ingested for a period of time. Dependence occurs when your brain gets used to weed being in your system and, as a result, reduces its production of endocannabinoid receptors. This can result in irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, cravings, restlessness, and lack of appetite for several weeks after stopping. This is different than addiction.
Addiction occurs when a person experiences changes in their brain or behavior as a result of the drug. It’s possible to be dependent without being addicted, so there aren’t reliable statistics on marijuana addiction,
In 2015, approximately
Different strains of marijuana can have different amounts of THC, and depending on who is distributing the weed, there’s always a risk of other chemicals or drugs lacing it. Marijuana provided by medicinal dispensaries is generally considered safe. Side effects can occur at any time, although some side effects are dose dependent, as mentioned below.
Some side effects of weed can include:
- headache
- dry mouth
- fatigue
- dry eyes
- increased appetite (commonly called “the munchies”)
- coughing
- dissociation or altered state
- altered sense of time
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- high blood pressure
- impaired memory
In very high doses, weed can also cause hallucinations, delusions, or psychosis. This is rare, though, and not the norm. Some experts believe that people who experience psychosis from marijuana may already be at risk for psychosis.
In some people with bipolar disorder, weed might worsen manic states. Frequent use of marijuana might increase depression symptoms and the risk of depression. If you have a mental health condition, this is something to consider and perhaps speak with your doctor or therapist about.
If you take any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, it’s worth checking to see if there are any possible interactions. Weed can increase the effects of alcohol, negatively interact with blood clotting medications, and increase the risk of mania in people who take SSRI antidepressants. Talk with your doctor about the medications and supplements you are taking, and whether there are any known adverse interactions with weed.
Marijuana can be beneficial to a variety of individuals, especially those living with certain conditions causing pain, intense vomiting, or severe lack of appetite. Like many medications or supplements, weed might have the potential to become addictive in some individuals.
Addiction involves a number of factors, and the lack of clear statistics on weed makes this a complicated topic. If you’re worried about the potential for addiction, talk with your doctor about your concerns.