Marijuana Abuse Symptoms & Effects

Learn about marijuana abuse

Marijuana, also known as weed, pot, ganja, dope, bud, and herb to name a few, is an illicit drug that is typically smoked by users, but can also be brewed as a tea or mixed with food. Producing a high that causes feelings of relaxation and detachment from surroundings, marijuana is known to have adverse effects on brain functioning. Furthermore, for child and adolescent users of this substance, marijuana is also known to negatively affect a person’s brain development. Learning abilities can be hindered, coordination can be compromised, and the ability to make sound decisions can be infringed upon by the use of marijuana.

The active ingredient that causes the “high” associated with marijuana and is said to cause harmful effects for a person is called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This chemical enters an individual’s bloodstream after ingesting the drug, makes its way to vital organs, and eventually attaches to receptors in the brain. Chronic use of marijuana can eventually alter brain chemistry and lead to a number of health risks that can be life-threatening. Poor lung functioning, cardiac problems, and the development of certain mental illness are known to happen when a person abuses marijuana on an ongoing basis. With the help of effective treatment, an individual who abuses marijuana can learn how to cease his or her use and reduce the likelihood that these effects will take place.

Marijuana abuse statistics

Studied have found that 7% of eighth graders, 18% of tenth graders, and nearly 23% of twelfth graders have used marijuana within the last thirty days. Recent research has also concluded that over 6% of high school students use marijuana daily. Since 2008, these estimates have risen and experts believe that this is due to a change in perception about the dangers associated with marijuana use.

Causes and risk factors for marijuana abuse

While experts have yet to pinpoint the exact reasons why a person uses or abuses marijuana, there are a few agreed upon concepts that explain the causes and risk factors for marijuana use. Consider the following:

Genetic: Children and adolescents with a family history of substance abuse or addiction have an increased risk of eventually using or abusing marijuana. Because of the connection among individuals within the same genetic pool and rates of addiction, it can be concluded that some have a genetic predisposition to using substances, such as marijuana.

Physical: Researchers have found a specific receptor in the human brain that is known to respond to the presence of marijuana. Cannabinoid receptors, also known as CBRS, are found in the parts of the brain responsible for forming and storing memories, concentration, coordination, sensory and time perceptions, and decision-making. When a person uses or abuses marijuana, these receptors can become compromised and produce symptoms that infer a person is under the influence of marijuana.

Environmental: Children and adolescents who are exposed to marijuana in their environment are at risk of eventually using or abusing it themselves at some point. The earlier this exposure occurs, the greater the risk.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of substance use or addiction
• Pre-existing mental health condition
• Easy access to marijuana
• Early exposure to marijuana use
• Peer pressure
• Lack of appropriate coping skills

Signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse

The signs and symptoms of marijuana use greatly depend on the frequency, amount, and longevity of an individual’s use of this drug. Signs that a person is using or abusing marijuana include:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Delayed reaction time
• Increased family conflict
• Sudden change in peer group
• Decreased inhibition
• Seemingly uncontrolled laughter
• Engaging in risky behaviors / criminal activity
• Possessing drug paraphernalia
• Presenting with drug-seeking behaviors
• Decline in academic performance

Physical symptoms:

• Weight gain
• Bloodshot and/or glassy eyes
• Delayed reflexes
• Intense hunger pangs
• Fatigue
• Disheveled appearance
• Hypertension
• Coughing
• Reduced coordination
• Dry mouth

Cognitive symptoms:

• Impaired short and/or long-term memory
• Detachment from reality
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Lack of concentration
• Learning impairments
• Poor decision-making
• Exacerbation of preexisting mental illness symptoms

Psychosocial symptoms: 

• Increased anxiety
• Decline interest in things that were once enjoyed
• Depressed mood
• Increased irritability
• Agitation

Effects of marijuana abuse

Depending on the amount of marijuana used, the length of time a person has been using, and the methods in which a person uses marijuana can determine the severity of effects experienced. The listed effects have the potential to occur when someone abuses marijuana:

• Poor academic performance
• Engaging in risky or illegal behaviors
• Interaction with the legal system
• Amotivational syndrome
• Elevated risk for the development of depression, anxiety, and/or schizophrenia
• Upper respiratory infections
• Tachycardia
• Difficulties sleeping
• Hindered learning abilities
• Impaired memory
• Reduced intellectual functioning
• Elevated risk for the development of certain cancers
• Use, abuse, and/or dependence on other drugs and/or alcohol

Effects of marijuana withdrawal and overdose

It is believed by experts that some individuals who use or abuse marijuana are actually self-medicating as a means of coping with a form of mental illness. The following mental health conditions have been found to occur in those who use or abuse marijuana:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Other substance use disorders

Marijuana abuse and co-occurring disorders

When an individual stops their chronic use of marijuana, he or she may experience psychological and physiological effects. Examples of withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term marijuana use are:

• Depressed mood
• Increased irritability
• Restlessness
• Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
• Agitation
• Anger
• Intense cravings for continued use