From the Guidelines
Marijuana use can cause a range of symptoms including red eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite, impaired coordination, slowed reaction time, and altered perception of time, with potential long-term effects on mental health and chronic respiratory problems, as reported in a 2024 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1. The symptoms of marijuana use can vary based on the amount used, potency, method of consumption, individual tolerance, and personal factors like body chemistry and mental health history.
- Potential short-term effects range from euphoria and sensory enhancement to anxiety, memory impairment, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure, as noted in the study 1.
- Cognitive effects include difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, and altered judgment, with some users experiencing anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks, especially with high doses or potent strains.
- Physical symptoms can include increased heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and respiratory issues when smoked, with regular, heavy use potentially leading to dependence, characterized by cravings and withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep disturbances, and decreased appetite when stopping use. The intensity and duration of these symptoms vary, with effects typically beginning within minutes when smoked and lasting 2-3 hours, while edibles take longer to onset (30-60 minutes) but effects can last 4-6 hours or longer, as reported in the study 1. Some evidence indicates that high doses of THC may be associated with psychosis, and cannabis use may have a deleterious effect on adolescent brain development and well-being, with an increased risk for mental health problems, including major depression and suicidal ideation, as noted in the study 1. Therefore, it is essential to approach marijuana use with caution, considering the potential risks and benefits, and to prioritize individual health and well-being, as emphasized in the 2024 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Marijuana Use
- The symptoms of marijuana use can vary depending on the dose and method of consumption, but common effects include sedation, euphoria, relaxation, and loss of social inhibition 2.
- Adverse effects from higher doses can include fear, distrust, unease, hallucinations, ataxia, stupor, and seizures 2.
- Long-term use of marijuana has been associated with respiratory and cardiovascular toxicity, as well as a range of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and psychosis 2, 3, 4.
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome can occur with chronic use of marijuana, characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting 2.
- Driving under the influence of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is associated with approximately double the risk of motor vehicle crashes 2.
Psychiatric Symptoms
- THC has been associated with an anxiogenic response, including feelings of anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis 5, 3.
- CBD, another component of marijuana, has been found to have anxiolytic effects, reducing anxiety in both animals and humans without having an anxiogenic effect at higher doses 5.
- The relationship between marijuana use and anxiety is complex, with some studies suggesting a link between cannabis use and increased risk of anxiety in the long term 4.
- Psychotic symptoms, including delusions and hallucinations, can be induced by THC administration, with large effect sizes observed in studies 3.
Cognitive and Brain Effects
- Marijuana use has been linked to cognitive impairment across various domains, including attention, memory, and decision-making 6.
- Structural and functional differences in the brain have been observed in individuals who use marijuana, particularly in regions involved in reward processing and emotional regulation 6.
- The endocannabinoid system plays a role in neural development, and marijuana use during adolescence and young adulthood may have long-term effects on brain morphology and cognition 6.