Featured, Medical Marijuana

5 Ways Marijuana Affects Your Mind & Body

marijuana effects on young generation

There has been a lot of news surrounding marijuana in recent years. Many states in the US have begun reversing their ban on this illicit substance and Canada just legalized it nationwide. It’s no surprise that many people are curious about this particular plant and are looking to buy weed online canada.

Marijuana has been part of human history for many generations. In fact, it is a common traditional medicine. It was only during the beginning of the 21st century that humanity turned its back on the plant and considered it taboo. 

There are two popular active ingredients in marijuana, THC, and CBD. THC is largely responsible for causing the psychoactive effect that the plant is well known for. CBD offers a milder form of effects on the body and on the mind.

Brain

Marijuana triggers a flood of dopamine immediately after it is absorbed in the bloodstream which is commonly described as the warm and fuzzy feeling of being high. The compounds in marijuana very much resemble a naturally occurring compound in the body called anandamide that effects the endocannabinoid system, or ECS, a system the controls our mood, memory, sleep, and appetite.

Digestion

And speaking of appetite, the most commonly cited physiological effect of consuming weed is the acute hunger one feels, also known as the munchies. But many researchers are still baffled by this effect. To this day, they still can’t pinpoint how cannabis makes people feel hungry. There is a leading theory that THC activates the release of hormones that promote hunger even if we are not.

Motor skills

THC is also a major contributor to why people who are high have decreased motor coordination and reaction time, which is why it is never advised to drive while under the influence. So a piece of advice, never ever get behind the wheel after smoking marijuana. You will only endanger yourself and others.

Eyes

Another hallmark sign that someone is under the influence of marijuana is the bloodshot eyes. This isn’t because they lack sleep but because THC causes the blood pressure to decrease causing the capillaries to dilate. It also doesn’t help that marijuana causes dryness on both the eyes and the mouth.

Lungs

Good news to cannabis enthusiasts. As of late, scientists have not found any clear proof that smoking marijuana is correlated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Although other studies have corroborated that the chemicals found in the fumes of marijuana have the same amount of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes. Another surprising report states that in a 20-year study, men and women who regularly smoke marijuana have an increased lung capacity than those that do not.

Mental state

There have been a few reports that marijuana can be used to treat people with anxiety and depression. But there is a little caveat to this. With the right dose, marijuana seems to have a positive effect on those with anxiety and depression. Too much of it can overwhelm the brain and neurotransmitter which can exacerbate their condition.