How marijuana influences the brain
When you smoke marijuana (or ingest it through another route such as eating or tea brews), it influences the work of the body for a short time, or for as long as the effects of marijuana don’t wear out. But, smoking a lot every day and for a long period of time can cause some functional changes in the brain.
What THC does to the brain?
THC is a key ingredient that marijuana contains, but there are many other ingredients in marijuana. THC can quickly pass the blood-brain barrier when smoked, while it needs about 30 minutes to an hour for its effects to be felt when users eat it. THC attaches to the cannabinoid receptors in the body and the brain. In the brain, there are several sites where with a higher density of cannabinoid receptors, which normally react to natural THC-like chemicals in the brain. However, the THC from marijuana overactivates these regions of the brain resulting in some short-term effects, such as:
- alteration of the senses
- loss in time and space
- lowered reasoning ability
- memory lapses or memory loss
- mood changes
- panic
- poor body coordination
Over time, repetitive exposure to high and frequent doses of THC can lead to some long-term and adverse effects on the brain in individuals, especially in individuals with underlying psychological disorders. These side effects of marijuana include:
- addiction
- depression
- functional changes in the stress and reward regions
- impaired ability to learn and retain information
- lower concentration capacity
- mood swings
- personality changes
- psychological dependence
- short attention span
- suicidal thoughts
Questions about the adverse effects of marijuana
If you or someone you know started to need marijuana just to feel normal and be able to function, it may be time to cut back and stop. We are aware of the beneficial uses of marijuana, but anything in access can be more harmful than rewarding. For any additional questions, feel free to post below and we’ll get back with you promptly in no time.
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