Marijuana can be an unpredictable drug with effects that vary based on a variety of factors including your brain's unique chemistry, the type of marijuana used, how much you consume, and your method of consumption.
With that said, here's what we know so far about the short-term and long-term effects of marijuana:
Advertisement
Marijuana typically lowers blood pressure causing blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow. "As a result, blood vessels in the eyes expand, leading to red or 'bloodshot' eyes," says Lawrence Weinstein, MD, the Chief Medical Officer at American Addiction Centers.
Studies show THC increases dopamine in the brain, the neurotransmitter responsible for euphoria. This induces feelings of bliss commonly referred to as "feeling high."
While THC can cause feelings of euphoria, consuming too much THC can cause an opposite reaction like anxiety or paranoia.
Important: There are no federal dosing guidelines regarding marijuana or THC. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider about what dose would be best for you.
Marijuana is associated with an impaired ability to strategize, problem-solve, and make good decisions. However, the extent of this effect is dependent on several variables including marijuana potency and previous exposure to the drug.
Marijuana's long term effects will vary from person to person, especially depending on how frequently you use the drug. Most of the following effects have only been documented in chronic users, which are those that use marijuana on a daily basis for an extended period of time.
But, study results are conflicting: A large 2016 study found no association between marijuana use and mood and anxiety disorders. Yet, a different data sample of US adults indicated using marijuana more than once a month was associated with an increased risk of social anxiety.
Studies have linked marijuana use to an increased risk of:
However, more studies are needed to understand cannabis's health implications, says the American Heart Association.
Some research suggests smoking marijuana can lead to symptoms like chronic cough, mucus production, and wheezing.
However, a 2012 study found chronic marijuana users who smoked one joint a day for 10 years scored well on tests measuring lung strength and capacity.
Note: The use of vape pens or "dabbing" may also cause respiratory problems, like vaping-induced acute lung injury, but more research is needed.
The average American diet is characterized by high intakes of sugar and starchy foods, which researchers theorize can cause an imbalance in the body's endocannabinoid system. Cannabis is believed to "reverse" this imbalance, causing the body to burn and store calories more efficiently.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests one in 10 marijuana users will become addicted. That number increases to one in six in people who begin using before age 18.
Like other addictive drugs, THC is associated with dopamine release which "teaches" the brain to continue using it.
