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Marijuana Addiction: Causes, Uses And Symptoms

Marijuana is a mind-altering drug manufactured from the Cannabis sativa plant, which includes dried leaves and flowers. THC is the most important chemical in Marijuana (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). ​​People smoke or ingest marijuana for medicinal purposes and recreational purposes and recently it has become legalized in some states in the US. 

Marijuana is a cannabinoid that makes up a category that includes synthetic cannabis, medicinal cannabis, butane hash oil, and cannabidiol.

Chemical Makeup of Marijuana

Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals, but the primary psychoactive ingredient is THC. THC is responsible for the marijuana “high.” The amount of THC in cannabis varies from plant to plant and batch to batch. 

The fully systematic name for this THC isomer is: 

  • (−)-(6aR,10aR)-6,6,9-trimethyl-3-pentyl- 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-1-ol. 
  • Two related substances, Δ9– tetrahydrocannabinol-2-oic acid and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol-4-oic acid (THCA), are also present in cannabis, sometimes in large amounts.

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What Type of Drug is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse. Marijuana is a mind-altering (psychoactive) drug that can change how you perceive time, space, and your senses. It can also make it difficult to think clearly and move with coordination.

When THC enters the brain, it produces a high by binding to cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and stimulating them. This action in the brain can lead to the psychoactive and physiological effects people experience when they use Marijuana.

How Does Marijuana Activate in The Human Body?

When someone smokes Marijuana, the THC enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. There, it attaches to specific receptors on nerve cells and activates them. This triggers the “pleasure center” of the brain, causing the user to feel high.

Some of the other effects of Marijuana include:

  • Changes in perception (e.g., seeing colors more vividly)
  • Changes in mood (e.g., feeling happy or relaxed)
  • Impaired memory and learning
  • Difficulty thinking and solving problems
  • Slowed reaction time

In some people, marijuana use can cause anxiety and paranoia.

Marijuana is typically smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or pipes (bongs). It can also brew tea or mix it into food (edibles). The THC in Marijuana is highly soluble in fat, so edibles tend to have a more robust and longer-lasting effect than other forms of Marijuana.

Marijuana can also be ingested using a vaporizer, which heats the plant material without burning it, and this produces a vapor that contains THC, which is then inhaled.

The effects of Marijuana usually last for 2-3 hours, but they can persist for longer in some people.

How Much Does Marijuana Weigh?

Marijuana typically weighs about 1-3 grams but can vary depending on the strain.

Brand Names For Marijuana

Since marijuana has been legalized, private companies are not producing it and selling it for medical purposes or at dispensaries. These are the top-selling commercial cannabis brands.

  1. RYTHM
  2. Cresco Cannabis
  3. Stiiizy
  4. Select
  5. Wyld

Slang Names For Marijuana

Marijuana has a long history of slang terms and nicknames. These include:

  • Weed
  • Pot
  • Grass
  • Herb
  • Ganja
  • Reefer
  • Chronic
  • Purp
  • Loud
  • Kush

Some of these names & terms are more common than others, but all of them refer to the same thing: the marijuana plant. Marijuana has been used for centuries, both for its medicinal properties and for its psychoactive effects. It wasn’t exactly like that until the early 20th century that Marijuana began to be demonized by the U.S. government, and it remains a controversial topic to this day.

Synonyms For Marijuana

As mentioned above, Marijuana has many slang terms or street names. These include pot, weed, reefer, grass, herb, ganja, and chronic. The term/name marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word for the hemp plant, marihuana.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

Synthetic Marijuana is also known by a variety of other names, including “spice,” “K2,” and “fake weed.” It is commonly sold in head shops, gas stations, and online. It is often marketed as a “safe” and “legal” alternative to natural Marijuana, which is why it is trendy among young people.

Marijuana is a natural biotic herb used for centuries for its medicinal and recreational properties. The effective ingredient in Marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. Synthetic Marijuana, on the other side, is a man-made drug that seeks to mimic the effects of THC. It is often made by spraying chemicals onto dried herbs or mixing them with other substances.

However, synthetic Marijuana is far from safe. In fact, it can be hazardous. The effects of synthetic Marijuana are often much more potent than those of natural Marijuana, and they can be very unpredictable. Users have reported various effects, including paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, and even psychosis. There have also been reports of seizures, heart attacks, and death.

So why would anyone take the risk of using synthetic Marijuana? The answer is simple: because it is legal. In most states, synthetic Marijuana is not currently illegal, meaning people can buy it without fearing arrest or prosecution.

Side Effects of Synthetic Marijuana

Some of the most common side effects (users face: Most of the time) associated with synthetic marijuana use include:

  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychotic episodes – Mental illness
  • Kidney damage

There have also been reports of death in some cases. Because it is a relatively new drug, the long-term effects of synthetic Marijuana are not yet known. But this synthetic form of marijuana will stay in your system for several weeks.

In a recent study, researchers found that one minute of exposure to marijuana secondhand smoke impaired vascular endothelial function. Vascular endothelial function is vital for overall health, and impaired function can lead to several health problems.

The study/research/experiment was conducted on rats, and the researchers found that secondhand marijuana smoke for one minute was enough to impair the function of the rats’ blood vessels. The impairment was short-lived, but it shows that secondhand smoke of Marijuana can be dangerous.

It’s important to note that the experiment was conducted on rats, and further research is needed to determine the effects of marijuana secondhand smoke on humans. However, this research suggests that secondhand cannabis smoke should be avoided.

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What States are Marijuana Legal in?

Currently, Marijuana is legal in some capacity in 33 states plus Washington D.C. This means that 97% of Americans live in a state where they can legally use Marijuana in some capacity. Of those 33 states, 10 have legalized Marijuana for recreational use, and Colorado was the first state to legalize Marijuana for medicinal & recreational use in 2012. This means that anyone over the age of 21 can purchase and use Marijuana for any reason.

The other 23 states have legalized Marijuana for medical use only. This means that you must have a qualifying medical condition to legally purchase and use Marijuana. Some of the most common happened & qualifying conditions for chronic cannabis users are cancer, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, Crohn’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

With such a high number of Americans people living in states where Marijuana is legal, it’s no surprise that a large number of people using Marijuana is on the rise. In fact, according to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans who say they have used Marijuana has nearly doubled in the last decade.

Should Marijuana Be legalized?

There are several numbers of different reasons why Marijuana should be legalized. Some argue that it has medicinal benefits and should be available to those who need it. Others believe the War on Drugs has been a failure and that Marijuana should be decriminalized to save money and resources.

What is Medical Marijuana?

Medical Marijuana is a wide term used to describe the whole, unprocessed marijuana plant and its basic extracts, which can be used or utilized to treat certain medical conditions. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the marijuana plant as medicine.

However, the scientific biological study of the RAW extracts in Marijuana, it’s called cannabinoids, has been approved by the FDA for two pill medications that were developed from extracts of cannabis.

Marijuana contains more than 100 different cannabinoids. The effects of each one are different. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two main cannabinoids that are of interest for medical treatment. THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea. CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and pain-relieving properties.

Marijuana is usually smoked as a joint or in a pipe, but it can also be eaten in cooked foods or brewed as tea.

What Is Marijuana Made From?

Marijuana is a living plant that contains a psychoactive chemical called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which causes euphoria. THC is the chemical that causes Marijuana’s mental changes. When you smoke Marijuana, THC goes from your lungs into your bloodstream and then to your brain.

Cannabis activates the same receptors as THC in your body, which causes a cannabinoid reaction. Cannabis binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which control memory, pleasure, thinking, concentration, movement, and coordination.

How Is Medical Marijuana Manufactured?

Marijuana is manufactured by extracting THC and CBD from the plant. The THC and CBD are then put into a pill form and sold as medicine.

The main active & effective ingredient in Marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects.

How Much Does Marijuana Cost?

The cost of Marijuana depends on a variety of factors, including the type of cannabis plant, the potency of the THC content, and the location where it is purchased. In general, high-quality Marijuana can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 per gram. However, lower-quality Marijuana may only cost $5 per gram.

Marijuana plants are typically divided into two categories: Indica and Sativa. The Cannabis Indica plant is shorter and has a higher THC content, while Sativa plants are taller and have a lower THC content. The type of plant affects the cost because India plants are more expensive to grow than Sativa plants.

The THC content is also a factor in the cost of Marijuana. The higher the THC content, the more potent the Marijuana, and the higher the price. Marijuana with a THC content of 20% or higher can cost up to $30 per gram.

Finally, the location where Marijuana is purchased also affects the price. In states where Marijuana is legal, the price is typically lower than in states where it is illegal. For example, a gram of Marijuana may cost $10 in Colorado, but it may cost $20 in New York.

Can You Become Addicted To Marijuana?

Marijuana addiction is a genuine issue that can develop when individuals smoke Marijuana on a frequent basis. Marijuana addiction is not as prevalent as drug addictions to cocaine or heroin, although it does occur.

Marijuana is a female cannabis plant that contains more than 500 chemicals, including THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. The plant has been utilized for centuries for its medical and recreational properties.

Marijuana abuse can lead to addiction. For real according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 30% of people who use Marijuana may develop an addiction.

Addiction is a serious condition that can cause major problems in a person’s life. It can lead to financial problems, job loss, family conflict, and legal trouble.

If someone you know or ever personally yourself is struggling with marijuana addiction, there is help available. There are many treatment options, including counseling, medication, and support groups. Treatment can help people recover from addiction and lead healthy, productive lives.

Break Free From Addiction

You don’t have to wait to get help. Our team is available 24/7 standing by for a confidential, no commitment phone call.

Uses For Marijuana

Marijuana has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of diseases. It was even listed in the United States Pharmacopeia until 1942. Today, Marijuana is not illegal for medical purposes in 29 states, as well as the nation’s capital. It is used to treat pain, nausea, and chronic illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.

Cannabis is commonly used as a recreational drug. People also commonly use cannabis for multiple sclerosis (M.S.) and nerve pain. Some people use cannabis to relax and relieve stress.

There is no good scientific evidence to support the use of Marijuana for other conditions. However, Marijuana is being studied for its potential to help with other conditions such as epilepsy, brain tumors, and chronic pain. 

Marijuana is still being studied to determine its full effects on the body and mind. More research is needed to determine whether Marijuana is effective for other conditions and if it is safe to use. Until this research is completed, it is important to talk with a doctor before using Marijuana for any condition.

THC, the potent chemical in cannabis, can also be used to treat glaucoma. This condition is characterized by high pressure in the eye that can lead to blindness. THC lowers the pressure in the eye, which can prevent or delay the onset of blindness.

Marijuana is also sometimes used to help people with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. THC increases appetite and can help people gain weight.

History Of Marijuana

Marijuana has been used since 2737 BC, when the Chinese Emperor Shen Neng recommended it for various maladies, including gout and rheumatism. In 1545, the Spanish society brought Marijuana to the New World, where it quickly became popular as a medicine. By the early 1900s, Marijuana was being used recreationally in the United States, and its popularity only grew from there.

The earliest known use of Marijuana dates back to the 3rd millennium B.C. in what is now China. Marijuana was used to heal a variety of problems, including pain, inflammation, and even malaria. In the United States of America, Marijuana was first introduced by Mexican immigrants in the early 1900s. By the 1930s, it had become widely used for recreational purposes.

In the 1960s, Marijuana became associated with the counterculture movement, and its use began to be seen as a symbol of rebellion. This perception changed in the 19th century when the U.S. government launched a War on Drug abuse that demonized Marijuana and its users. Marijuana was made illegal in many states, and those caught with it were subject to harsh penalties.

Despite its illegal status, marijuana use continued to spread. In the 1990s, several states decriminalized possession of small amounts of Marijuana, and in 1996, California was the first ever state to legalize medical Marijuana. In 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational Marijuana. Since then, a high number of other states have followed suit.

Today, there is a growing movement to legalize Marijuana nationwide. Proponents argue that legalization would provide many benefits, including generating revenue through taxation, reducing drug abuse-related crime, and freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crimes.

Opponents argue that legalization would increase marijuana use, especially in young cannabis users, and lead to an increase in other types of crime.

The debate over the legalization or Nonlegalization of Marijuana is likely to continue for many years to come. It’s impossible to know the origins of Marijuana, though it’s clear that it has a long and complicated history that has molded how we think about it today.

Cultural References To Marijuana

Marijuana has been used in some form or another for centuries. It was first mentioned in Chinese texts dating back to 2737 BC, and it has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs and South American burial mounds.

In the past, Marijuana was often used for religious or medicinal purposes. For example, ancient Hindus used it as a way to connect with their gods, and Native Americans used it in ceremonies to promote harmony between humans and nature.

In more recent history, Marijuana has been associated with some controversial figures. In the 1930s, for example, cannabis was linked to the rise of Mexican organized crime. In the 1960s, it became associated with the counterculture movement in the United States.

Today, Marijuana is still surrounded by a certain amount of controversy. Some people see it as a dangerous drug (Like drug alcohol), while others believe that it has potential medical benefits.

The ongoing debate over the legalization or Nonlegalization of Marijuana is complex and often emotional.

There are many valid arguments & points of view on both sides of the issue. Those who support legalization often cite the potential medical benefits of Marijuana, as well as the fact that it is no more harmful than alcohol or tobacco. Those who oppose legalization worry about the potential for abuse and the impact that Marijuana would have on society if it were to become more widely available. At this point, there is no clear consensus on whether Marijuana should be legalized.

Find Help For Marijuana Addiction

If you are using too much marijuana and it is negatively affecting your life, addiction treatment may be an option. We have safe and comfortable rehab centers that will help you restart your life so that you can follow a new path and journey. Our admissions process is simple, just reach out to us and we’re happy to be your guide.

 

FAQs

How Do You Use Marijuana?

People use Marijuana in different ways. The most common way to use it is to roll it into a cigarette called a "joint." People also do smoking marijuana in pipes or water pipes called "bongs." You can also eat foods that contain Marijuana, such as cookies or brownies. Some people make tea from marijuana leaves or flowers. Some people use a vaporizer to smoke Marijuana. A vaporizer heats the Marijuana to a temperature that is hot enough to release the active ingredients into a gas but not hot enough to actually burn the plant material. Marijuana Blunt & Joint Marijuana also comes in other forms, such as oils and tinctures, which are liquids that you can take by mouth. You can also get Marijuana in pill form. Marijuana is even being used in some medical treatments, such as for people who have cancer or chronic pain. The chemical THC is present in cannabis, which accounts for its psychoactive properties. THC can make you feel high, relaxed, and hungry. It can also interfere with your short-term memory and make it hard to concentrate. This sensation usually lasts for one to three hours, but it can last longer if you take a large dose.

Why Do Some People Become Addicted to Marijuana?

People use Marijuana in different ways. The most common way to use it is to roll it into a cigarette called a "joint." People also do smoking marijuana in pipes or water pipes called "bongs." You can also eat foods that contain Marijuana, such as cookies or brownies. Some people make tea from marijuana leaves or flowers. Some people use a vaporizer to smoke Marijuana. A vaporizer heats the Marijuana to a temperature that is hot enough to release the active ingredients into a gas but not hot enough to actually burn the plant material. Marijuana Blunt & Joint Marijuana also comes in other forms, such as oils and tinctures, which are liquids that you can take by mouth. You can also get Marijuana in pill form. Marijuana is even being used in some medical treatments, such as for people who have cancer or chronic pain. The chemical THC is present in cannabis, which accounts for its psychoactive properties. THC can make you feel high, relaxed, and hungry. It can also interfere with your short-term memory and make it hard to concentrate. This sensation usually lasts for one to three hours, but it can last longer if you take a large dose.

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Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

This content is verified and moderated by Dr. Brendan Bickley

Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.

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