Despite the increased legalization of marijuana throughout the United States, there is still plenty of controversy surrounding the drug, its effects, and potential risks. One point of confusion is whether marijuana is a depressant, as the drug is frequently used to support relaxation. But marijuana’s effects go beyond sedation—for some people, the drug can bring on euphoria, energy, or hallucinations. Get to know the truth about marijuana’s effects to make an informed decision about whether it belongs in your life.
Although many people can now access marijuana legally, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of using this drug. It can result in dependence in some people, so you need to know where to turn for help. If you need marijuana addiction treatment, call Promises Right Step at 17135283709 to learn more about our treatment options.
Is Marijuana a Depressant?
Marijuana is often assumed to be a central nervous system depressant because it helps people feel more relaxed or sleepy. However, deeming it a depressant is not as simple as that.
While some of the effects of marijuana mimic those of depressants, its psychoactive properties also include stimulating effects. Like other stimulant drugs, such as meth or cocaine, marijuana can also enhance energy, mood, and alertness.
In addition to its depressant and stimulant qualities, marijuana also has hallucinogenic effects, like MDMA and LSD. This can involve seeing or hearing things that are not there or feeling paranoid.
So, is marijuana a depressant, a stimulant, or a hallucinogen? In short, marijuana can behave like all three. Essentially, it comes down to how you respond to marijuana. Each person experiences the drug differently, so while it may have sedating effects on you, it could be more stimulating for someone else.
Common Marijuana Side Effects
As marijuana affects people differently, the side effects experienced can also vary. Some of the most common marijuana side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased appetite
- Impaired memory
- Heightened sensory perception
- Altered sense of time
The intensity and severity of these side effects will vary from person to person and are dependent on the method of consumption. For example, using concentrated forms of marijuana, like wax or dabs, can result in more intense side effects since they contain significantly higher levels of THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) than other forms of cannabis.
Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?
Another area of confusion regarding marijuana is its potential for addiction. Some people view the drug as harmless, while others are concerned about its potential as a gateway drug that could lead to experimenting with more potent drugs.
The truth is that people can use marijuana without developing an addiction; however, it can lead to dependence in some. THC induces euphoric feelings that can encourage a person to keep using the substance.
This can lead to repeated marijuana use, which eventually results in the development of tolerance to the drug that requires larger doses to achieve the same pleasurable effects. Over time, the person may also start to experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not use the drug.
Long-Term Effects of Marijuana
Using marijuana over a long period can present additional side effects. Some health concerns you should consider if using marijuana long-term are:
- Lung damage – If you smoke marijuana, you put yourself at risk of breathing problems, cough, phlegm, and lung infections, similar to smoking tobacco.
- Cognitive impairment – You may experience memory loss and learning difficulties.
- Mental health disorders – It is possible to develop anxiety or depressive disorders from long-term marijuana use or experience a worsening of existing symptoms.
It is essential to consider these long-term effects of marijuana and determine whether you want to keep using it over a long period.
Call Promises Right Step for Marijuana Addiction Treatment
As you can see, marijuana is more complex than once believed. It is not strictly a depressant and may have some unwanted side effects. If you need help overcoming dependence on marijuana, reach out to the professionals at Promises Right Step at 17135283709.
