Is Medical or Recreational Marijuana Addictive and Does It Have Side Effects

September 6, 2019

Is Marijuana Addictive and Does It Have Side Effects?

Marijuana also known as weed is a drug obtained from the cannabis plant, which comes with mind-altering properties. It is gaining popularity amongst people but for illegal reasons. However, it also provides both medicinal as well as recreational purposes. Initially, many start using this drug for the “high feeling” it leaves.

When an individual is high on this drug, the side effects include:

  • Unpredictable mood changes
  • Poor coordination
  • Temporary memory loss
  • Poor problem solving skills

Can Medical Marijuana Help With Alcohol Addiction?

Substitute therapies for tobacco (e.g. nicotine replacement therapy) and heroin (e.g. methadone) have been available for some time, while analogous substitutes for alcohol have been more elusive. A growing number of research studies suggest that medical marijuana could be an alternative therapy for alcohol. Marijuana doctors suggest that medical cannabis can be prescribed to individuals who are attempting to reduce the use of alcohol. In light of the recent movements toward cannabis legalization in the USA, which imply that cannabis use may become more commonplace, especially among heavy drinkers, helping them to replace with medical marijuana and later tapering off until complete withdrawal.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction or Alcoholism is a devastating disease that is responsible for the deaths of roughly 88,000 people a year, not to mention the 9,967 deaths due to alcohol-impaired driving. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is diagnosed by several symptoms, including, to name a few: drinking more than intended; inability to quit despite the desire to do so; craving; and, perhaps the most dangerous (if you are a heavy drinker) is potentially deadly withdrawal effects. 

According to marijuana doctors, the symptoms that cannabis reduces in addiction patients are similar to those of cancer patients. Nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, muscle cramps, fatigue, and sleeplessness. Furthermore, many steps are taken to clear the hurdles of the FDA by several pharmaceutical derivatives and synthetics which have based cannabis as an active ingredient. These new drugs which are legally approved provide 100 percent efficacy of medical marijuana as a treatment option.

Medically, marijuana has been shown to reduce chemotherapy-induced vomiting. In addition, it suppresses nausea for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Individuals suffering from HIV will benefit as it helps to reduce nerve damage pain. As a recreational drug, it is growing in popularity due to its short-term psychological effects.

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Overtime use of marijuana will lead to an addiction. This is because it causes psychological effects on the brain. The mental state then registers its use and it in turn reduces the production of dopamine. This means that the brain relies on using the drug, as it cannot provide its own dopamine sufficiently. Secondly, constant intake will reduce production of endocannabinoid receptors.

Marijuana use develops into an addiction, but at a lower percentage. The marijuana use disorder will start in the form of dependence. The addiction occurs when a person experiences changes in behavior because of the drug. It is possible to be dependent without being addicted on marijuana abuse. An addiction will also lead to withdrawal symptoms in the event the individual stops using the drug. This said, marijuana doctors agree that it is an addictive drug.

The duration it takes an individual to become an addict will vary from one person to another. Factors that contribute towards addiction include the intake amount, the method of ingestion, as well as the duration of use/abuse. For example, people abusing the drug over a longer period are more likely to become addicts.

Side Effects of Marijuana

Medicinal marijuana is naturally safe for use and it will not come with many side effects other than the intended effects. Recreational use of marijuana on the other hand comes with several side effects says on medical marijuana doctor near tampa florida. Some will last in the short-term, whereas others will last longer, especially for addicts and individuals who are dependent on the drug.

Other effects include dry mouth, dizziness, constant fatigue, dry eyes, coughing, persistent headaches, as well as an increase in appetite.

Some short-term effects of marijuana occur shortly after ingesting it. They include poor concentration with a feeling of highness.

Conclusion

Marijuana doctors agree that the drug is addictive but at the same time, not everyone who is dependent on the drug is also an addict. Marijuana abuse also leads to several side effects with a majority of them leading to negative effects in the long-term. Find medical marijuana doctors near me in orlando florida. The effects may vary from one individual to another, which means that the provided list above does not occur with everyone. An individual will not experience one side effect but they may not experience all the side effects either.

If you or someone you know is interested in seeing a marijuana doctor in your area, please contact EDocMMJ.com today or call 4076270314.