What are the Side Effects of Weed?

Weed goes by many names, including Mary Jane, reefer, Buddha, ganja, 420, nuggets, and bud. All of these refer to the cannabis plant, particularly marijuana flowers. 

There are numerous ways to smoke weed, including using a pipe, bong, hookah, joint, blunt, vaping, or hot-knifing. 

You can also get cannabis in weed tinctures administered under your tongue, applied to the skin, or added to food or drinks. The method of consumption you choose is purely a matter of preference. Some methods are more convenient than others, and most smokers will use different methods at different times. 

So what happens if you smoke weed every day? Are there even any side effects to smoking marijuana? The answer is a resounding yes. There are side effects of marijuana use.

 

Is Smoking Weed Addictive?

Marijuana is a drug from the cannabis plant and is composed of many different compounds with mind-altering properties affecting your body and brain. So what are the effects of weed if you smoke frequently? 

Despite what some people think, marijuana is habit-forming and can lead to substance abuse. It is both psychologically and physically addictive. Some smokers report that they become unable to eat or sleep if they don’t smoke pot. Some smokers only toke once in a while, while others blaze daily. 

It’s only addictive if you allow it to rule you by consuming it too frequently. But, of course, what constitutes drug abuse or smoking too often is a matter of personal discretion. Becoming addicted, developing a tolerance, and spending too much money on weed are all part of what happens when you smoke too much weed. That’s why it’s a good idea to curb your consumption.

If you find you’ve been smoking so much that you can’t get high, it may be time for a tolerance break. To take a tolerance break, drastically reduce your smoking amount or quit altogether for at least a week. This allows the cannabinoid count in your system to go down so that when you smoke again, you will feel the effects of the THC. 

 

How the Cannabis Plant Affects the Body and Mind

Now let’s examine what happens when you smoke weed and its side effects. First, the marijuana plant contains delta-9-THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the high feeling people associate with weed. It also contains CBD, another cannabinoid known for its calming effects. Both compounds cause relaxation, but CBD won’t get you high as THC does. 

When you smoke or vape weed, the THC from the plant enters your bloodstream. The THC attaches to the endocannabinoid system in the brain, getting you high. This happens quickly, causing you to feel high in nearly no time. 

Most smokers feel their first hit within minutes but generally feel the effects of THC within 30 minutes to an hour. Once you’re high, your high lasts anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the strain, potency, and amount you smoke. The way weed affects you will depend on your tolerance and metabolism. 

Remember to start with a small amount and see how it affects you before consuming more. This is especially important with potent weed edibles that take up to 90 minutes to kick in. 

It is important to note that not all cannabis products are created equal and often have different effects and potencies.  For example, Cannabis Indica plant products often differ from Sativa products. Indica strains typically provide more of a body high and Sativas more of a head high.  Also, ingesting marijuana products will have different effects than smoking weed. 

Temporary Side Effects After Smoking Weed

You might face short-term memory problems

What are the side effects of weed on your memory? Ever gone into a room and forgotten why you went in there? Weed is like that. You might forget what you were saying, lose your phone, let’s just hope you don’t forget to pay the rent. 

Don’t worry; most people find that their memory returns to normal once their high wears off. The exception is that people who smoke large amounts daily tend to lose short-term memory. What was I saying?

 

You might notice some behavioural changes in yourself 

OK, so we need to talk about it here. THC is a mild hallucinogen. What are the side effects of weed if you smoke way too much? 

If you get high enough, you may start acting weirdly, seeing, smelling, or even seeing things that aren’t there. Having weed affect your mood is pretty dang uncommon, for the record. You have to smoke a lot of weed to hallucinate, but it does happen. If you start hallucinating, remember that you’re just stoned, and it will pass. 

Do not, under any circumstances, freak out. It will only make you paranoid and could make the hallucinations turn scary. Instead, do yourself a favour and have a trusted friend come hang out with you and consider doing something that takes you to your happy place, like watching cartoons.

 

You might also feel that your heart rate has increased while your reaction time is lowered

What happens if you smoke marijuana too much and your heart starts pounding? An elevated heart rate is another common side effect of weed. This is another instance where the last thing you want to do is freak out about it because that will only make your heart beat faster. Instead, remain calm, take a deep breath and chill. Pour yourself a nice cold glass of water, and don’t worry because the effects usually only last for about an hour or so.

Other temporary side effects are dry mouth, red eyes, and increased appetite.

 

What are the Long Term Effects of Smoking Weed

There are some undesirable long-term effects of smoking pot. What happens if you smoke weed every day? What are the side effects of weed in the long term? 

Regularly consuming weed and smoking in excess may lead to changes in your mental health:

• Addiction
• Lack of motivation
• Inability to complete long-term projects
• Impaired brain development
• A decline in life satisfaction
• Lowered IQ
• Worsen existing mental illness

 

What Does Weed Do to Your Lungs?

If you smoke weed year after year without letting up, it can negatively impact your lungs. Even secondhand marijuana smoke can cause harmful health effects. The toxins found in weed will injure the minuscule cells in your lungs, making it hard for you to breathe. In addition, weed smoke contains tar and carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). If you’re worried about the harmful effects of smoking on your lungs, consider using a vaporizer or consuming edibles. 

What is the Effect of the Combined Use of Alcohol and Marijuana Use?

What is the effect of the combined use of alcohol and cannabis?

You love weed. You love alcohol, so why not weed and alcohol, right? Wrong. Research demonstrates that the chronic use of alcohol and weed – called crossfading – impairs your ability to reason and drive clearly. Alcohol enhances the absorption of THC in marijuana and delivers a powerful high, leading to bothersome experiences. 

 

The Final Verdict of Smoking Marijuana

Marijuana has many medicinal benefits and, when used responsibly, is a safe, natural alternative to many prescription drugs. It acts as a social lubricant among friends and produces a pleasant euphoric high. It’s best to use weed in moderation and start slow until you know the best dose for your personal use. Then, find a method that works for you, and happy smoking!

Find the best recreational marijuana online at Get Kush. You can order online anywhere in Canada and get your order mailed to you. Alternatively, you can get same-day weed delivery in Vaughan, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and more with local options like Daily Treats Weed Delivery.

 

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