Signs of marijuana addiction and abuse

Short-term (immediate) effects of marijuana use

The most common side effects of marijuana are:

• sleepiness
• difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory
• reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car
• increased heart rate
• potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease
• bloodshot eyes
• dry mouth and throat
• decreased social inhibitions
• paranoia, hallucinations
• impaired or reduced short-term memory
• impaired or reduced comprehension
• altered motivation and cognition, making the acquisition of new information difficult
• paranoia
• psychological dependence
• impairments in learning and memory, perception, and judgment - difficulty speaking, listening effectively, thinking, retaining knowledge, problem solving, and forming concepts
• intense anxiety or panic attacks

Long-term effects of marijuana use

• Enhanced cancer risk
• Decrease in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men
• Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility
• Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
• Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect

Effects of marijuana on men

Marijuana is the most common drug used by adolescents in America today. Marijuana affects the parts of the brain which controls the sex and growth hormones. In males, marijuana can decrease the testosterone level. Occasional cases of enlarged breasts in male marijuana users are triggered by the chemical impact on the hormone system. Regular marijuana use can also lead to a decrease in sperm count, as well as increases in abnormal and immature sperm. Marijuana is a contributing factor in the rising problem of infertility in males. Young males should know the effects and potential effects of marijuana use on sex and growing process before they decide to smoke marijuana.

Effects of marijuana on women

Just as in males, marijuana affects the female in the part of the brain that controls the hormones, which determines the sequence in the menstrual cycle. It’s been said that females who smoked or used marijuana on a regular basis had irregular menstrual cycles, the female hormones were depressed, and the testosterone level was raised. Even though this effect may be reversible, it may take several months of no marijuana use before the menstrual cycles become normal again.

Mothers who smoke marijuana on a regular basis have been reported of having babies with a weak central nervous system. These babies show abnormal reactions to light and sound, exhibit tremors and startles, and have the high-pitched cry associated with drug withdrawal. Occurring at five times the rate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Marijuana Syndrome is a growing concern of many doctors. Furthermore, doctors worry that children born to "pot-head" mothers will have learning disabilities, attention deficits and hormonal irregularities as they grow older, even if there are no apparent signs of damage at birth. Pregnant or nursing mothers who smoke marijuana should talk to their doctors immediately.

Marijuana Information