Side Effects Of Marijuana

Memory trouble, difficulty concentrating, anxiety and altered time perception are just a few side effects of marijuana. Commonly called weed or pot, marijuana comes from the flowers, stems and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana side effects are caused by the active chemical ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC, and other chemicals such as nicotine.

1. Withdrawal. Some marijuana users report withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, decreased appetite, cravings and anxiety when marijuana is not accessible. Symptoms usually start one day after the drug is not taken, and will persist for weeks. At least nine percent of light marijuana users and 25 to 50 percent of daily users will become addicted to the drug.
2. Hormonal changes. Since marijuana heavily affects chemicals of the brain, it dramatically changes the hormone levels in the body. Men using marijuana report decreased testosterone levels, lower sperm counts and infertility. Sudden drops of testosterone from marijuana may cause enlarged breasts on men.
3. Daily life. One of the most noticeable side effects of marijuana is seen first hand by family, co-workers, friends and the public. Marijuana smokers are often associated with accidents, tardiness, compensation claims and more. Research shows that marijuana users have social, career status and family problems.
4. Lungs.  Marijuana smoke, which contains lung irritating carcinogens, can be deadly. Inhaling and holding in marijuana smoke increases exposure to carcinogenic, deregulates epithelial cell growth in the lung tissue and increases their risk of cancer. Marijuana smokers usually have some side effects that tobacco smokers have such as coughing, phlegm production, lung infections and chest illness.
5. Mental health. Research shows that chronic marijuana users experience anxiety, depression and can develop schizophrenia. Chronic marijuana use starting at a young age often causes addiction and increases the risks for mental illnesses. High doses of marijuana will cause acute psychotic reactions, and trigger the onset or relapse of schizophrenia.