Marijuana or Cannabis, also known as weed, pot, skunk, boom, kif, ganja, herb, grass, bud, gangster, reefer, mary-jane, dope, dagga, and bhang, is one of the most commonly available psychoactive substances in India. Cannabis is a plant, and the main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol, one of 483 known compounds in the plant, including at least 65 other cannabinoids.
The dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of Cannabis are consumed in various forms. Marijuana can be consumed by smoking joints, which are hand-rolled cigarettes or blunts which are marijuana rolled in cigar wraps; it can be smoked in pipes or water pipes called bongs; marijuana can be brewed in a tea or even cooked in food – commonly in brownies, cookies, and candies; it can also be consumed through vaping THC rich extracts.
Effects of Marijuana:
Short-term Effects:
● Altered senses
● Altered sense of time
● Mood change
● Impaired memory
● Hallucinations
● Delusions
● Psychosis
Long-term Effects:
● It affects brain development. IQ points drop after prolonged usage.
● Breathing problems as lungs get affected, causing phlegm, cough, and higher chances of lung infection and bronchitis.
● Increased chance of heart attack.
● Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome- it causes regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
● Paranoia and hallucinations.
● Marijuana abuse has been linked to both depression and anxiety.
● Interpersonal relationships become dysfunctional as marijuana takes centre stage.
Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder:
● Marijuana/weed is often taken in more significant amounts and for a longer duration than the person had initially intended.
● There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control cannabis use.
● A lot of time and effort is spent on procuring weed, using it, or recovering from its effects.
● There are cravings to use Marijuana.
● Interpersonal relationships get affected because of marijuana use.
● There is continued usage of Cannabis despite having persistent social or interpersonal problems.
● Recurrent marijuana use failing to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home.
● Withdrawals can be seen through the following symptoms – irritability, anger, aggression, anxiety, weight loss, decreased appetite, sleep issues, restlessness, depressed mood, tremors, abdominal problems, sweating, fever, chills or headache.
Treatment for Marijuana Addiction:
As with other types of addiction, Marijuana addiction also requires a multi-therapy approach. In the initial stages of detoxification, medication is necessary to control drug cravings and relieve severe withdrawal symptoms. The process of detoxification and recovery can be easier if undertaken at a safe and fully equipped facility like a De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, which can provide short term as well as long term therapeutic interventions. Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous can help individuals stay on the path of recovery after the initial detoxification and treatment period.
Marijuana has often been thought of as a “gateway” drug because individuals who frequently use cannabis have a much higher chance of using substances like opioids or cocaine. Hence, it is imperative to seek treatment.
If you or a loved one is suffering from substance addiction, call ZORBACARE* at +91-8669567929 to get help today! We have multiple forms of treatment available to those suffering from substance addiction. Call Us today to get started on your journey of Sobriety!
ZORBACARE is a premium Drug & Alcohol Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Centre located in Pune and Mumbai. Zorbacare specializes in treatment for men and women suffering from the ill-effects of drug abuse or alcohol abuse.
Contributed for Zorba by Ketaki Redij, Psychological Counselor & Therapist.