And What are Some Potential Risks? I Have also Heard it can Cause Psychosis. Is this true?
A: Yes, even though marijuana is now legal in many places, it can still have harmful effects depending on how it’s used, the individual, and the frequency and potency.
Potential Harms of Marijuana Use
Mental Health Effects:
Marijuana has been linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, especially with frequent or high-potency use. It can cause or worsen anxiety, depression, and in some cases, psychosis—especially in people with a personal or family history of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.
Risk of Psychosis:
There is a well-established link between heavy or early marijuana use (especially in adolescents) and an increased risk of psychotic disorders. THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) can trigger psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia in some people, particularly at high doses.
Cognitive Impairments:
Regular marijuana use can affect memory, attention, and learning—effects that may persist even after quitting, especially in those who start young.
Physical Health Concerns:
Smoking marijuana can damage the lungs over time. Long-term use might affect heart health, though the research is still ongoing.
Addiction:
While not everyone becomes addicted, around one in ten users may develop cannabis use disorder. That number rises to about one in six for those who start using in adolescence, and it may be higher with certain more potent strains of THC like wax and other concentrates.
Impaired Driving:
Marijuana use can impair coordination and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents when driving.
That said, marijuana can also offer medical benefits, such as pain relief and reduction of nausea, which is why it’s used therapeutically in many places. The key is understanding the context, moderation, and individual susceptibility.Feel free to reach out to Erin at Hill Recovery in Temecula: erin@hillrecovery.com or at 951-719-3685 with any substance abuse related questions.