Disadvantages of Cannabis Addiction

Cannabis is a term that refers to any of the different variations of the drug derived from the cannabis plant, which when used, can be a very potent hallucinogen that alters and distorts how your mind perceives the world. Marijuana, pot, ganja, hemp, grass, and reefer are only some of the names given to cannabis derivatives. It is the most used illegal drug in the world, although some countries and states have already legalized its use as a medical drug.

Cannabis can be used in many ways, but most people usually smoke the weed as a cigarette or in a pipe, much like tobacco. Its immediate effects may include disorientation, increased heart rate, and lack of physical coordination, which are often followed by episodes of depression and/or sleepiness. Some users may even experience anxiety or panic attacks. Its negative effects do not end with these immediate symptoms, however. According to studies, the active ingredient in the drug (THC) stays in the body for weeks or even longer, which means that prolonged and continuous use can cause even more serious health effects to the user. Marijuana smoke also contains 50 to 70 percent more cancer-causing substances and chemicals than cigarette or tobacco smoke. As a result, long-time joint cannabis smokers often suffer from lung diseases like bronchitis.

Cannabis affects more than just a person's physical health. Early studies also link heavy and long-term marijuana use to various brain abnormalities, many of which indicate similarities to different conditions caused by abuse of major drugs such as psychosis and other mental conditions. Cannabis can also change the structure of a man's sperm cells, causing temporary sterility. It may even upset a woman’s menstrual cycle. Cannabis can also disrupt the nerve cells in the human brain, which can affect memory and diminish mental functions.