Marijuana is a confusing little plant, isn’t it? On one hand, people can use it to alleviate the symptoms of severe sicknesses like cancer or HIV/AIDS, but, on the other hand, the drug can potentially damage the human brain (particularly those of teens and young adults up to 27 years old). So, how are you supposed to approach a drug that has become commercially successful and mostly legal for medical purposes? Obviously, in this changed society, protecting your kids is not as easy as it was before, so you will probably have a lot of questions about the drug and its influence. What are the varieties of the plant and what types of people are using it? How does the plant affect you over short and long-term periods? Let’s take a closer look at a lineup of questions as provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Alcoholism.
How Is Marijuana Packaged?
Due to the widespread use of the drug for multiple purposes, it is only obvious that the plant would be sold in a variety of forms. Although it is still sold as a thick, fragrant green mixture of chopped flowers (used for rolling), the emerging marijuana market has spawned some strange new forms. Besides the obvious pot brownies, pot-infused vitamin drinks and tinctures are now on the rise.
How Long Can It Stay in the Body?
Overall, THC (the most powerful psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant) is quickly assimilated by fatty tissues in your body, but THC metabolites can endure for several days (meaning they can be detected in a urine test). In several reports, scientists have discovered that long-term marijuana users will store THC in their cells for multiple weeks (rather than days).
Will Marijuana Always Induce a High?
As strange as this may sound, marijuana does not always produce that iconic “high.” In fact, some people can consume pot and feel absolutely nothing at all. Body chemistry is a major determinant for how people will react to this drug.
Is Marijuana Addictive?
You have probably heard some people talk about how marijuana is so great because it does not trigger addiction, but they couldn’t be far from wrong. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has confirmed that 9% of people who use this drug will develop marijuana addiction. Ultimately, this risk will increase if people started using pot in their teen or young adult years.
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
Marijuana may be marketed as an alternative medication, but teenagers and young adults should never indulge in a drug that could potentially warp their minds and bodies. Even as an older adult, you are putting yourself at risk for a possible case of marijuana addiction. Even though the percentage is slim, you could always be that “one person” who suffers from this illness. If you are trying to beat marijuana abuse or have a friend or family member who is coping with this terrible problem, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of rehabilitation to help you separate yourself from these substances.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can kick your marijuana use to the curb.