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THE EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA

Mark Shandrow is Asana Recovery’s CEO and has 20+ years of experience in business development and operations in the addiction treatment industry.
LinkedIn | More info about Mark

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Many people view marijuana, also known as cannabis, as a relatively safe drug, or one that can be used for casual recreation like alcohol. Keep in mind, however, even if you are using it legally, marijuana can become addictive. Studies suggest that 9 percent of people who use marijuana will become dependent on it, jumping to 17 percent when considering those who start using in their teens.

THC, a main component of marijuana, can have negative effects on the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory formation. Marijuana use can cause impairment of cognitive abilities, but the degree and duration of the impairment depend on the age when a person began using, how much they tend to use, and how old they were when they began. A study in New Zealand found that starting marijuana use in adolescence was associated with a loss of an average of between 6 and 8 IQ points.

The use of cannabis can also harm those around you. Driving while under the influence is becoming an increasing problem, and in 2013-2014, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a “National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers,” and found that 12.6 percent of weekend nighttime drivers tested positive for THC. THC has several negative effects on the ability to drive, including slower response times (such as braking or swerving to avoid something), inability to stay within a lane, lack of attention, and poor decision making. It can be difficult to formulate numbers on the impact of marijuana on vehicle accidents because many people use it simultaneously with alcohol. In a study of drug use by fatally injured drivers, 51.5 percent were found to be alcohol positive, while 6.7 percent tested positive for THC. Of those who were THC positive over half were also positive for alcohol.

The method in which you ingest marijuana can have an impact on its effects. Smoking cannabis leads to a rapid rise in blood THC concentration and its effects on the body. These concentrations can fall just as quickly, dropping by 80 percent within half an hour. However, when consumed orally, absorption of THC into the blood is much slower, often taking 30 to 90 minutes to reach full effect and lasting for about 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose. For those who use daily, THC accumulates in fatty tissue and then seeps back into the bloodstream, meaning it will stay present in your blood for a long period. This can be problematic if you’re required to pass a drug screening for a court or work.

Stopping the misuse of marijuana can have a multitude of positive effects. For a few examples: you’ll find yourself thinking more clearly, having an increase in energy, better memory, no more food cravings that might lead to weight gain, better performance at work, and improved relationships.

If you need help quitting drug or alcohol abuse, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 and let us get you on the road to recovery.

Mark Shandrow is Asana Recovery’s CEO and has 20+ years of experience in business development and operations in the addiction treatment industry.
LinkedIn | More info about Mark

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