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Marijuana Side Effects

Marijuana side effects have hazardous repercussion on the body. It influences the body as well as the mind of the user. It may start from the most common physical side effect like dry mouth and bloodshot eyes and slowly affect the vital organs of the body including brain, heart and lungs. Though the effect of marijuana varies from person to person, it slowly disrupts everybody's health besides being a huge apprehension for pregnant women and people under medication.

Adverse Effects of Marijuana on the Brain

Marijuana has antagonistic effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and brain as it impairs memory, disturbs sensory and thought process. Scientists have revealed that the THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in the marijuana restrains the neurons present in the limbic arrangement of the brain which are vital for memory and learning. It also has substantial negative effects on pituitary glands and some of the brain cells that control metabolic actions like thirst, hunger and sexual behavior. The effects of marijuana or cannabis on the brain can be so brutal that after a period of time it can stop producing essential chemicals that are needed for the metabolic activities and hormonal balance. Delusion and hallucination are the major and strong symptoms of marijuana's adverse effect on the brain.

Marijuana Side Effects on the Lungs

Several research has exposed that marijuana smoke contains carcinogenic hydrocarbons and therefore is a nuisance to the lungs. As marijuana smoke is not filtered and users usually tend to inhale deeply and hold their breath for a longer period of time, the amount of carbon monoxide and tar inhaled is more than 3 to 5 percent more than tobacco users - leading to inflammation of the bronchial tubes and chronic bronchitis. In addition, cannabis can impair the functions of the lungs, damage the air sacs and cause cancer in the lungs.

Effects on the Heart

Marijuana has a direct effect on the heart rhythms causing arrhythmias and palpitations. Therefore we observe marijuana users are more susceptible to heart disease and are at a higher risk of heart attacks. According to the NIDA reports, marijuana amplifies heart attack risks almost 5 times in the initial hour of the smoke. As per the study conducted by the Missouri Department of Health, it has been observed that marijuana has the potential to augment the heart rate by 50 percent. They also revealed that it can be the reason of chest pain for those users who are already suffering from heart complications. Effects of marijuana on the heart also include the tribulation of high blood pressure.

Effects of Marijuana on the Reproductive System

One of the most affected organ of the body of this drug is the reproductive system. In men, it reduces sex drive and diminishes the sperm count while in women it upsets menstruation and can curb ovulation. Marijuana if taken during pregnancy can disrupt the growth of the child and can cause various abnormalities besides hampering the genetic configuration of the chromosomes. According to some studies it has been exposed that mothers using marijuana during pregnancy give birth to smaller babies as compared to the mothers devoid of marijuana. Usually, under-weight babies tend to build up many health problems.

Adverse Effect of Marijuana on the Endocrine System

Many of the body's hormonal secretion are controlled by the endocrine system. However, marijuana plays a vital role in disturbing hormonal balance by causing damage to various glands such as thyroid, adrenal, pituitary while affecting pancreas, stomach and the duodenum section of the body.

Immediate Marijuana Side Effects

The use of Marijuana can have many acute or immediate effects on the human body. Dry throat and mouth, bloodshot eyes, euphoria feeling, paranoia, intense anxiety, difficulty in keeping track of time, increased heart rate, sleepiness and short term memory loss are some of the major immediate side effects of marijuana. Marijuana can also encourage the appetite level of the person, making him extensively hungry. Since marijuana plays a very important role in affecting the brain, it can easily have a severe influence on common activities like driving and lack of concentration, which can be highly dangerous. The use of marijuana also causes hallucination, fear or panic, altered cognition and motivation while having difficulty in listening, speaking, forming concepts, solving problems, retaining knowledge and judging things.