Understanding Marijuana Use Problems

You may think marijuana is harmless. But using it can cause many health problems. And it may affect how well you learn, think, and remember. If you or a loved one has a problem with marijuana, tell someone you trust. That is the first step in getting help.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana is a mix of dried flowers and leaves from the hemp plant. Sinsemilla, hashish, and hash oil are stronger forms. Most users smoke marijuana. But it can be made into tea or added to food. The most active part of marijuana is a chemical called THC. How strong the drug is depends on the amount of THC. This article does not include information about synthetic marijuana products. These have different properties.

What are its effects?

How marijuana affects you depends on many things. These include the strength of the drug, when and where you use it, your age, and your feelings about the drug. Some people may use marijuana and feel nothing. Others might feel relaxed and giggly. Time might seem to move slowly. Sights, sounds, and colors may seem more intense.

What are the risks?

Marijuana has many of the same toxic chemicals as tobacco. But you may breathe in even more of them. This is because marijuana users breathe in deeply. They hold the smoke in for a longer time. So long-term use may cause breathing problems. It may also lead to chest colds and diseases like pneumonia. Marijuana weakens your body against disease. This makes you more likely to get sick. Heavy marijuana use may make it harder to focus your mind. You may not learn as quickly. And you may forget what you’ve learned. You may develop mental health problems. These include mood disorders and a loss of touch with reality (psychosis). Some users may also have a strong physical and emotional need for the drug. This is called dependence or addiction. Some long-term users also have belly pain and vomiting that can't be controlled after they smoke. Long-term daily use may lead to problems with thinking and can make it hard to do well in school or work.

How is a marijuana use problem treated?

Most often, treatment includes therapy and support systems. Some programs focus on helping you stick with treatment. Your doctor can help you learn more. Check online for mental health clinics or drug treatment programs. It may not be easy to stop using marijuana. Many of your friends may still use the drug. Some family members may smoke it. But if you want to quit, you can succeed.

To learn more

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline at www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline or 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357) 

National Institute on Drug Abuse at www.drugabuse.gov 

  Marijuana Anonymous at www.marijuana-anonymous.org