The use of marijuana has been a huge problem especially for young people. Many have become addicted to this Cannabis Sativa plant, and the addiction has brought about many mental disorders to those who are under its spell. Among the mental problems encountered are panic and anxiety attacks. Marijuana, otherwise known as weed, ganja, pot, dope, herb, reefer, usually consists of the potent resin hashish, which is 5-10x stronger than tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
The effects of Marijuana are:
- A feeling of getting “high” or in the state of ecstasy 3-6 hours after smoking marijuana. It makes you feel many extreme sensations such as the belief that you can fly or have super powers.
- There will be increased heart rate, redness or inflammation of the eyes, and loss of self control. Adrenaline rush is evident when you are smoking pot.
- Distortion of memory and mind processing becomes evident when marijuana is taken in higher doses. Your sense of judgment can be distorted and will result in many unwanted circumstances.
- Immune system will be compromised. Reduced immunity would mean the user will become more prone to illnesses such as colds, flu and pneumonia.
- It brings down testosterone levels; this hormone is important in the production and development of the male sex organ.
- It will result in bronchitis and other respiratory diseases which can pose really big problems in the future.
- It can also lead to death when taken in extreme overdose; or when taken in large amounts especially by first time users.
- Lastly, it can bring about acute anxiety reaction, or what is commonly known as a panic attack.
It is considered an acute attack because it only takes place when the user is smoking pot. This person will experience paranoia and will stop as soon as the effects of Marijuana wear off. Sometimes though, the feeling may last longer- about several days, and the person may need to be taken to the hospital when this happens.
If you are getting a daily dose of Marijuana, you will develop a chronic problem known as “amotivational syndrome.” It will result in reduced energy, lesser motivation and drive, loss of memory and lack of emotions. A person suffering from amotivational syndrome will detach the self from everybody else, so it will become very hard for people, particularly if the one affected is a student.
Many of those who are smoking pot regularly suffer complications aside from panic attacks. Studies show that brain damage, weight loss, abnormalities in physical aspects as well as slow learning are the effects of Marijuana for children born to mothers that used it during pregnancy. Regular users who decide to stop smoking pot have shown to suffer withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, weight loss and irritability.
