Marijuana Side Effects

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Marijuana side effects can be a concern for those with medical issues, pregnant women, and even recreational users. Like any other drug, side effects can vary from person to person. The most common side effects include impaired short-term memory, dry mouth, hunger, thirst, bloodshot eyes, reduced motor skills and altered perception.[1]



Flickr: warrantedarrest
Other names Weed, pot, reefer, cannabis, buds, green, ganga, Mary Jane, others
Manufacturer Various growers (both legal and black market)
Uses Treats a variety of illnesses and side effects of illnesses, also used to get "high"
Common side effects Cotton mouth, red eyes, blood pressure problems, sexual problems, panic, impaired cognitive ability[2]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Marijuana Side Effects

  • Side effects of marijuana include red eyes, dry mouth, increased hunger, nausea or vomiting, lung problems, depression, flashbacks, panic and problems with sexual function.[2]
  • One of the main side effects of marijuana is a "high" feeling, which may be described as a state of euphoria. The high derives from the chemical THC found in marijuna. The side effects of THC can include impaired thinking and hallucinations. Marijuana may also cause problems with memory and learning for weeks after consumption.[3] Medical patients taking medical marijuana are often advised to not drive or operate heavy machinery.[2]
  • Marijuana leads to reduced fertility in men, which may occur if the man or the women use it, as it can be passed on to sperm via vaginal secretions. Men who have low fertility to begin with may be rendered infertile with marijuana use.[4]
  • The risk of heart attack is more than quadrupled during the initial hour after using marijuana.[5]

Marijuana Allergic Reactions

Just like with most substances, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to marijuana. This allergy can manifest itself either externally or internally, just as with food or other allergies. Some people are allergic to the cannabis leaves, while others are allergic to pollens or molds that may be present within the plant. Some people who do not show allergic reactions to marijuana smoke may react to edibles containing marijuana.[6]

Marijuana Precautions and Warnings

  • Marijuana is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. This is because marijuana is shown to have adverse effects on fetuses, and can hamper growth as well as central nervous system development. In addition, babies of marijuana users tend to have shorter attention spans, lowered ability to concentrate and impaired short-term memory.[7]
  • It is possible to become addicted to marijuana. Approximately 9% of those who use it will become addicted, and this number is higher among those who start to use it in their teenage years. Addicted individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, lowered appetite and cravings for up to two weeks after quitting the drug.[5]
  • Regular marijuana use has been shown to hamper career success and social interaction.[5]


Drug Side Effects

Possible side effects of both prescription medications and nonprescription drugs

Also See: Marijuana, Marijuana and Cancer, Marijuana and Pregnancy, Marijuana and Anxiety, Marijuana and Alcohol

References

  1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000952.htm
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-947-MARIJUANA.aspx?activeIngredientId=947&activeIngredientName=MARIJUANA&source=2
  3. http://drugabuse.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html
  4. http://men.webmd.com/news/20031013/smoking-marijuana-lowers-fertility
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html
  6. http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/66217.htm
  7. http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-safe-to-smoke-marijuana-during-pregnancy_2490.bc



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