Synonyms of Cannabis
Cannabis is known by various their names. These include; marijuana, pot, reefer, buds, grass, weed, dope, ganja, herb, boom, Mary Jane, joint, hash, blow, blunt and green.
What are the Effects?
Psychological: At a recreational level effects include relaxation, euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, disorientation, altered time and space perception, Lack of concentration, impaired learning and memory, alterations in thought formation and expression, Drowsiness and mood changes such as panic reactions and paranoia, and a more vivid sense of taste and sight, smell and hearing. For instance, stronger doses intensify reactions and may cause more fluctuating extreme emotions in people, Flights of fragmentary thoughts with disturbed associations and a dulling of attention despite an illusion of heightened insight, image distortion, and psychosis.
Physical: Frequent effects include increased heart rate, reddening of the eyes, dry mouth and throat, increased appetite. For instance, many users experience difficulty with sleeping patterns.
Addictive Qualities
In 2004 The Observer reported a rise in the number of cannabis users attending drug treatment centres. In other words, 9% of all those attending clinics cited cannabis as the main reason for seeking treatment – twice as many as two decades ago.
With a regular and high level of use the brain becomes desensitized to THC. The active chemical in cannabis and one of the oldest hallucinogenic drugs. Heavy users need up to eight times the dose a regular user needs to achieve the same effect. Estimates from research show that about 9% of users become addicted to marijuana. Higher statistics come from those who started young. As a result, a number of studies have shown the connection between increased cannabis use and increased rates of anxiety, depression and even schizophrenia. Due to high doses of marijuana producing an acute psychotic reaction. Any ‘mind altering’ substance may involve additional problems for those with mental health problems.
Research has clearly demonstrated the potential effect of cannabis use on the daily life of the user. Research shows cannabis does cause and worsens existing mental health problems. As a result, one study found heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement, affecting there physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social life, and career status.
The Haynes Clinic can help you with Cannabis addiction. Call us on 01462 851414
