Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the hemp plant. Cannabis sativa is the scientific name of the hemp plant. People have used marijuana for thousands of years. It was first used in China and spread throughout Asia to India and the Middle East. Marijuana then spread to Africa, and then to the Americas.
The earliest known use of marijuana dates back to 2737 BC, when the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung used it for pain relief. Marijuana was also used as a medicine in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In the Middle East, it was used to ease the pain of childbirth and to help people sleep.
Marijuana was first brought to the Americas by the Spanish in the 1500s. It was used by Native Americans for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. By the early 1900s, marijuana was being used recreationally in the United States.
Marijuana is made from the dried leaves and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. It can be smoked, eaten, vaporized, brewed, or taken as a tincture. The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is what makes people “high.”
What Are The Different Types of Marijuana
There are many different types of marijuana, each with its own set of effects. The most common type is cannabis sativa, which is the type most often used for recreational purposes. Cannabis indica is another popular type, which is known for its relaxing effects. There are also hybrid strains that combine both sativa and indica effects.
The type of marijuana you use will determine the effects you experience.
Sativa
Cannabis sativa is the most popular type of marijuana for recreational use. It is known for its energizing and uplifting effects. Sativa strains are often used to treat conditions such as depression and fatigue. This type of marijuana is typically grown in warm, humid climates.
Indica
Cannabis indica is another popular type of marijuana. It is known for its relaxing and sedative effects. Indica strains are often used to treat conditions such as anxiety and insomnia. This type of marijuana is typically grown in cooler, drier climates.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are a combination of sativa and indica strains. They can provide both energizing and relaxing effects. Hybrid strains are often used to treat a variety of conditions. This type of marijuana is typically grown in a variety of climates.
How Is Marijuana Used
Marijuana can be used in a number of ways, depending on the form in which it is consumed. The most common way to use marijuana is by smoking it, either in a cigarette or pipe.
It can also be smoked in a water pipe, which is often referred to as a bong.
Another way to use marijuana is by eating it, either in cooked food or as an ingredient in baking. Marijuana can also be consumed in liquid form, such as by brewing it into tea.
What Are The Effects Of Marijuana
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that comes from the Cannabis plant. It is usually smoked in cigarettes or pipes, but can also be eaten in foods or brewed as a tea.
The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is responsible for most of the drug’s psychological effects. These effects can include relaxation, euphoria, changes in perception, and impaired coordination and judgment.
Marijuana use can have a variety of short- and long-term effects, which can vary depending on how often you use the drug, how much you use, and the strength of the marijuana.
Short-term effects of marijuana include:
· Changes in mood
· Changes in perception
· Impaired coordination and judgment
· Problems with memory and learning
· Anxiety or paranoia
· Psychotic symptoms in people with a history of mental illness
Long-term effects of marijuana include:
· Addiction
· Decreased cognitive ability
· Psychological problems
· Psychotic symptoms in people with a history of mental illness.
Some of these effects can persist even after people stop using the drug. Treatment for marijuana addiction typically includes behavioral therapy and counseling.
Is Marijuana Addictive
Marijuana is not considered an addictive substance, however, some people may develop a dependence on it. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 9% of people who use marijuana will become addicted. However, this number goes up to about 17% among those who start using in their teens.
Symptoms of marijuana addiction include:
- Cravings for marijuana
- Difficulty quitting despite negative consequences
- Decreased interest in other activities
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
Are There Any Risks Associated With Using Marijuana
Even though marijuana is often thought of as a safe drug, it can actually have some pretty serious side effects. These side effects can be even more pronounced in people who are predisposed to mental health conditions such as psychosis or schizophrenia.
Some of the most common side effects of using marijuana include:
Cottonmouth
Cottonmouth is the most common side effect of smoking marijuana. It is caused by the smoke irritating the tissues in your mouth and throat. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to relieve cottonmouth. Avoiding smoking marijuana in hot, dry conditions can also help to prevent it.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another common side effect of using marijuana. Some people may feel anxious or paranoid after smoking, even if they have used marijuana before without any problems. If you are prone to anxiety, it is best to avoid smoking marijuana. If you do smoke, start with a small amount and see how you feel before smoking more.
Delusions and Hallucinations
Delusions and hallucinations are other possible side effects of using marijuana. These can be especially pronounced in people who are predisposed to mental health conditions such as psychosis or schizophrenia. If you have any history of mental illness in your family, it is best to avoid using marijuana. If you do use it, start with a small amount and be sure to monitor your mental state closely.
Increased Heart Rate
Increased heart rate is another common side effect of marijuana use. This effect is caused by the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, which increases your heart rate. If you have any history of heart problems, it is best to avoid using marijuana. If you do use it, be sure to monitor your heart rate closely.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is another common side effect of using marijuana. This effect is caused by the smoke from the marijuana drying out the tissues in your mouth and throat. Drinking plenty of fluids can help to relieve dry mouth. Avoiding smoking marijuana in hot, dry conditions can also help to prevent it.
Red Eyes
Red eyes are another common side effect of using marijuana. This effect is caused by the smoke from the marijuana irritating the tissues in your eyes. Wearing sunglasses or using artificial tears can help to relieve red eyes. Avoiding smoking marijuana in smoky, dusty conditions can also help to prevent it.
Slow Reaction
Slow reaction time is another common side effect of using marijuana. This effect is caused by the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, which slows down your reaction time. If you are driving or operating machinery, it is best to avoid using marijuana. If you do use it, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to react.
Impaired Memory
Impaired memory is another common side effect of using marijuana. This effect is caused by the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, which impairs your memory. If you are taking a test or working on a project, it is best to avoid using marijuana. If you do use it, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to remember what you need to do.
Conclusion
Marijuana is a popular drug, but it can have some serious side effects. These side effects can be even more pronounced in people who are predisposed to mental health conditions such as psychosis or schizophrenia. If you are considering using marijuana, be sure to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
