The Effects of Marijuana

On the Human Body

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The effects of smoking Cannabis are usually lighter than those of many other recreational psychoactive substances. People are generally capable of carrying out normal actions and activities while high.

• mood lift
• relaxation, stress reduction
• creative, philosophical or deep thinking ... ideas flow more easily
• increased appreciation of music. More aware of, deeper connection to music.
• increased awareness of senses. (eating, drinking, smell)
• change in experience of muscle fatigue. Pleasant body feel. Increase in body/mind connection.
• pain relief (headaches, cramps)
• reduced nausea (used medically for this)

• general change in consciousness (as with many psychoactives)
• increased appetite, snacky-ness
• slowness (slow driving, talking)
• tiredness
• blood shot eyes (more common with certain varieties of cannabis and inexperienced users)
• mouth dryness
• interrupts linear memory. Difficulty following a train of thought.
• cheek, jaw, facial tension (less commonly reported)

• nausea
• coughing, asthma, upper respiratory problems
• difficulty with short term memory during effects and during periods of frequent use
• racing heart, agitation,tenseness
• mild to severe anxiety
• panic attacks at very high doses (usually oral) or in sensitive users
• headaches
• dizziness, confusion
• paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent
• possible psychological dependence on cannabis
• "mild" withdrawal symptoms occur after daily use in some users. These may last for 1-6 weeks after cessation of use and can include anxiety, anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure), headaches, general unease/discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and a desire to smoke pot.

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Most all of the negative effects that are associated with the

use of marijuana, can also be associated with alcohol and

the use of tobacco.

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