What Is Marijuana? Facts and Side Effects on the Brain

Marijuana is now used by people all over the country for all kinds of reasons.

Many people enjoy marijuana simply for the euphoric and uplifting high it induces, but it can also have many benefits for your health such as reducing pain and relieving anxiety. Marijuana is now legal for use all over Canada, and as more research comes out on its medical benefits, more people are beginning to use it.

But while smoking marijuana is a positive experience for most users, it’s still important to use it in moderation. Although it has its perks, there can also be drawbacks to overusing marijuana, and in worse cases, it may have some unwanted side effects on the brain. So what is marijuana, what can it do for you, how should you use it, and what are the side effects on the brain? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Marijuana (Cannabis)?

Marijuana usually refers to the dried flower product extracted from cannabis plants. You might also know it under other colloquial terms such as bud, weed or simply cannabis. Although cannabis technically refers to the species of plant which marijuana comes from, the terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the products obtained from cannabis plants.

Many people use marijuana as a recreational drug. The THC within the plant is activated under high heat, so when you smoke or vape marijuana and inhale it, you’ll experience a gamut of sensational psychoactive effects. Users experience all kinds of effects, including feeling happy, euphoric, and physically soothed.

However, marijuana can also be good for the health. Due to its high levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes, it can provide all kinds of mental and physical benefits. As such, many places around the world now allow certain patients to use marijuana for medical purposes.

Cannabis is legal for all purposes in Canada, and you can now buy all kinds of cannabis products. Although many people stick to the usual cannabis strains, there are also cannabis concentrates, edibles, oils, and all kinds of other unique ways to get the effects of marijuana.

What are the Effects of Marijuana?

The effects of marijuana can vary depending on the kind of strain you use, although there are some general effects that you’ll experience with pretty much any kind of marijuana. Usually, indica strains are more physically relaxing whereas sativa strains are more mentally stimulating. However, there’s a lot of cross-over, especially when it comes to hybrid strains that mix indica and sativa genes.

Most users report feeling happy, euphoric, giggly, and stress-free. Marijuana can heighten your senses and make things like listening to music and watching movies much more interesting. It’ll make you feel more physically relaxed while also stimulating your mind, making you think about things differently and often making your mind feel hazy and dreamy.

It also has various medical uses. Many users find marijuana particularly helpful for pain due to the tingly, soothing body high it induces. Some strains also help reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms of depression and chronic stress. It’s also used for issues such as muscle spasms, migraines, nausea, and preventing or treating various serious medical conditions.

How Should You Use Marijuana?

Using dry cannabis flower isn’t your only choice when it comes to using marijuana. You can now buy many kinds of products derived from marijuana which are used in different ways. These make for great alternatives for users who prefer not to smoke or vape. Here are some of the best ways you can use marijuana.

• Cannabis – Also known as weed, marijuana or flower, using cannabis strains is still very popular. You can grind the dry herbal product up and roll it into a joint or pack it into a bong or pipe to smoke it. You can also use cannabis in certain vape pens and vaporizers which are compatible with dry herbs.
• Concentrates – Cannabis concentrates are powerful products made by extracting the THC content from the resin of marijuana. There are many different kinds of concentrates such as hash, shatter, and wax. These vary in their potency and consistency, but all concentrates give you a higher level of THC and therefore stronger effects than marijuana.
• Edibles – Marijuana edibles are food products infused with cannabis. These give you an intense high as your liver converts the THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, inducing a hard-hitting high that can last for 4 to 12 hours. Edibles come in many forms from marijuana gummies to chocolate bars.
• Oils – Cannabis Oils are becoming increasingly popular as a smokeless alternative to marijuana. You use these by applying the oil under your tongue and holding it there for a couple of minutes. The cannabinoids are absorbed into your system fast, giving you potent psychoactive effects.

What are the Side Effects of Marijuana?

Although marijuana can be positive when used in moderation, it’s important not to go overboard. Using too much marijuana can have negative side effects, and excessive use in the long-term can also be harmful.

It’s impossible to lethally overdose on marijuana. However, using more than you’re used to can still have some extremely uncomfortable side effects. Too much marijuana can heighten anxiety and make users paranoid. It can also induce nausea, dizziness, and vomiting in some cases.

Users who are prone to mental illness may also be negatively affected by marijuana. Research suggests that regular cannabis use may cause an increased risk of schizophrenia to users who are prone to psychosis. If you regularly experience anxiety and paranoia under the influence of marijuana, it’s best to limit your usage or stop altogether.

Cannabis use can also affect memory and mental function. In the short-term, you may experience impaired judgment and poor short-term memory. While the long-term effects are less extreme, it’s best to use cannabis in moderation to avoid any potential drawbacks.

Conclusion

Marijuana (or cannabis) is a drug that’s used for both recreational and medical purposes. It can cause all kinds of effects, from inducing a happy and euphoric state to relieving pain, stress, and inflammation for medical users. 

Marijuana can have negative side effects, and it’s important not to overuse it to avoid any drawbacks. However, when used in moderation, it can be an incredibly positive experience. Marijuana is now legal all over Canada, and adults can buy marijuana online for nationwide delivery.