Marijuana is Mind-Altering

Marijuana is greenish-gray dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of Cannabis sativa. Cannabis sativa has a psychoactive or mind-altering property called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The general cannabis plant has been known for its ancient and religious uses. Cannabis was believed to have originated from Central Asia and spread over to parts of Africa, Europe, and eventually, the U.S. History showed that cannabis had many uses including industrial, (its hemp is a raw material for rope, paper or cloth), recreation, religious practices, and medical.

However, what was originally intended for good use came to be abused. In modern times, marijuana has been utilized beyond medical or industrial purposes. With THC as main driver of intoxication, more people have enjoyed it for its recreational use that sometimes led to addiction.

Marijuana is associated with many names.

Referring to the substance itself:

• Weed
• Pot
• Hemp
• Herb
• Reefer
• Ganja

Referring to the way marijuana is smoked:  

• Joints
• Bongs
• Blunts
• Backwoods
• Buds

Two-Pronged: Legal and Illegal Marijuana

Marijuana was made illegal in most countries during the 20th century. In the U.S., it is still largely illegal but the use for medical purpose is legal in some states. For states where medical marijuana is legal, a person should carry a card that indicates use for a clear medical reason. If a person is found carrying, using or selling marijuana other than for medical use, he or she may be prosecuted for possession. There are different laws and corresponding penalties for illegal possession of marijuana depending on American states.

The excessive use of marijuana has been proven to lead to addiction. As such, Stonegate Center is ready to speak to you or your loved one regarding treatment options. The privacy of its location is also very conducive to one’s journey in recovery.

Rise of THC Extracts

Heard of hash? This is a very potent form of marijuana wherein THC-rich resins extracted from the plant is smoked. This practice, called dabbing, is on the rise. These extracts are quite dangerous due to extremely large amounts of THC absorbed by the body. In fact, this abuse has led some people to the emergency room.

These resin extracts come in various forms, such as:
 

• Hash oil or honey oil
• Wax or budder
• Shatter

Effects of Marijuana Addiction

There have been various studies that show marijuana is addictive. But just how exactly does it affect the body?

The most common effects of marijuana are:

• Hallucinations
• Delusion
• Altered senses
• Impaired body movement
• Mood changes
• Impaired thinking and memory

Marijuana addiction may cause physical and mental effects, such as:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Temporary hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Worsening symptoms among schizophrenic patients

A person suffering from marijuana addiction also has a lower quality of life due to poorer mental and physical health, and experience relationship problems.

Call for Help

It’s better to seek early intervention than wait until it’s too late. Substance abuse ruins lives, relationships, families, careers and causes serious health problems. Help is only a call away, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s better to address addiction early on before it spirals out of control. We urge you to visit our contact page or call our 24/7 helpline at (817) 993-9733 as your first step towards recovery.

Get Treatment in 4 Easy Steps

Stonegate Center accepts many major insurance carriers. We strongly believe that the cost of drug and alcohol addiction treatment should not prevent you from getting the rehab care you need. Our admissions team will work directly with your insurance company to ensure you maximize your benefits.