Marijuana
Marijuana
Medically reviewed byGiorgi (Guga) Sikharulidze · MD, PhD — Psychiatrist · Professor · Clinical ResearcherUpdated:
The active substance in cannabis, THC (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), affects brain neurons and their receptors, which impacts concentration, memory, cognitive functions, coordination, and changes in behavior control.
Marijuana use disrupts mental well-being.
Signs of addiction include:
- Increased tolerance, inability to achieve the usual high
- Irresistible craving
- Long time spent obtaining and using the drug
- Continuous use despite problems created
- Difficulties in fulfilling responsibilities (interpersonal relationships, academic performance, job responsibilities), which contributes to self-critical thoughts and anxiety
- Decreased self-esteem
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit use independently
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Reduced enthusiasm and energy
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Exacerbation of neurotic conditions
Along with the desire to overcome addiction, maintaining a stable mental state and minimizing factors leading to relapse are essential.
Closely related to mental health problems such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Increased risk of suicide
- Psychosis... [1]
References
1. Marconi A, Di Forti M, Lewis CM, Murray RM, Vassos E. Meta-analysis of the Association Between the Level of Cannabis Use and Risk of Psychosis. Schizophr Bull. 2016;42(5):1262–1269. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbw003
Source: NIDA — Cannabis.
Frequently asked questions
Its active compound, THC, affects brain receptors, impairing concentration, memory, cognitive functions, coordination, and behavior control.
Growing tolerance, irresistible craving, continued use despite problems, difficulty meeting responsibilities, and withdrawal — irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbance, mood swings, and paranoia.
Long-term use can worsen mental health and provoke psychosis; in people with schizophrenia it raises psychosis risk, and in bipolar disorder it can intensify manic episodes.
It is treatable — the leading method is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), with medication, group therapy, and the day center as needed.
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