Effects of Cannabis on Your Body
- The cannabis plant is one of the most popular medicinal and recreational remedies in the world.
- Known by a variety of names, there are several ways to make use of it.
- You can smoke it, apply it as an oil, and even add it to the food you eat.
- No matter how you make use of cannabis, it does leave both short and long-term effects on your body, with the cannabis moving into your bloodstream.
- An increased heart rate and changes in perception are two common immediate effects of cannabis.
- While it does have long-term effects, scientists have not yet made certain of its extent and nature.
- With that in mind, here is a look at the effects of cannabis on your body:
Effects on the Respiratory System
- Cannabis smoke contains several toxic chemicals, including hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. These can irritate your lungs and the air passages leading to it.
- Cannabis smoke can also cause existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma, to aggravate and cause major problems for you.
- The irritation in your lungs may cause coughing, phlegm, or wheezing.
- Although cannabis smoke does contain carcinogens, there has been no direct link between the drug and lung cancer.
Effects on the Circulatory System
- Cannabis has an almost immediate effect on your circulatory system, as soon as THC moves to your blood and then to your brain.
- Your heartbeat could show a jump of 20 to 50 beats per minute just a few minutes after taking the drug.
- The increased heart rate might last for up to three hours.
- This places extra stress on your heart, which takes in more oxygen.
- The risk of a heart attack could be aggravated if you have an underlying heart condition.
- Your blood vessels expand, which is the main cause for bloodshot eyes after taking cannabis.
- However, cannabis can also help ease pressure in your eyes, relieving symptoms of glaucoma.
Effects on the Central Nervous System
Cannabis has a prominent effect on the central nervous system throughout the body. It eases inflammation, pain, and can help control seizures and body spasms. It can also trigger the release of dopamine, a hormone that makes you feel better. Dopamine also heightens your sense of time and perception, while giving you a “high”. However, the release of dopamine can cause dependence and addiction. Some symptoms of cannabis withdrawal include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Loss of Appetite
Cannabis also affects other parts of your brain. It can impair information processing, balance, movement, and coordination. Cannabis can heighten some mental conditions such as anxiety, and it is especially harmful if you have a history of schizophrenia in your family.
Effects on the Digestive System
- Cannabis’s effect on the digestive system starts from the mouth, where it can cause a burning sensation if inhaled.
- Cannabis usually increases appetite and gives you the “munchies”.
- This makes it a solid option to try out if you need to put on some weight quickly.
Effects on the Immune System
- Cannabis is known to suppress the immune system, which may prove to be harmful to people.
- However, it also helps people living with autoimmune conditions.
That was all about the effects of cannabis on the body.