Most smokers of marijuana think that it does not affect them in any way, but the cannabinoids found in marijuana can affect certain areas of the brain. Marijuana is the easiest illicit drug to obtain in the US, and it is also the number one drug of abuse. Unfortunately, many smokers do not seem to be fully aware that cannabinoid abuse can lead to health problems.

According to the University of Washington’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, there are 66 components in marijuana that have been classified as cannabinoids, with THC being the most known and researched cannnabinoid, and also the one responsible for the psychoactive effects.

Signs of Cannabinoid Abuse

Heavy use of marijuana can lead to cannabinoid abuse for many smokers. This can have negative effects in a person’s daily life. While marijuana is not as destructive as other drugs like cocaine or heroine, regular smoking can have serious effects on the brain. It may be hard to notice changes in occasional marijuana smokers, but for those that smoke marijuana regularly, the signs of cannabinoid abuse are more noticeable, some of which can be:

• Increase in appetite especially for snack foods
• Laughing for no reason
• Red bloodshot eyes
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of concentration
• Lack of coordination
• Increase heart rate
• Feel sleepy
• Lack of motivation in responsibilities
• Distorted sense of time passed
• Clothes smell from marijuana smoke
• Difficulty in solving problems
• Lung irritation from smoke inhalation

Marijuana may have less physical damage on the body than other drugs do, but cannabinoid abuse can still cause physical effects that can result in other health complications.

Other Physical and Mental Effects of Cannabinoid Abuse

Continuous heavy smoking of marijuana (especially varieties of higher potency) can weaken the immune system, which can result in having more illnesses. Some of the physical and mental effects of cannabinoids are:

• Paranoia
• Psychotic episodes
• Confusing thoughts
• Fainting
• Depersonalization
• Urinary detention
• Constipation
• Slurred speech

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the smoke from marijuana is an irritant to the lungs, and frequent smokers can have the same respiratory issues that tobacco smokers experience, such as daily cough, chest illness, and higher risk of lung infections.

Also, cannabinoid abuse can distort a user’s perception of time and space, which can be dangerous when they are driving or operating heavy machinery. A person that smokes marijuana heavily can lose their ability to focus clearly, and pay attention when required.

What Help is Available for Overcoming Cannabinoid Abuse?

If you or someone you care for has been smoking marijuana heavily, and are having a hard time quitting, then you should contact an addiction counselor. An addiction counselor can help you or a loved one find the right program to help stop smoking marijuana.

There are recovery centers that can help a person overcome their marijuana addiction. Outpatient programs offer a variety of therapies that can assist someone to successfully stop using marijuana, and avoid the prolonged effects that can be caused by cannabinoid abuse.