Celebrity Drug Addicts

Celebrity drug addicts sometimes seem glamorous but the mix of celebrities and drugs can result in death, as was the case for Kurt Cobain and others.

Drug addiction is a serious problem with 1.7 million people ending up in emergency rooms in 2006 due to drug and alcohol abuse,1and some people feel drugs are glamorized because of the media coverage of celebrity drug addicts. Putting celebrities and drugs on the cover of a magazine may increase sales but it may also increase a young person's desire to experiment with the same drug as celebrity drug addicts.

Celebrities and Drugs - Famous Celebrity Drug Addicts

Many celebrities are known to use and abuse drugs. In fact, celebrities and drugs are commonly thought of together. Celebrity drug addicts give the impression drugs are part of their fun, hard-partying lifestyles. And while celebrity drug addicts often say there is nothing wrong with their drug use, the mix of celebrities and drugs can result in overdose, arrest and even death. Famous celebrity drug addicts include:2

  • John Belushi
  • Robert Downey, Jr.
  • MacKenzie Phillips
  • Tom Sizemore
  • Miles Davis
  • Keith Richards

Celebrities and Drugs - Celebrities Killed by Drugs

Part of the celebrities and drugs equation that isn't glamorous is the number of dead celebrity drug addicts. Many celebrity drug addicts do not manage to quit drugs before overdosing with one or more drugs in their system. Celebrity drug addicts killed by drugs or related complications include:

  • Jarad Higgins, aka Juice WRLD, a rapper, died of prescription painkiller overdose
  • Verne Troyer, aka "Mini-Me" from Austin Powers Films, died of suicide by alcohol poisoning
  • Tom Petty, an American singer, died from prescription drug overdose
  • Prince died from an accidental fentanyl overdose
  • Cory Monteith from the series "Glee" died from a toxic mix of alcohol and heroin
  • Michael Jackson died from a prescription pill overdose
  • Whitney Houston, singer and actress, died from drowning with complications of cocaine and heart disease
  • John Belushi, actor, died of heroin and cocaine overdose
  • River Phoenix, actor, died of heroin and cocaine overdose
  • Jim Morrison, musician, died of a heroin overdose
  • Kurt Cobain, musician, died of suicide with a high concentration of heroin in bloodstream
  • Jerry Garcia, musician, died during heroin rehab
  • Janis Joplin, musician, died of a heroin overdose
  • Sid Vicious, musician, died of an opiate overdose and may have killed his girlfriend during opiate use

Read about Drug Addicts: Drug Addict Symptoms and Life of Drug Addict

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Celebrity Drug Addicts, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/drug-addiction/celebrity-drug-addicts

Last Updated: December 29, 2021

Teen Drug Abuse Statistics

Teenage drug abuse statistics and teen drug abuse facts indicate teens are changing drug abuse patterns. Read these teen drug abuse statistics.

Teenage drug abuse statistics and teen drug abuse facts have been tracked for more than 35 years. Multiple agencies are involved in collecting teen drug abuse statistics, but the primary source of teenage drug abuse statistics is provided by the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, annually conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In the 2010 MTF survey, 46,348 students in 8th, 10th and 12th grade participated across 386 private and public schools.1

Top concerns seen in the teen drug abuse statistics collected in the 2010 MTF survey include:2

  • Teen drug abuse statistics show daily marijuana use among 12th-graders is at its highest point since the early 1980s
  • Perceived risk of marijuana decreased in all ages
  • Teenage drug abuse facts indicate abuse of prescription and over-the-counter medication remains high

Teenage Drug Abuse Statistics - Positive Trends Seen in Teen Drug Abuse Facts

Many of the teen drug abuse facts come from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A piece of good news seen in the NSDUH is overall prevalence of underage (ages 12-20) alcohol use and binge drinking has shown a gradual decline across all periods.3 Other positive teen drug abuse facts include:

  • Teen smoking rates are also at their lowest point in the history of the MTF
  • Amphetamine use continues to decline, down to 2.2% reporting use
  • Crack cocaine and cocaine use continues to decline

Teenage Drug Abuse Statistics - Negatives Seen in Teen Drug Abuse Facts

Not all teen drug abuse facts indicate a positive trend, however. Some of the negatives seen in teen drug abuse facts are thought to be due to the changing perceptions of some drugs. Drug abuse facts indicate fewer teens consider marijuana and ecstasy to be dangerous, while more teens see cigarettes as dangerous.

Additional teen drug abuse statistics and facts include:

  • 12th-graders report 17% have smoked a hookah and 23% have smoked small cigars
  • Ecstasy use increased dramatically between 2009 and 2010 with 50% - 95% increase in use by 8th and 10th-graders
  • One-in-five 12th-graders report using marijuana in the last 30 days
  • Behind marijuana, Vicodin, amphetamines, cough medicine, Adderall and tranquilizers are the most likely drugs to be abused
  • Inhalant abuse is increasing
  • Alcohol kills 6.5 times more teenagers than all illicit drugs combined4
  • Underage drinking costs the US more than $58 billion each year
  • Of those entering a drug abuse treatment program in 2008, 11.6% of them were between 12 - 19.5

More drug abuse statistics-drug abuse facts

More on teenage drug abuse: signs and why teens turn to drugs

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Teen Drug Abuse Statistics, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/drug-addiction/teen-drug-abuse-statistics

Last Updated: December 29, 2021

Marijuana (Weed) Facts, Marijuana Statistics

Marijuana facts and marijuana statistics in the United States show weed is the most used illegal drug. Learn more weed, marijuana facts and statistics.

Marijuana facts and marijuana statistics are collected every year in the United States and many places worldwide to track trends in marijuana usage. While absolute numbers vary, marijuana use statistics show similar trends in the countries that collect marijuana statistics. Marijuana facts and statistics often center around young people. Marijuana facts include:

  • The highest rate of weed use increase is seen in 12 - 17 year-olds, with most starting use between 16 - 18
  • Most marijuana users start before the age of 20
  • Most stop using marijuana in their late 20s

Marijuana Facts, Facts About Weed

Marijuana facts, also known as weed facts, include information on weed use, abuse, and marijuana effects. Marijuana facts include the fact that no deaths due to marijuana have been reported but marijuana has been implicated in deaths with other primary factors. This marijuana fact is thought to be because brain receptors that react to weed are limited in the areas that control heart and lung function.

Marijuana facts indicate marijuana became a major drug of abuse in the 1960s, with its highest year of use being 1979. At that time, over 60% of 12-grade students had tried marijuana and facts about weed show more than 10% used it on a daily basis.

The lowest year of use was 1992, with over 32% of 12-grade students having tried marijuana and almost 2% using it on a daily basis. Marijuana facts suggest the drop in usage is due to societal changes in the perception of the acceptability of using marijuana.

From 1992, marijuana facts indicate use has increased. Marijuana facts in 1999 show almost half of all 12-graders reported having used marijuana and 6% reported using it daily. This weed fact is echoed in other countries where almost 60% of 18-year-olds reported using marijuana in the United Kingdom. However, in Canada, only half as many students reported weed-use with lifetime-use numbers lower in non-Western countries.

Marijuana Statistics

Marijuana statistics are calculated frequently by agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse sponsoring the Community Epidemiology Work Group. The resulting report shows marijuana statistics on use trends and influences where education and treatment is focused. Marijuana statistics include:2

  • About 10% of males use marijuana compared to 6% of females
  • About 10% of users will go on to daily users
  • Almost 7% - 10% of regular users become dependent
  • 14.6 million Americans report using marijuana in the last month
  • 100,000 people per year are treated for marijuana addiction
  • Marijuana use was reported in emergency rooms most in the following cities: Dallas 63.9%, Boston 44.1%, Denver 40% and San Diego 35.1%
  • There is approximately a 1.1% risk of marijuana abuse and 0.3% risk of marijuana dependence in the population of the U.S.

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Marijuana (Weed) Facts, Marijuana Statistics, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/marijuana-weed-facts-marijuana-statistics

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

How to Help a Pothead, Weed Addict, Marijuana Addict

Many people know a pothead and many know weed addicts trying to stop using weed. Learn ways to help a pot addict during treatment for weed addiction.

In the United States, nearly 7% - 10% of regular marijuana users become addicted to weed; physically and psychologically dependent on the drug. Marijuana addicts, sometimes called weed addicts, potheads (or pot head) or pot addicts are common with 100,000 people getting treated yearly for being addicted to marijuana.1 It is likely you know a pothead and will, at some point, want to help a weed addict stop using marijuana.

How to Help a Pothead - Helping Intoxicated Pot Addicts

When a marijuana addict is high, helping him involves seeing a medical professional (read: marijuana addiction treatment) Doctors can assess whether the pothead truly is addicted to weed and rule out other compounding psychological problems. Doctors can also assist if the pothead shows signs of psychosis or other serious mental concerns.

Doctors can assess marijuana addicts for:2

  • True marijuana addiction
  • Marijuana dependence
  • Intoxication-induced delirium
  • Intoxication-induced psychotic disorder
  • Intoxication-induced anxiety
  • Other physical and psychological problems caused by, or occurring with, marijuana addiction

Pot addiction rarely requires inpatient medical treatment, but during severe intoxication, tranquilizers may be given and the pothead may be under observation until the intoxication passes.

How to Help a Pothead - Helping a Marijuana Addict Quit

If a pothead decides to quit using marijuana, there are many ways to help him succeed. The number one thing is remaining positive and encouraging while the weed addict works to remove marijuana use from his life. Taking the pot addict to a support group like Narcotics Anonymous, or to addiction treatment appointments can show support. Also understand that slip-ups happen from time to time, so if the marijuana addict does do the drug again, emphasize it as a learning experience and not a failure.

Helping a marijuana addict quit pot can also mean changes at home. Some at-home ways to help with weed addiction include:

  • Removing all drug paraphernalia
  • Getting rid of all alcohol and drugs
  • Getting rid of all reminders of drug use
  • Finding new activities to enjoy with the weed addict in place of marijuana use
  • Encourage new friendships with others who are not potheads

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). How to Help a Pothead, Weed Addict, Marijuana Addict, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/how-to-help-a-pothead-weed-addict-marijuana-addict

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Is Marijuana Harmful? Positive and Negative Effects of Marijuana, Weed

Both negative effects of weed and positive effects of weed are common. But is marijuana harmful or do the positive effects of marijuana outweigh the risks?

The question, "is marijuana harmful?" does not have a simple answer. Marijuana, also known as weed, from the cannabis plant, is known to help some people while it may harm others. Marijuana's harmful effects depend on the individual, the source and why they are using marijuana. Sometimes the positive effects of weed outweigh the negative effects of weed.

Is Marijuana Harmful? - Positive Effects of Weed

The positive effects of marijuana have been known and sought for thousands of years as evidenced by the charred cannabis seeds found at an ancient burial site in modern-day Romania, from third millennium B.C.1 In modern times, the positive effects of weed include both illicit and legitimate uses.

Marijuana is the most widely-used illegal narcotic in the Western world and is used mostly for the positive effects of weed known as a "high." (read: what is marijuana) This intoxication includes positive effects of marijuana like:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation, decreased anxiety (read: marijuana and anxiety)
  • Enhanced sensory experiences
  • Laughter
  • Talkativeness

Is Marijuana Harmful? - Medical Uses and the Positive Effects of Weed

Positive effects of marijuana are also seen in medical uses, however (medical marijuana). Marijuana is legal for some medical treatments in Canada and in parts of the US and Europe. Medical use exploiting the positive effects of marijuana has been around for thousands of years. Positive effects of weed commonly used for the medical benefit include:2

  • Decreasing of inner-eye pressure
  • Pain reduction
  • Nausea and vomiting suppression
  • Appetite stimulation

These noted positive effects of marijuana have led to its testing and use in a variety of medical conditions. Evidence strength varies depending on the treated condition, but the positive effects of weed are often used in treating:3

  • Cancer - specifically the pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with cancer treatment
  • Chronic pain - strong evidence for use in cases where other pain medications aren't working
  • Multiple sclerosis (symptoms) - strong evidence for use for pain, muscle spasm and urinary problems
  • Glaucoma - due to marijuana's ability to reduce ocular pressure

Other medical conditions thought to possibly benefit from the positive effects of marijuana include:

  • Eczema
  • Epilepsy
  • Huntington's disease
  • Insomnia

Is Marijuana Harmful? - Negative Effects of Weed

While positive effects of weed can be seen both recreationally and medically, there are many negative effects of weed to also consider.

Some of the main negative effects of marijuana are due to its illicit nature. Because marijuana is illegal, not only can people have legal action brought against them for growing, selling or buying marijuana, but users never know exactly what active compounds are in the marijuana they're using.

Major harmful effects of weed are seen when tolerance develops and marijuana is abused. Once a user becomes tolerant to the effects of a drug, they tend to increase their dosage, increasing the likelihood of marijuana addiction and the other negative effects of weed. The state of tolerance also indicates the user will experience the negative effects of weed withdrawal during periods of drug abstinence. If a user abuses marijuana, the negative effects of weed are seen in the person's life as they choose to use marijuana above all else.

Other negative effects of weed include:4

  • Altered senses
  • Dizziness, tiredness, fatigue
  • Reduced coordination and balance
  • Cognitive impairment (read: marijuana psychological effects)
  • Anxiety, panic, paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Mood alterations
  • Altered blood pressure, dizziness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Flushing
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Increased appetite
  • Skin rash
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Cough, sore throat

More detailed information on how marijuana affects the body and brain.

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Is Marijuana Harmful? Positive and Negative Effects of Marijuana, Weed, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/is-marijuana-harmful-positive-and-negative-effects-of-marijuana-weed

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Weed (Marijuana)

Short term marijuana effects are often pleasant, while long term effects of weed are typically undesirable. Learn more about long term marijuana use.

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug made from the cannabis plant; its active compounds are known as cannabinoids. Marijuana is known by many names including weed, pot and Mary Jane (read: what is marijuana)There are both long term effects of marijuana and short term effects of marijuana due to its many cannabinoids.

Many, but not all, of the short term marijuana effects are considered pleasant but most of the long term effects of weed are not desirable. Long term effects of marijuana use are seen in the brain, heart, lungs and daily life.

Short Term Effects of Weed (Marijuana)

Short term effects of weed are both pleasant and unpleasant and short term marijuana effects are not the same for everyone. Short term marijuana effects vary depending on the person's size, experience with the drug, the amount of drug consumed and individual physiology.

Desirable short term effects of weed are generally characterized as a "high." Pleasant short term marijuana effects include:1

  • Euphoria, intoxication
  • Relaxation, detachment, decreased anxiety and alertness
  • Altered perception of time and space
  • Intensified experiences
  • Laughter, talkativeness

However, while those short term effects of weed are pleasant, short term effects of weed also include:

  • Depression (depression and marijuana), anxiety (anxiety and marijuana), panic, paranoia
  • Amnesia, confusion, delusions, hallucinations, psychosis
  • Mania
  • Short term memory impairment
  • Sudden increase in heart rate, at risk for heart complications
  • Dizziness, lack of coordination and muscle strength
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased concentration
  • Slurred speech

It is also known that mental illness and marijuana use are linked, particularly to schizophrenia, but at this time it's not clear whether marijuana causes, exacerbates or is simply a predictor of mental illness. Even the short term effects of weed can include an increase in the severity of existing mental illnesses.

Long Term Effects of Weed (Marijuana)

Long term effects of weed tend to be more negative than the short term effects of weed. This is primarily because tolerance builds to the drug's effects and the user takes greater doses of marijuana, increasing the short and long term effects of weed as well as its potential for abuse. Once tolerance to the drug is achieved, one of the long term effects of weed becomes marijuana withdrawal after using it and during periods of abstinence.

Withdrawal effects of long term marijuana use include:2

  • Irritability, anger, aggression, restlessness
  • Depression, anxiety
  • Stomach pain
  • Decreased appetite, weight loss
  • Tremor
  • Sweating
  • Drug craving
  • Difficulty sleeping

Long term marijuana use can lead to negative effects on the brain that can affect memory and learning (read: brain effects of marijuana). When marijuana users were studied, long term marijuana use effects included:3

  • Inability to focus, concentrate and retain information
  • Decreased math and verbal skills

Other parts of the body are also affected by the long term effects of weed. The immune, reproductive and respiratory systems are most likely to show long term marijuana use effects. Long term effects of weed include:

  • Cough, wheezing and phlegm production
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Frequent chest illness including lung infections
  • Impaired immune system
  • Alter hormones and disrupt menstruation cycles
  • Negatively impact male and female fertility
  • Negative impact on birthweights and cognition and increased risk of cancer for children born to marijuana-using mothers
  • "Flashbacks" of drug experiences while not using
  • Paranoia, panic disorder, fear

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Weed (Marijuana), HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/short-term-and-long-term-effects-of-weed-marijuana

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Marijuana and Anxiety: A Cause or Treatment of Anxiety, Panic Attacks

Marijuana and anxiety are related but some feel marijuana causes anxiety, while others feel marijuana treats anxiety. Trusted info on marijuana and anxiety.

When some people use marijuana, they experience relaxation and a reduction in anxiety symptoms. Some with anxiety disorders feel marijuana treats anxiety or panic attacks but medical evidence shows marijuana causes anxiety in new users, chronic users and during marijuana withdrawal. Additionally, when using marijuana, anxiety-coping skills can be difficult to learn and use.

Marijuana and Anxiety - Marijuana and Anxiety Treatment

Because the "high" of marijuana causes anxiety to decrease for many people, those with anxiety disorders sometimes "self-medicate" their anxiety with marijuana. For a while, taking marijuana for anxiety, or marijuana for panic attacks, may seem helpful, but tolerance to the drug's effect can quickly build to the point where the user no longer feels the anti-anxiety effects of marijuana. Then, users often increase their dose of marijuana to again decrease anxiety symptoms.

Unfortunately, with increased doses comes increased tolerance and the greater likelihood of marijuana addiction. Nearly 7% - 10% of regular marijuana users become dependent on marijuana.1 Those dependent on marijuana often feel anxiety during marijuana withdrawal, or periods of abstinence, regardless as to preexisting anxiety conditions. Marijuana highs can also produce extreme anxiety and paranoia. (read: negative effects of marijuana)

Because no study has found evidence marijuana treats anxiety or marijuana treats panic attacks, medical marijuana for anxiety is not available.

Marijuana and Anxiety - Marijuana Causes Anxiety

Marijuana is a preparation of the cannabis plant and cannabis-induced anxiety disorder is a recognized illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV) of mental illness. This marijuana-anxiety disorder can appear in new or chronic users of marijuana.

Addressing the fact that marijuana causes anxiety, here are some criteria for a cannabis-induced anxiety disorder:

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, obsessions or compulsions
  • Anxiety tied to marijuana use or marijuana withdrawal

Marijuana is also known to cause psychotic and delusional disorders which can worsen anxiety.

Marijuana and Anxiety - Anxiety and Marijuana Withdrawal

Use of marijuana and anxiety are linked, as is withdrawal from marijuana and anxiety. Marijuana withdrawal can occur when marijuana tolerance is achieved or when a user abuses marijuana. While withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, anxiety and marijuana withdrawal are closely linked.

Anxiety-related marijuana withdrawal symptoms include:2

  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Tremor

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Marijuana and Anxiety: A Cause or Treatment of Anxiety, Panic Attacks, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/marijuana-and-anxiety-a-cause-or-treatment-of-anxiety-panic-attacks

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Marijuana and Depression: A Depressant or Treatment?

Learn about the link between marijuana and depression. Should you take marijuana for depression or is marijuana a depressant?Medical marijuana for depression?

The subject of marijuana and depression has been of interest to researchers for some time. Some studies suggest marijuana is a depressant, finding more marijuana smokers are diagnosed with depression than nonsmokers.1As marijuana has over 400 active compounds, however, the direct relationship between marijuana and depression is still unclear.

Marijuana, also known as weed, is a preparation of the cannabis plant (read: what is marijuana). All psychoactive compounds found in cannabis, and thus marijuana, are called cannabinoids. Research has also looked to specific cannabinoids for the link between marijuana and depression.

Marijuana and Depression - Is Weed a Depressant?

Marijuana affects many parts of the brain including chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters possibly linking marijuana and depression include:

  • Acetylcholine
  • Glutamate
  • Norepinephrine
  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin
  • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

More detailed information on brain effects of marijuana.

The answer to "is marijuana a depressant?" may lie with the fact that marijuana decreases these neurotransmitters in the brain.2 It is known that decreasing these chemicals in the brain can lead to depression.

Although there appears to be a correlation between marijuana and depression, no studies have yet shown marijuana causes depression. However, high doses of marijuana have been linked to worsening depression.3

Marijuana and Depression -Medical Marijuana for Depression Treatment

A study in 2007 looked at the effect of a synthetic cannabinoid on depression. The study used a synthetic version of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, and tested it on rats. This synthetic THC can be viewed as medical marijuana for depression.

When the drug was given to the rats in high doses, it worsened depressive symptoms but at low doses, it had antidepressant effects. The link between marijuana and depression then appears to be dose-dependent.

Because low-dose marijuana appeared to improve depression, the researchers are hoping to develop a new drug similar to the idea of medical marijuana for depression.

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Marijuana and Depression: A Depressant or Treatment?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/marijuana-and-depression-a-depressant-or-treatment

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

How Marijuana Affects the Body and Brain

Discover how marijuana affects the body and how marijuana affects the brain. Plus info on the effects of marijuana on the body and brain.

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug, a preparation of the leaves and flowers of the cannabis (cannabis sativa) plant. Marijuana affects the brain and the body. Over 400 active compounds have been found in the cannabis plant, 60 of which are unique to marijuana. The chemical compounds found in cannabis are collectively known as cannabinoids. Marijuana affects the brain primarily through the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), referred to as THC.

Marijuana Effects - Marijuana Effects on the Body

Marijuana affects the body in a variety of ways. Marijuana effects on the body include effects to the:1

  • Immune system
  • Heart
  • Lungs
  • Reproductive system

Marijuana's physical effects on the heart are typically seen in new users. A 20% - 100% rise in heart rate can be seen and it may last 2 - 3 hours. Other marijuana effects on the body, specifically the heart, include possible heart attack, heart failure and stroke in those with additional risk factors.

More detailed information on short-term and long-term effects of marijuana.

Marijuana Effects - How Smoking Marijuana Affects the Body

Smoking increases the marijuana effects on the body. A marijuana cigarette (joint) contains all the compounds found in a tobacco cigarette except the nicotine and because joints do not contain a filter, smoke from marijuana affects the body more negatively. One study found that over an 8-year period, respiratory health showed a greater decline among marijuana smokers than among tobacco smokers. When marijuana is smoked, 1/3 more tar is deposited into the respiratory tract compared to tobacco smoking.

Additional smoking-related marijuana effects on the body include:

  • Cough, wheezing
  • Bronchitis
  • Emphysema
  • Cancer

Marijuana Effects - Brain Effects of Marijuana

It was not until the 1990s that cannabinoid receptors in the brain, responding to THC, were discovered. Marijuana affects the brain primarily through these cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are found, primarily, throughout the brain. Through THC's interaction with CB1, marijuana affects brain areas relating to higher functioning, memory, cognition, movement and brain reward. CB1 receptors are also responsible for brain effects of marijuana involving:

  • Anxiety (read: anxiety and marijuana)
  • Pain
  • Sensory perception
  • Motor coordination
  • Endocrine function (impacts hormone secretion)

CB2 receptors are found more peripherally and produce marijuana effects on the brain involving the immune system, peripheral nerve and the vas deferens (involved in sperm ejaculation).

Both CB1 and CB2 interact with other neuron components resulting in one of the brain effects of marijuana being a decrease in other brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) like: acetylcholine, glutamate, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Marijuana Effects - Marijuana Psychological Effects

Due to the marijuana effects on the brain, there are many marijuana psychological effects as well. The primary desirable marijuana psychological effect is that of feeling "high." Marijuana effects on the brain create a high associated with:

  • Feelings of intoxication and detachment
  • Relaxation
  • Altered perception of time and distance
  • Intensified senses
  • Laughter, talkativeness
  • Decreased anxiety and alertness
  • Depression (read: marijuana and depression)

There are less desirable marijuana psychological effects and these are more likely to be experienced by new users. Marijuana effects on the brain also create feelings of:

  • Anxiety, panic, paranoia
  • Altered perceptions
  • Mania
  • Psychosis

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). How Marijuana Affects the Body and Brain, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/how-marijuana-affects-the-body-and-brain

Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Effects of Marijuana and Marijuana Side Effects

Effects of marijuana are generally thought of as positive but the effects of smoking weed and marijuana side effects can harm the health of the pot-user.

Effects of marijuana are typically related to the effects of smoking marijuana as that is the method most users choose. Effects of smoking marijuana, also known as the effects of smoking weed or the effects of smoking pot, can be devastating both to the health of the user and the user's life. Side effects of marijuana use, long term, can include increased risk of cancers and impaired cognition and memory.

Effects of Marijuana - Marijuana, Weed, Pot Effects

Effects of smoking weed include the desirable effects of marijuana, called the "high," and the negative effects of marijuana. In fact, some people experience the opposite effects of marijuana than others. For example, one person may find one of the effects of smoking weed to be relaxation while another person finds pot smoking effects to include anxiety and paranoia. Marijuana side effects also include marijuana withdrawal effects.

Marijuana (weed, pot) effects include:1

  • Feelings of intoxication and detachment
  • Relaxation
  • Intensified senses
  • Laughter, talkativeness
  • Decreased anxiety and alertness
  • Depression (read: depression and marijuana)
  • Pain
  • Increased sensations
  • Motor coordination problems
  • Anxiety, panic, paranoia
  • Altered perceptions
  • Mania
  • Psychosis

Effects of Marijuana - Side Effects of Weed, Pot, Marijuana

Marijuana (pot, weed) side effects are typically the impact of marijuana (weed, pot) effects compounded over time. Particularly harmful can be the side effects of smoking weed as these type of weed effects can be worse than those of smoking tobacco. Effects of smoking pot are, in part, due to the fact that pot cigarettes have three-times more tar than tobacco cigarettes and deposit one-third more tar in the respiratory system. Additional side effects of marijuana (weed, pot) include:

While there is no evidence that mental illness is a side effect of marijuana, it is known that mental illness often exists in pot smokers. However, a marijuana side effect is psychosis, and this is related to a greater incidence of schizophrenia. Worsening of psychotic symptoms is also a side effect of pot.

Effects of Marijuana - Smoking Weed, Pot, Marijuana Effects on Children Born to Pot-Using Mothers

The effects of smoking weed on children born to women who use marijuana during pregnancy can be lifelong. One permanent effect of marijuana is negatively impacted cognition and memory skills throughout the life of the child. Other effects of smoking weed during pregnancy on the baby include:

  • Low brithweight
  • Increased chance of cancer later in life
  • Greater chance of tremors and staring early in life
  • Low verbal and memory scores at age two

article references

APA Reference
Tracy, N. (2021, December 15). Effects of Marijuana and Marijuana Side Effects, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2025, May 23 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/marijuana-addiction/effects-of-marijuana-and-marijuana-side-effects

Last Updated: December 30, 2021