We know that all drugs are harmful, but too few times we understand the ways in which they affect our body and mind. Processes that occur in the brain often lead to more strange and harmful reactions.

Marijuana or cannabis is extracted from the Cannabis sativa herb, the sense of euphoria being offered by the chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC. Business Insider provides more information about marijuana, a controversial drug if we take into account that we are bombarded daily with studies that highlight its harmful effects and its qualities. Read in the following lines how it affects the body and the brain.

It makes you feel good but causes addiction

A popular thing, but not the mechanism through which this process takes place. Thus, when THC reaches the brain cells, it causes the release of dopamine, a substance that induces good mood. You can click here to learn more.

Also, dopamine is part of the “reward system” of the brain. The feeling of euphoria is related to survival actions or immediate and short-term pleasures, such as eating or sexual intercourse. When this reward system is over-stimulated, the addiction appears alongside the adverse reactions of times when the drug is no longer consumed.

It influences the formation of memories and causes cognitive disorders

The active suspicion of this drug acts in the hippocampus, negatively influencing the way memories are formed, but also the way information is processed. This phenomenon can cause cognitive impairment over time. However, recent studies have revealed that marijuana slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Your balance is also affected

THC affects brain areas responsible for balance, coordination, response speed, or balance. So when these areas are disturbed, equilibrium problems, difficulty in concentration or speech occur.

Consumption of cannabis can lead to depression

There is still insufficient scientific evidence to certify this, but a study in the Netherlands has shown that marijuana increases the risk of depression in young people. Also, in the long run, this drug increases the symptoms associated with depression in people already prone to this disorder.

Increasing anxiety, distrust, panic attacks, and fear – the most common side effects

After marijuana use, about 20-30% of consumers have experienced adverse reactions such as anxiety, mistrust, phobias and panic attacks.

It can lead to psychosis

Acute psychosis, characterized by hallucinations, delirium, and loss of personal identity, is caused by high doses of marijuana. As the drug affects the parts of the brain that process what we see and hear, visual and hearing hallucinations are common. Most of the time, there is a repeat of a unique sound, after which it is replaced by another until the symptoms begin to disappear.

Affects sleep

THC negatively affects the first four stages of sleep, when our body can rest and recover through sleep. That’s why marijuana consumers have insomnia or they find themselves much tired.

Increases heart rate

A few minutes after the inhalation of the drug, the heart rate may even double, the average being somewhere between 70-80 beats per minute. Generally, this symptom disappears after 20 minutes.

Eyes injected

Cranial blood vessels in the eyes and fatigue cause this effect of injected eyes, characteristics of those who consume marijuana.

Dry mouth

Cannabinoid receptors are located where saliva is produced. That’s why, when these receptors are activated by cannabis consumption, saliva production is inhibited.

Excessive appetite

This drug increases the pleasure of eating and the interest in certain foods. It seems that the THC active substance stimulates the survival instinct, increasing appetite.

It also has beneficial effects

Tod Mijuriya, a psychiatrist, claims that the symptoms of more than 200 diseases can be alleviated by marijuana use. Although the studies are not enough or sufficiently conclusive, it seems that marijuana would improve the effects of chemotherapy, prevent blindness caused by glaucoma, crush epileptic seizures, and help stop cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. See more.

Though those who resort to them, take them to relax, to induce a state of “goodness,” when they become addicted, the need for drugs will be so high that it will come to some unspeakable physical pain.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that affects the consumer both mentally and physically. There is a multitude of causes for people to start taking drugs, such as entourage pressure or stress. Many people who begin to consume become addicted. Drug abuse is a growing problem in Romania.

Changes in the brain of a drug user

When a person is addicted to drugs, some changes take place in the mind. These neurochemical changes affect the ability of self-mastery and decision-making. There is a strong impetus to continue drinking, despite drug-related harm.

Drug addiction takes control quickly, with consumers needing more and more powerful substances to achieve the desired effect. Most often than not, these people will course to the commission of crimes for the financing of their addiction.