Marijuana and the Mind

Marijuana, otherwise known as “pot”, can be used to smoke, vape, be eaten, or made like a tea. Daily Marijuana abuse will cause dependency in up to fifty percent of users. Marijuana’s effect on the mind is quite apparent after increased use.

Precisely what is Marijuana made of?

There are two psychoactive compounds present in marijuana, and each one influences a person differently. The first chemical substance, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causes changes in visual perception, which is the first level of memory formation. THC causes feelings of excitement, an increase in hunger, paranoia, psychosis, and reliance on the drug. Cannabidol (CBD) is the other compound present in Marijuana. This kind of compound enhances the naturally cannabidoid levels in the brain that are in charge of normal brain development. This causes a relaxing, anti-anxiety sensation in those who utilize it.

Analysis has shown that cannabis drug abuse decreases the volume of the thalamus and striatum areas of the brain. These areas in the brain control memory formation and the processing of learning and memory activity. These physical abnormalities are shown to be similar to the brains of schizophrenics, and this may be why marijuana substance abuse triggers schizophrenia to develop in marijuana users. The strength damage to the brain caused by marijuana abuse increases with time, increasing the risk for expanding other mental disorders. A few of these disorders are: depression, stress, psychosis, suicidal ideation and schizophrenia.

Marijuana’s Impact on the mind

Marijuana abuse over-activates specific cell receptors in the brain that creates feelings of euphoria, an altered sense of time, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and impaired memory. A recent study shows that individuals who started using cannabis in their teens lost an average of eight points in their IQ tests when they reached their thirties. Pertaining to those who stopped using marijuana in their 30s, no improvement in their IQ scores occurred. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that when marijuana use starts during adolescence, it could cause long term brain damage.

Recovery

Research is still in its infancy regarding recovery of damage done to the mind by marijuana drug abuse. Cannabis has neurotoxic effects which may be reversible, but it has not determined. Reports of exercise as a highly effective recovery tool are being seen. Physical exercise has been effective in increasing both brain health insurance. Exercise is beginning to emerge as an important recovery tool by enhancing cerebral blood flow, executive control, and white matter integrity.

Additional good news is being presented by the NIDA. Their research claims that neuroplasticity is happening, and that the brain is rewiring itself during abstinence. To what extent the reversal of damage will be, has yet to be identified. But there may be hope, and with continued research for more effective recovery tools, the brain damage brought on by marijuana abuse may be totally reversed.

If you or someone you love want(s) to start the recovery journey, Newark Drug Rehab Centers is here to help you. Just call (862) 930-4070 to speak with one of our caring recovery advocates.