If you’re interested in trying out cannabis either medically or recreationally, there are some things you need to know first.
Even if you’ve tried it before, a little bit of information might help improve your next experience, so here are five things you should know about marijuana use.
1.What Marijuana Does
The two main compounds in marijuana which affect your mind and body are called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis.
This particular cannabinoid (CBD) doesn’t actually bind with your body’s cannabinoid receptors like THC. Instead, it helps to jump-start the natural production of endocannabinoids throughout your body, affecting things like appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.
THC is the chemical compound found in cannabis which makes you feel high by physically binding with your body’s cannabinoid receptors. This stimulates neurons in your brain’s reward system and signals the release of dopamine, making you feel good.
There’s a lot of research available online, but due to the illicit nature of marijuana, it’s difficult for scientists to acquire. This has put a strain on research into the long-term effects of marijuana, but as more states legalize it for medical use, more research can be done.
2. Common Medical Uses
Contrary to what you might think, weed is good for more than just sinking into your couch and eating an entire bag of potato chips.
Some states like Texas have legalized this life-changing drug, and more people are becoming aware of its wide array of medicinal uses.
While the rules in each state are a little different when allowing someone to treat symptoms with marijuana, many of the treatable conditions remain the same.
For example, if you suffer from chronic pain, glaucoma, severe nausea, anxiety, depression, or epilepsy, you’ll likely benefit from medical marijuana use, and these are just a few examples of what medical marijuana can be used to treat.
Some other major conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana include Alzheimer’s, ALS, cancer, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD.
If you’re interested in learning more about acquiring your medical marijuana card in Texas, check out this page on Veriheal.
3. Side Effects
Some of the biggest concerns people have with medical marijuana are the side effects. This is totally understandable, and you should consider the side effects carefully before making a decision.
Some side effects include impaired judgement, memory loss, mood changes, difficulty thinking, and general cloudiness of the mind.
Cheech and Chong might come to mind when you think about the negative side effects of marijuana use, but rest assured, as long as you use it responsibly and in moderation, you can avoid getting dazed and confused altogether!
4. Marijuana Risks
While cannabis isn’t physically addictive, using it too much or too often can lead to what’s called cannabis use disorder. This might sound the same as an addiction to alcohol or any other psychoactive drug, but the difference lies within the process of recovery.
If a person develops cannabis use disorder (through excessive use), recovering is much simpler than that of other illicit substances.
You might feel some anxiety or headaches, but your body won’t go through the same potentially life-threatening stages of withdrawal as it would during recovery from alcohol dependency.
After 2-3 weeks of no weed, you’ll be feeling back to your normal self!
Another risk of marijuana use is the development of tolerance. This simply means that the more you use, the more you’ll need to use in order to experience the same high.
If you want to avoid developing a tolerance for marijuana, all you have to do is avoid smoking or ingesting marijuana products on a regular basis. Moderation is key!
5. What it feels like to get high
If you’ve never experienced a high from marijuana, you’re in for some feelings of elation, euphoria, and general happiness -if you’re in a safe and comfortable environment.
You’ll find it easier to relax, watch a movie, or listen to your favorite music with a whole new perspective. You might even find yourself more talkative than usual, so make sure you’re with a trusted friend to explore new conversations with.
Your perception of time, color, and space might be altered, but this is all part of the experience with THC dominant marijuana products.
If you start to feel hungry, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to some fresh fruits like mango or pineapple. Just about everything you eat will taste better!
Conclusion
Using marijuana is generally safe as long as you’re using it legally, in a safe and comfortable place, and in moderation!