Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana is a psychoactive substance derived from the cannabis plant. It is the most popular illicit drug in the United States. Many street names are used to refer to it, including cannabis, weed, pot, grass and Mary Jane.

What Is Marijuana (Cannabis)?

When someone uses marijuana according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, they can smoke it in traditional pipes, water pipes or a rolled cigarette. Some people also roll marijuana in cigar paper to smoke it. As marijuana has become recreationally legal in more states, it is not uncommon to see it added to certain foods and candies to be eaten.

Though a handful of states have legalized recreational marijuana use, the federal level has not. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs do not have an accepted medical use at the federal level and have a high potential for abuse and dependence.

Marijuana contains a psychoactive ingredient called THC. This ingredient is one of more than 500 other chemicals found in the marijuana plant. When someone uses marijuana, THC and other chemicals from the plant enter the lungs and the bloodstream. Then, these chemicals go from the bloodstream to the brain.

The effects of marijuana can include euphoria and relaxation, based on information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. There can be a lot of variance in the effects felt from person-to-person. Some people might feel changes in their perception of time and alterations in sensory perception. Other common effects of marijuana include increased appetite, laughter and paranoia.

Some people experience additional negative effects. Some people may have a sense of anxiety or panic if they use marijuana. If someone uses a high dose or a dose that’s very strong, these negative effects are more likely to occur.

Over time, marijuana can cause significant problems with learning, memory and behavior. If someone smokes marijuana, they may also experience many of the same negative side effects as smoking cigarettes. These negative side effects can include respiratory problems and the increased risk of lung cancer.

As with other psychoactive substances, marijuana creates its effects by altering the function of the brain’s neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters play a role in how messages are sent in the brain. THC binds to and activates cannabinoid receptors. When these receptors are activated, it can also stimulate the reward system in the brain. As a result, THC can trigger the release of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine.

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Is Marijuana Addictive?

The question of whether or not marijuana is an addictive substance is one that’s widely debated. The consensus from medical professionals and the National Institute on Drug Abuse is that marijuana use can lead to problematic substance use. This is characterized as marijuana use disorder. In severe cases, a person can become addicted to marijuana.

A marijuana use disorder can involve dependence or addiction. People dependent on or addicted to marijuana can experience unpleasant symptoms or withdrawal upon cessation. Marijuana dependence occurs because the brain adapts to the drug’s effect on the endocannabinoid neurotransmitter system. The brain then feels as if it can’t function normally without marijuana.

If someone has marijuana addiction, it means they use the drug compulsively. Their use of marijuana interferes with their daily life, and they typically continue to use it even when it causes negative outcomes.

Some side effects of marijuana addiction might include:

Using marijuana despite not wanting to, or having the feeling of being unable to stop using it
Spending significant amounts of time using marijuana or trying to obtain more
Spending large sums of money on marijuana
Experiencing legal or financial troubles caused by seeking or using marijuana
Prioritizing marijuana over other areas and responsibilities of life

Marijuana Addiction Statistics

Because marijuana has become more mainstream and legally accepted, there is a misconception that it’s risk-free. Unfortunately, people see it as completely safe to the point that they don’t think about the potential for abuse, addiction and other consequences.

The following are important marijuana facts and statistics:

It’s estimated that in the United States demonstrated the criteria for marijuana use disorder in 2015 according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
People who use marijuana before the age of 18 are anywhere from likely to develop marijuana use disorder when compared with people who didn’t use it until they were older.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 30 percent of people who use marijuana might have some level of marijuana use disorder.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States — the results of that study showed 22.2 million people reported using it in the prior month.
According to data gathered by the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), there were almost 456,000 drug-related visits to the emergency department in the U.S. in 2011. Many of these visits were believed to be related to the increased potency of marijuana.
In 2013 it was estimated that Americans use marijuana every day, and that number is likely higher now since it’s legal in many states.

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Understanding Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC

Delta-8 THC, often referred to simply as Delta-8, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants, albeit in smaller quantities compared to Delta-9 THC. It's chemically similar to Delta-9 THC but with a few notable differences in its molecular structure, resulting in milder psychoactive effects.

On the other hand, Delta-10 THC is a relatively new player in the cannabinoid arena. It's produced through selective breeding and molecular manipulation, offering a unique cannabinoid profile with purportedly different effects from both Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC.

Exploring the Effects

Both Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC offer users a less intense high compared to Delta-9 THC. Many users describe the experience as more clear-headed and less anxiety-inducing, making them appealing options for those seeking a more controlled cannabis experience.

However, it's essential to note that research on the long-term effects of these compounds is limited. While they may appear to be safer alternatives to Delta-9 THC, their full spectrum of effects, particularly with prolonged or heavy use, remains uncertain. Moreover, the unregulated nature of the cannabis industry means that product quality and potency can vary widely, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

The Potential Risks

Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, like their more well-known counterpart Delta-9 THC, can potentially induce psychotic effects, especially in susceptible individuals or when consumed in high doses. Psychotic effects may include:

Hallucinations: Users may experience distortions in sensory perception, leading to visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations. These hallucinations can range from mild distortions to vivid and immersive experiences.
Paranoia: Some individuals may feel heightened levels of anxiety, fear, or suspicion while under the influence of Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC. This paranoia can manifest as irrational thoughts or beliefs, leading to discomfort and distress.
Delusions: Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC may contribute to the development of delusional thinking, where individuals hold fixed, false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary. These delusions can vary widely in content and intensity, potentially impacting decision-making and behavior.
Psychomotor Agitation: In some cases, the use of Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC may lead to psychomotor agitation, characterized by restlessness, pacing, or purposeless movements. This agitation can be distressing and may contribute to feelings of anxiety or discomfort.
Impaired Cognitive Function: Psychotic effects of Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC can also manifest as impairments in cognitive function, including difficulties with memory, attention, and executive function. These cognitive deficits can interfere with daily activities and may persist beyond the acute effects of the substances.

It's important to note that the likelihood and severity of psychotic effects can vary depending on factors such as individual susceptibility, dose, frequency of use, and the presence of underlying mental health conditions. Additionally, while Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC may be perceived as producing milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta-9 THC, they can still pose risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.

As such, individuals considering the use of Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC should exercise caution and be mindful of their own tolerance and sensitivity to these compounds. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals and adhering to harm reduction practices can help mitigate the risk of experiencing psychotic effects and promote safer cannabis consumption.

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