With the pending legalization of marijuana in Canada in 2017, the question “is marijuana addictive?” remains a baffling concern to a lot of people. Marijuana, also known as weed, Mary Jane, hash, and pot, is derived from the Cannabis plant and may be taken as a prescriptive medication or recreational drug. Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is the mind-altering substance in marijuana which is quickly transported from the lungs to the blood when you smoke weed.

Is marijuana addictive?

People get addicted to marijuana and once you’re in, it is actually quite hard to quit and find treatment. Taking this drug is harmful as it has mental and physical effects, especially when taken in regular and large dosage. Smoking weed causes memory loss and could affect the thinking and ability to make sound decisions. It may also cause schizophrenia and psychosis particularly for individuals with a history of mental illness.

The physical effects of smoking pot include the relaxation or enlargement of the airways that are connected to the lungs. You may also experience the expansion of your blood vessels particularly in the eyes that are why marijuana users usually have red eyes. Marijuana doubles your normal heart rate and could significantly lower your blood pressure.

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Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

Chronic cannabis smokers are also at risk of the rare form of toxicity called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. Its manifestations include extreme nausea to the point of weakening the body and vomiting and the episodes could be constantly repetitive. This toxicity has something to do with the temperature regulation controls of the body and taking a hot shower is a source of relief. Although hot shower is a remedy, it is temporary because the only way to permanently stop this is through quitting marijuana for good.

Medical Uses for Weed

Various clinical studies show that there are proven medical uses for marijuana particularly in relieving vomiting and nausea. One of the most important medical purposes for marijuana is the restoration of one’s appetite which is extremely helpful for people who are under cancer treatments or suffering from AIDS. Marijuana is known to help relieve body pains and eliminate muscle spasms, however, more clinical proofs are required in order to prove this latter claim.

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Getting Help for Marijuana Addiction

If you or a family member is suffering from weed addiction and dependence, the first thing to do is to seek professional help. The good news is that there are numerous certified addiction recovery treatment centers and facilities to go to. You can call their hotline and see what your options are in getting the treatment you need. Some of the organizations that offer recovery treatment for marijuana addicts include Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse and the Ontario Drug and Alcohol Registry of Treatment.

Is marijuana addictive? Yes, smoking weed can get you hooked on the drug and puts you at high risk of dependence and overdose. The best way to stop drug abuse and marijuana addiction is to decide with deep conviction that it has to stop because no amount of treatment could help you if you don’t help yourself first. Call Inspire Change Addiction Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs.

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