Safety & Marijuana Use: Part 2: Cannabis Series

Although the use of marijuana is becoming more prevalent both in recreational and medicinal settings, the proportion of people who know about the risks and harmful side effects is on the decline. It is therefore extremely important to educate the public on its threats and how to safely participate in its consumption.

Short-term effects?

Marijuana is different from most drugs because it has stimulant, depressant, and psychoactive properties, meaning people can react to it in very different ways. Some of the most common short-term side effects associated with marijuana include: headaches, dry mouth, dry eyes, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, hallucination, increased heart rate, and an increased appetite. Although most of these symptoms present themselves as non-severe, temporary discomforts, it is important to be aware that these effects might take place. Evidently, these side effects don’t occur during everyone’s experience with the drug, but some individuals may experience more extreme side effects that impact their physical or mental health in a negative way. There are many ways that marijuana can impact mental health obstructively, including its ability to worsen the manic symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder and increase the risk of psychosis in individuals with schizophrenia. Marijuana has been known to trigger the progression of varying mental disorders, so if you have previously been diagnosed or or have a family history of one, it is important to heavily consider the risks of cannabis use, and possibly contact a physician for more support.

A slowed heart rate is also prompted when cannabis is used in combination with depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines; this is due to the fact that cannabis can act as a hallucinogen, depressant and stimulant, which results in complex interferences with other substances. Depressants decrease central nervous system functioning, which causes breathing and heart rate to decrease. When marijuana is coupled with depressants, it can cause the central nervous system activity to dangerously decrease, and the slow heart rate can lead to an inhibition of basic motor skills.

Long-term effects?

Marijuana can also produce long-term effects, with their severity depending on the potency of the drug, the age of the user, and the frequency of consumption. One major concern, specifically with smoking marijuana, is the possibility of damaging the respiratory system. Long-term or heavy marijuana use can raise the risk of chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections, and pneumonia. Cannabis smoke contains many of the same or similar chemicals found in tobacco smoke, which can damage the lungs and make it harder to breathe in day-to-day life. The use of marijuana over a long period can also negatively impact mental health. A person can develop cannabis dependence, have a higher risk of developing mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and make an individual think that their quality of life is worse compared to the general population. Lastly, the use of marijuana can lead to altered brain development when consumed during adolescence or pregnancy, which we will explore in the next sections.

Marijuana and brain development during adolescence:

Studies show that marijuana can cause permanent alterations to neuronal activity when consumed during adolescence. It has been proven to delay neurocognitive processes, interrupt the development of neurons or brain structure, and overall negatively alter brain function. This is because the cannabinoid receptors that the THC in marijuana binds to are a part of the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is important for proper neurotransmitter activity, and the receptors develop substantially during adolescence. Cannabis use can interfere with said developments, leading to defects in neurochemical and neurostructural systems – which can result in poor cognitive outcomes. Some of these outcomes include deficits in attention, memory, learning, processing speed, mental flexibility, and manual dexterity. However, more research is still being conducted to determine if the cause of such developments are solely due to marijuana use, or if certain pre-existing factors also play a significant role.

Marijuana use during pregnancy:

Another instance where marijuana can affect brain development is when used during pregnancy. Some consider medical cannabis to be a good treatment for nausea during pregnancy, which makes marijuana one of the most common legal substances used during that time period. Marijuana can also elevate symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with pregnancy, and the use of marijuana among pregnant women aged 15 to 24 years has increased from 4.9% to 6.5% between the years of 2012 and 2017. Most doctors are hesitant to prescribe marijuana to pregnant women and tend to avoid it if possible, instead opting for a safer alternative to elevate symptoms. Studies have shown a correlation between the use of marijuana during pregnancy and the subsequent lower birth weight along with increased likelihood of anemia in infants. In addition, some of these infants exhibited impairment in impulse control, visual memory, and attention during early childhood, with some cases continuing into adulthood. Marijuana again presents itself as a deteriorating factor in brain function, as it impacts the formation and migration of neurons in the fetus. The previously mentioned endocannabinoid system develops in the fetus as early as 16 days into gestation, and it is affected in the same way as in adolescents. More data continues to be gathered in support of these claims, but pregnant women should consider the possible effects marijuana can have on their child, and consult their physician prior to consumption.

Safety tips and precautions:

We have compiled a few safety precautions to ensure that cannabis can be used in a way that is minimally damaging to the users’ health.

First, to ensure the reduction of of negative consequences, try to implement any of the following:

Using cannabis in a safe and familiar environment
Refrain from use until the brain is fully developed, which is around the age of 25
Limit excessive use in order to reduce long term side effects and prevent addiction
Avoid mixing cannabis with other substances (both legal and illicit)
Do not operate vehicles or machinery when under the influence to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you

As previously mentioned, if you have a family history of mental illness or have been diagnosed, avoid cannabis use or consult a physician beforehand. Some risk factors include but are not limited to:

Schizophrenia
Psychosis
Problematic substance use and/or addiction

Lastly, make sure you obtain marijuana from a verified seller and distributor. Avoid illegal synthetic cannabis products such as K2/spice because they have much stronger effects and more negative consequences.

Works Cited:

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Marijuana. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-marijuana/art- 20364974

Mixing Marijuana With Other Drugs. (2020). Aspenridge Recovery. https://www.aspenridgerecoverycenters. com/mixing-marijuana-with-other-drugs/

McKenna, J. (n.d.). The Long-Term Side Effects of Marijuana Use. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/ connect-to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/marijuana/long-term-effects-marijuana-use

Cannabis and your health. (2021). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/ cannabis/health-effects.html#a2

McKenna, J. (n.d.). The Long-Term Side Effects of Marijuana Use. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/connect- to-care/addiction-treatment-recovery/marijuana/long-term-effects-marijuana-use

Jacobus, J., Bava, S., Cohen-Zion, M., Mahmood, O., & Tapert, S. F. (2009). Functional consequences of marijuana use in adolescents. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behaviour, 92(4), 559–565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbb.2009.04.001

Corsi, D. J., Walsh, L., Weiss, D. Hsu, H., El-Chaar, D., Hawken, S., Fell, D. B., & Walker, M. (2019). Association Between Self-reported Prenatal Cannabis Use and Maternal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Outcomes. JAMA, 322(2), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.8734

Volkow, N. D., Compton, W. M., & Wargo, E. M. (2017). The Risks of Marijuana Use During Pregnancy. JAMA, 317(2), 129–130. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.18612

Cannabis and your health. (2021). Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/ cannabis/health-effects.html#a4

Safety & Marijuana Use: Part 2: Cannabis Series

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