In the public eye, marijuana is often seen as a fairly harmless, natural substance, especially when it’s compared to harder drugs like heroin, cocaine or meth. Many people equate smoking a joint with having a glass of wine or a beer — a simple ritual that helps you unwind after a hard day or take the edge off a stressful situation.

But cannabis is a drug that can have adverse psychological side effects, especially for individuals with co-existing psychiatric disorders. Whether you’re using marijuana on an occasional, recreational basis or using the drug every day, it’s important to be aware of the mental effects of cannabis.

Cannabis and the Mind

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a psychoactive drug. There are hundreds of active chemicals in marijuana, but medical research has focused primarily on the effects of cannabidiol and THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. THC acts on cannabinoid receptor cells in the brain to produce the negative and positive mental side effects of marijuana. The sense of relaxation, giddiness or tranquility that you may feel after smoking pot are a result of the effects of THC on your brain. But on the negative side, THC can cause a host of unpleasant or dangerous mental effects, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Paranoia
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Panic attacks
  • Paranoia
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion
  • Chemical dependence

Although cannabis is widely viewed as non-addictive, Harvard Medical School notes that one out of every nine users develops physical or psychological dependence on the drug. Dependence is characterized by a tolerance to the effects of THC, a preoccupation with using marijuana, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using. Withdrawal from marijuana can cause irritability, depression, cravings, changes in appetite, insomnia and anxiety.

Even users who take marijuana to elevate their moods may find that the drug can turn on them, causing severe depression, anxiety or paranoia. In some users, marijuana abuse causes psychiatric symptoms that resemble schizophrenia. Marijuana-induced psychosis can cause delusional thinking, hallucinations, irrational fears, and bizarre behaviors. While not everyone who abuses marijuana will develop psychosis, the risk of severe mental side effects is greater than most people realize.

Marijuana and Mental Illness

Users with a history of mental illness have a higher risk of experiencing adverse mental side effects from marijuana, cautions the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). People who suffer from mood disorders, anxiety or a psychotic illness are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of THC. According to the Substance Misuse Papers, one research study showed that cannabis is the most widely abused drug among people with schizophrenia. Marijuana is often used as a form of self-medication to ease the symptoms of severe mental illness, such as anxiety, depression and paranoia. Paradoxically, marijuana can worsen these symptoms, as well as increase the risk of an acute psychotic episode.

Among many mental health and addiction treatment professionals, marijuana is viewed as a dangerous, potentially addictive psychoactive drug. Although marijuana has acceptable uses in the medical community, such as appetite stimulation and pain management, abusing this drug for recreational purposes can cause severe psychological consequences.

Treatment for Marijuana Abuse

If you’re struggling to overcome an addiction to marijuana, you don’t have to fight alone. Professional drug rehab programs offer detox services, intensive therapy, behavioral modification and alternative healing practices to help you regain your physical and emotional health. Black Bear Lodge provides holistic recovery solutions in a serene, spiritually inspiring setting in the foothills of northern Georgia. Contact us at 706-914-2327 to find out how we can help you break your bond with marijuana today.