Title: Marijuana and Cannabis: Effects, Uses and Legalization - Drugs.com
Headings: Marijuana: Effects, Medical Uses and Legalization
Marijuana: Effects, Medical Uses and Legalization
What is Marijuana?
How Does Marijuana Work?
How is Marijuana Used?
Approved and Investigational Products
Extent of Marijuana Use
Marijuana Side Effects
Marijuana Effects on the Heart
Marijuana Effects on the Lungs
Drug Interactions With Marijuana
Effects During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Addictive Potential of Marijuana
Which states allow Medical Marijuana?
Legal Status of Medical Marijuana
Recreational Use of Marijuana
Marijuana Dangers: Driving, Use in Children
Related:
See Also
More News Resources
Sources
Further information

Content: Overall, marijuana use was highest amongst the age group 18 to 25 years of age at 34%. Marijuana Side Effects
Side effects of marijuana use will be variable from person to person, depending upon strength and amount of marijuana used and if the user is occasionally or chronically exposed to THC. Side effects can be magnified in older people. The short-term effects of marijuana or cannabinoid use include: increased heart rate
low blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension
muscle relaxation
slowed digestion
dizziness
distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch)
difficulty in thinking, memory, and problem solving
loss of coordination and motor skills
agitation, anxiety, confusion, panic, paranoia
increased appetite
dry mouth, dry eyes
Reaction time may be impaired while driving. NIDA research shows that drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and problems responding to signals and sounds if driving while under the influence of THC. Panic attacks, paranoia and psychosis may occur acutely and be more common in psychiatric patients, a reported by Heller. For chronic users, the impact on memory and learning can last for days or weeks after its acute effects wear off, as noted by the NIDA. Marijuana, if purchased on the street, may be cut (or substituted) with substances that can lead to unknown, dangerous side effects. THC in marijuana is strongly absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs.