Title: Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?
Headings: Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?
Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?
Recreational Marijuana Use
Therapeutic Marijuana Use
Marijuana’s Effects
Hallucinogenic Effects of Marijuana
Effects of Marijuana in Adolescent Use

Content: The most common side effects of marijuana include: Bloodshot eyes
Dry mouth
Increased heart rate
Decreased blood pressure
Slowed cognition and motor functions (feeling “stoned”)
Impaired reasoning and judgment
Difficulty concentrating, ordering thoughts, maintaining continuous thought processes, solving problems, and learning
Dizziness or weakness
Clumsiness or heavy limb sensations and coordination loss
Drowsiness and motivation loss
Intense hunger (munchies)
Altered perceptions of time, space, senses
Altered moods
Loss of inhibitions
Short term memory loss
Hallucinogenic Effects of Marijuana
Although the hallucinogenic effects of marijuana have been, for the most part, considered less than those of other hallucinogens such as PCP, LSD, and mescaline, there is certain degree of unpredictability in every marijuana experience. Marijuana can distort cognitive, emotional, and sensory perceptions in both pleasurable and negative ways and in basically, the same manner that other hallucinogen drugs do by over-stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and disrupting communications between nerve cells. Hallucinations, paranoia, extreme anxiety, and delusions are possible with heavy marijuana use and since there is a marked ratio of high THC in today’s marijuana, these issues are becoming more common. Most people who use marijuana experience a tranquil and calming effect mixed with elevated moods and senses, but, a person who feels like they are out of touch with reality when they anticipated another effect can have a terrifying experience. Other individuals may display bizarre and unusual behaviors, become incoherent, or appear to be in a trance-like state . Effects of Marijuana in Adolescent Use
A study by Duke University reported that “fewer adolescents believe that regular cannabis use is harmful to health. Concomitantly, adolescents are initiating cannabis use at younger ages, and more adolescents are using cannabis on a daily basis.” Persistent cannabis use was associated with greater neuropsychological decline and more cognitive problems that have a cascading and lasting impact in these individuals and cessation of use did not fully restore neuropsychological functioning. Using marijuana at an early age not only limits cognitive development and impairs memory functions decreasing learning abilities and career opportunities for the future, but, increases the risk of developing behavioral and personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and long lasting social disparities such as dysfunctional relationships, low-income, or incarceration.