Cannabis Use Disorder: Short-Term and Long-Term Effects

Cannabis use issues
Some people depend on cannabis and some experience
withdrawal symptoms like low appetite, mood swings
and irritability when not using cannabis. As stated by
National Institute of Drug Abuse, individuals who started
using the drug before 18 years of age are more possibly
to develop cannabis use disorder. It also creates
respiratory problems as smoking cannabis is similar to
smoking tobacco (Bonomo & et. al., (2018). It is
associated with bronchitis and may develop chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. Use Disorder Pocket
Guide
Cannabis
Cannabis is defined as a
psychoactive drug which is used
primarily for recreational and
medicinal purpose. The drug is
getting from three plants group
including cannabis indica, cannabis
ruderalis and cannabis sativa. It is
usually consumed for calming and
relaxing effects. Cannabis is also
prescribed to assist with various
medical conditions involving poor
appetite, glaucoma and chronic
pain. There are over 120
components from which cannabis is
made, these are called cannabinoids
(Myles, Myles, & Large, (2016).
Short term effects
It has some short-term effects including increased
appetite, giddiness, focus and creativity, relaxation,
altered perception of events in time etc. However, the
drug has some problematic side effects including
lethargy, anxiety, coordination issues, nausea, decreased
blood pressure, increased heart rate, paranoia, delayed
reaction time etc.
Long term effects
Cannabis also has some long-term effects on individuals
who use it. According to a research, it has been found
that the potential influence of drug is on development of
brain when utilized during adolescence. People who
started using cannabis in their teen age tend to have more
learning and memory issues. They may also have high
risk mental health problems including schizophrenia.
Cannabis Use Disorder