Effects

Cannabis can be used in a variety of ways, and the method used can influence the drug's effects.

Smoking or inhaling: Elation can begin in a matter of minutes and peak after 10–30 minutes. After about 2 hours, the sensation usually fades.

Ingesting: If someone takes cannabis-infused products by mouth, they will normally feel the effects within an hour, with the sensations peaking after 2.5–3.5 hours. According to one study, the type of edible has an effect on how long it takes to experience the effect, with hard candies kicking in faster.

Topical: Transdermal patches allow the substances to be absorbed into the body over time. People who use cannabis to alleviate pain and inflammation may benefit from this constant infusion.

How do cannabinoids work?

The endocannabinoid system in the human body produces some cannabinoids naturally. They send messages across the neurological system in a similar way to neurotransmitters. Memory, thinking, focus, movement, coordination, sensory and temporal perception, and enjoyment are all influenced by neurotransmitters. THC and other cannabinoids bind to the same receptors that respond to these cannabinoids. Cannabinoids from outside sources can alter and disturb normal brain activity in this way.

THC appears to have an effect on brain areas that control:

· memory and attention

· balance, posture, and coordination

· reaction time

After smoking cannabis, a person should not drive a car, operate heavy machinery, or engage in dangerous physical activity. THC increases dopamine release by stimulating certain cannabinoid receptors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the sensation of pleasure. THC has the ability to alter sensory perception. Colors may appear more vibrant, music more vivid, and emotions more intense.

What does a person feel?

People who use cannabis may experience the following side effects:

· A feeling of elation or euphoria, known as a high

· Relaxation

· Changes in perception of colour, time, and space, for example

· An increase in hunger

· Feeling more sociable

Risks

There are several hazards associated with cannabis use. These are some of them:

· Impairment of judgment: According to a 2012 study, driving within three hours of using cannabis increases the risk of a car collision.

· Immune response: A 2019 study found that regular cannabis usage may have an impact on the immune system, but further research is needed to confirm this.

· Gum disease: There may be a relation between cannabis usage and gum disease, according to the American Dental Association.

· Memory loss: Smokers of powerful cannabis strains (such as skunk) may have a higher risk of acute memory loss, according to one study.

· Testicular cancer: According to a 2018 study, taking cannabis more than 50 times over the course of a lifetime may raise the chance of testicular cancer.

Some varieties of cannabis, such as skunk, have been tweaked to increase the potency of specific components. The average THC level in confiscated cannabis increased from 4% to over 15% between the 1990s and 2018.

One issue with consuming unregulated or recreational drugs is that no one knows what's in them or how strong the effects will be. Contaminants may also be present.

Addiction

Long-term cannabis use can cause brain alterations that lead to problematic use, often known as cannabis use disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), roughly 30% of cannabis users suffer from this disease, in which they experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. Approximately 9% of these people may develop an addiction. When a person can't quit taking a substance, they have an addiction. According to the NIDA, up to 17% of those who start using cannabis in their teens may become addicted to it.

Cannabis withdrawal

It is not life threatening to stop using cannabis after being addicted, but it can be unpleasant.

Symptoms may include:

· Irritability

· Mood changes

· Insomnia

· Cravings

· Restlessness

· Decreased appetite

· General discomfort

Symptoms usually peak one week after quitting and might linger up to two weeks. Experts are unsure how long-term and frequent cannabis usage impacts a person's health. Individuals may experience different short- and long-term consequences.

Takeaway

Chemicals in cannabis can have a variety of effects on the human body. It's a popular recreational substance that also has medical use. Anyone contemplating the use of cannabis should evaluate the potential negative impacts on their mental and physical health. A doctor is a wonderful person to seek guidance from. Once you have consulted your doctor or are interested in cannabis check your local weed store in Toronto.