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A new study sheds light on how addictive cannabis really is.
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The Different Types of Cannabis
There are three different types of cannabis- sativa, indica, and hybrid. Indica is the most common type, and it’s the type that most people think of when they hear the word “cannabis.” Indica plants are shorter and bushier than sativa plants, and they have wider leaves.
Indica
Indica cannabis is believed to be the more sedative of the two main types. It’s often used for relaxation and sleep, and is thought to be less likely to cause anxiety than sativa.
Sativa
Sativa is a type of cannabis plant that is mostly found in hot, humid climates close to the equator, such as Colombia, Mexico, and Thailand. They are tall plants with long, thin leaves. The buds of a sativa plant are larger and fluffier than those of an indica plant. They take longer to mature and have a lower THC content. The effects of smoking sativa are mostly cerebral; that is, they affect your brain and not your body. People report feeling more energetic, creative, and social when they smoke sativa.
Hybrid
A hybrid is a mix of two different Cannabis strains, usually indica and sativa. The effects of a hybrid will depend on the dominant strain in the mix. For example, an indica-dominant hybrid will offer relaxation and pain relief, while a sativa-dominant hybrid will provide a more energizing, cerebral experience.
The Different Ways to Consume Cannabis
There are many ways to consume cannabis, and each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some methods are more efficient than others, and some are more potent. In general, the most popular methods of consuming cannabis are smoking, vaporizing, and eating.
Smoking
Smoking is the quickest way to feel the effects of cannabis. The THC is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs within minutes. However, it only lasts for a short while because it is quickly broken down by the body.
The effects of smoking are felt within a few minutes and peak in 10-30 minutes. They then start to taper off after about 2-3 hours.
Vaping
Vaping is a process where marijuana is heated until it turns into a vapor, which is then inhaled. It’s a popular method of consuming cannabis because it doesn’t involve any combustion (burning), so there’s no smoke produced. This fact, along with the fact that the active compounds in cannabis are absorbed quite quickly through the lungs, makes vaping a very efficient way to consume marijuana.
Vaping is also considered to be a healthier alternative to smoking because it doesn’t produce any tar or other harmful by-products of combustion. However, it’s important to note that not all vaping devices are created equal. Some cheaper devices may use harmful metals in their heating coils, which can lead to the release of dangerous chemicals when the marijuana is heated.
Another potential concern with vaping is that some devices can reach extremely high temperatures, which can degrade the active compounds in cannabis and potentially produce harmful chemicals. To avoid this, it’s important to use a quality device that is designed for vaping cannabis and to never overheat your material.
Edibles
Cannabis-infused food, also called edibles, are available in many American states where marijuana has been legalized. They come in a variety of forms, including brownies, cookies, candies, chocolates, and gummies. Edibles have become a popular way to consume cannabis because they offer a more discreet way to consume the drug. Some people believe that edibles provide a more intense high than smoking marijuana does.
There are a few things to keep in mind when consuming edibles. First, it is very important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. It can take up to four hours to feel the full effects of an edible, so it is important to be patient. It is also important to be aware that the effects of an edible can last much longer than the effects of smoking marijuana. Finally, it is important to remember that it is possible to overdose on edibles, so it is important to exercise caution.
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils that are absorbed through the skin for localized relief of pain, soreness, and inflammation. Veterans using cannabis topicals have reported improvements in pain management when using products containing both THC and CBD. In one survey of herbal CBD topical users in Florida, nearly 80 percent said the product eased their muscle or joint pain, while 67 percent said it helped reduce inflammation.
CBD-dominant topicals tend to be less effective at alleviating deep, acute pain than THC-dominant products, but some users find them more tolerable. THC can also increase the permeability of the skin, which allows more of the topicals to be absorbed. Topicals are a good choice for veterans with chronic pain who want to avoid or minimize the psychoactive effects of THC.
The Different Effects of Cannabis
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It can be taken in different forms, including smoking, vaporizing, and as an edible. The effects of cannabis depend on the individual, the method of administration, and the THC content.
Short-Term Effects
In the short term, cannabis can cause:
-Euphoria
-Relaxation
-increased appetite
– impaired short-term memory
– Slowed reaction time
Cannabis can also cause:
-Paranoia
-Anxiety
– Panic attacks
– Short-term psychotic symptoms
These effects are usually most pronounced when cannabis is consumed in higher quantities or when it is of a higher potency.
Long-Term Effects
Cannabis is often thought of as a harmless drug, but there is growing evidence that it can have long-term effects on health. Smoke from cannabis contains many of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke, and some studies have suggested that it may be just as harmful to the lungs.
Cannabis use has also been linked to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Some studies have found that regular users are more likely to develop psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia.
There is also evidence that cannabis use can be addictive. Around 1 in 10 people who use cannabis will develop an addiction, and the risk is higher if you start using it at a young age.
If you’re worried about your cannabis use, or if you think you might have an addiction, talk to your doctor or a professional at a drug and alcohol service.
The Different risks of Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that contains over 400 different chemicals, including the psychoactive chemical THC. Cannabis use can result in both short- and long-term effects. Short-term effects of cannabis can include: impaired ability to remember and concentrate, sleepiness, bloodshot eyes, and increased appetite. Long-term effects of cannabis can include: damaged blood vessels, increased risk of lung infections, and difficulty with forming new memories.
Short-Term Risks
Cannabis is generally considered a safe drug, with a low risk of overdose. However, there are some short-term risks associated with using cannabis, particularly if it is smoked. These risks include:
-Dry mouth
-Dizziness
-Bloodshot eyes
-Reduced blood pressure
-Impaired coordination and balance
-Anxiety or paranoia
-Short-term memory impairment
Long-Term Risks
Cannabis is often thought of as a safe drug, with many people using it regularly without any harmful effects. However, like all drugs, there are risks associated with its use, especially when it’s used regularly over a long period of time.
Cannabis can affect your physical and mental health in both positive and negative ways. Some of these effects can be long-term and even lead to addiction.
Physical health risks
Cannabis smoking has been linked to a range of physical health problems, including:
– bronchitis
– lung cancer
– emphysema
– heart disease
– stroke
Regular cannabis smoking increases the risk of these conditions, especially if you have a pre-existing condition such as asthma. If you’re pregnant, smoking cannabis can also increase the risk of harm to your unborn baby.
Mental health risks
Cannabis use has also been linked to a range of mental health problems, including:
– anxiety
– depression
– psychosis
– schizophrenia
If you have a family history of mental illness, you may be at increased risk of developing these problems yourself if you use cannabis regularly.
