Marijuana Side Effects and Risks
The expanded legalization of cannabis (marijuana) has caused some people to assume that is a harmless substance. While it is possible to use the drug safely, it is important to be aware of the many potential short- and long-term side effects of marijuana.
What are the Side Effects of Marijuana?
The possible side effects of marijuana include both short- and long-term damage. Some types of weed-related harm can be reversed by reducing or ending your use of the drug, but others can have a permanent negative impact on your life.
Short-term side effects of marijuana
Common short-term side effects of marijuana include:
- Altered perception of time and space
- Delayed reaction time
- Impaired coordination
- Loss of inhibitions
- Poor judgement
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Psychosis
Though these are short-term effects of marijuana, they can still have a long-term effect on a person’s health and well-being.
For example, the combination of poor judgement, impaired coordination, delayed reactions, and altered perception can lead to injuries via slips, falls, and automobile accidents.
Paranoia and psychosis can also cause people to engage in dangerous behaviors, while frequent changes in heart rate and blood pressure can contribute to myriad health concerns.
Long-term side effects of marijuana
A person’s risk of incurring extensive harm from cannabis can be influenced by factors such as their age, how often they use the drug, how much they typically use, and if they have any co-occurring medical or mental health concerns.
The possible long-term effects of marijuana use:
Addiction:
Let’s get this one out of the way right up front. Contrary to what you may have heard or read elsewhere, it is possible to become addicted to marijuana. Cannabis doesn’t present the same risk of addiction that substances like heroin, cocaine, and benzodiazepines do – but a lower risk of addiction is not the same as no risk at all.
Cognitive limitations:
A June 2021 study in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that teens who use marijuana have an increased risk of abnormal brain development, including a thinning of the prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain plays a vital role in several complex cognitive functions, including planning, problem-solving, emotion regulation, setting goals, and adapting behaviors based on social cues.
Respiratory problems:
According to the American Lung Association, the potential long-term side effects of smoking marijuana include respiratory infections, thickening of the airway, and chronic bronchitis. Also, a study from the University of Michigan determined that vaping marijuana can be more dangerous to an adolescent’s lungs than smoking tobacco or vaping nicotine.
Mental health concerns:
A May 2024 study in the journal Psychological Medicine reported that adolescents ages 12-19 who use cannabis are 11 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder than are individuals in the same age range who don’t use the drug. For some people, marijuana use can also exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and other mental illnesses.
Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome:
Also known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome or CHS, this condition causes recurring abdominal pain, appetite loss, persistent nausea, and repeated episodes of intense vomiting. Risk of CHS is greatest among people who have a long history of heavy cannabis use, and it is not a treatable condition. Once a person develops CHS, the only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid marijuana.
Contaminant-related health damage:
State governments regulate cannabis production in the U.S., so one state may allow pesticides and contaminants that another bans. Even in states that ban certain contaminants, authorities may enforce the laws laxly. For example, a recent investigation by LA Times reporters found 79 toxic chemicals in legal weed samples that were tested by an independent lab.
Fetal damage:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that using cannabis while pregnant has been linked with low birth weight and developmental concerns in newborns. People who smoke or vape cannabis while pregnant may also expose their fetus to various toxic substances.
The best way to avoid long-term damage from marijuana use is to not start using the drug in the first place – especially if you are an adolescent or teen. If you have already begun to use cannabis and are having trouble reducing or ending your use, professional treatment may be the best option.
The path to lifelong recovery from compulsive marijuana use can look quite different from one person to the next. This is whyit is so important to find a provider who will develop a customized course of treatment that aligns with your needs, goals, and expectations.
Begin Treatment for Marijuana Addiction at Sanctuary Treatment Center Today
If you are concerned about the short- and long-term effects of marijuana use, but you’re unable to stop using the drug, Sanctuary Treatment Center is here to help. We offer personalized addiction treatment services, as well as dual diagnosis programming for patients who have also been living with anxiety, depression, or other co-occurring mental health concerns.
When you choose our intimate, comfortable rehab facility in Los Angeles, CA, you will have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with a small team of skilled and experienced professionals.
Treatment options at our center include detoxification (detox), inpatient rehab, and outpatient programming. Our team can assess the full scope of your needs, then develop the customized plan that will put you on the path toward a healthier life in recovery.
To learn more about our programs and services, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 3/13/2025
