What Happens When You Use Too Much Cannabis?

Using too much cannabis can lead to several negative effects on your physical and mental health. Here are some potential risks to consider:

Effects of Using Too Much Marijuana:

Cognitive Impairment: damage to memory, attention span, and decision-making.
Mental Health: increased risk of depression, anxiety, psychosis, paranoia, mood swings, and panic attacks. Excess use of cannabis can aggravate symptoms of schizophrenia.
Social Issues: strained relationships, social isolation, and decreased productivity. Choosing relationships and activities based on whether you will be able to get high.
Listlessness: lack of motivation, decreased interest in activities, and apathy. Not fulfilling daily responsibilities like going to school or work.
Respiratory Problems: chronic bronchitis, coughing, and lung damage.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: recurrent nausea, vomiting, and cramping abdominal pain that can occur due to prolonged, high-dose cannabis use. Complications are related to dehydration which may lead to kidney failure and electrolyte problems.
Hypoglycemia: use of marijuana can lead to a drop in blood sugar level.
Increased Heart Rate: cardiovascular stress can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It can also aggravate an existing heart condition, especially in long-term and older users, putting them at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems.
Dry Mouth and Throat: this feeling can arise following the use of even a small quantity. However, heavier consumption will worsen the condition and sometimes make it so uncomfortable that even drinking several glasses of water does not take it away. The condition results from the binding effect of cannabinoid with receptors in some salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva production.
Excess phlegm production: leading to persistent coughing and raising your risk of respiratory tract infections.

Researchers estimate that 4 million people in the United States met the criteria for marijuana use disorder in 2015, but only 138,000 of them voluntarily sought treatment.

If you are having a hard time stopping the use of cannabis, contact the Holistic Counseling Center of Long Island. Having a supportive network and accountability can greatly increase one’s chances of overcoming cannabis addiction or breaking any habit.

“The thing about addiction is that you can wake up and be 100 percent convinced that you won’t use again… You could take a lie detector test and you’d pass with flying colors, but 12 hours later, a trigger may cause you to change your mind and you might get high again.” (source)