What are the Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use?

            Marijuana is illegal, but its still used everywhere. People say that it makes them feel great, relaxed and makes them feel like they are having a good time. I wanted to know what the negative side effects are to the use of marijuana. Marijuana has the slightly delayed (30 minutes) effect of rushing THC into your blood stream, which then spreads throughout the body. Marijuana raises heart rate by 20-100 percent shortly after smoking; this effect can last up to 3 hours. Many people would fight this and say that Marijuana isn’t addictive, however it is addictive. Estimates from research suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana. Long-term marijuana users trying to quit report withdrawal symptoms including irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving, all of which can make it difficult to remain abstinent. (DrugFacts, Nov 10,2013) The only long-term effect marijuana has commonly been reported of, is the lack of motivation (causing laziness) to do their jobs. Also reports of dissatisfaction in life are higher from heavy smokers. The overall work ethic of a smoker tends to be poor compared to other non-smoking employees or students.


http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

Nick E W