Mental Health & Marijuana: What to Know

 It’s probably no secret to you that people have been using cannabis products and marijuana for quite some time (Fun Fact: the first documented case of an individual using cannabis dates back to 2800 BC)! Today, with increased marijuana legalization and availability, it is being used both medicinally and recreationally more than ever, especially among young adults.

I frequently work with clients who come to therapy for mental health and emotional concerns, believing that their frequent marijuana use helps them cope better with their mental health and/or manage their symptoms. I also often hear my clients wonder just how much marijuana is benefiting them and whether their use is considered “problematic.”

I wish I had a definite, concrete response to these questions, but alas, there are many layers to the complexity of this topic. Instead, I want to provide some education and information on marijuana and how it can impact your mental health both in the short term and long term.

POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA

The word “potential” is included here to reflect the fact that marijuana affects each individual differently, as well as the fact that the effects of marijuana are somewhat unpredictable.

POTENTIAL SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA ON MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH 

  • Perception: 
    • Altered or distorted sense of time (time seems to pass either more slowly or more quickly)
    • Enhanced or distorted senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell)
    • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real (also known as hallucinating)
  • Physical effects: 
    • Increased relaxation
    • Hunger, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and throat
    • Drowsiness or sleepiness
    • Impaired motor coordination and reaction time
  • Mental and emotional effects:
    • Altered emotional states and moodsFeelings of euphoria (sense of happiness or elation), reduced anxiety
      • Increased anxiety, paranoia, confusion, and feelings of sadness or depression
    • Difficulty concentrating, impaired ability to learn and remember things
    • Potential for cannabis or marijuana-induced psychosis (during which the individual loses touch with reality)
    • Improved short-term emotional regulation in relation to managing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares

POTENTIAL LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA ON MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

  • Perception: 
    • Higher likelihood of experiencing hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real)
    • Potential for chronic (long-lasting) concerns and difficulties with perception and sensation
  • Physical: 
    • Disturbed sleep
    • Slowed brain development (especially for adolescents and teenagers)
    • Potential for hormonal imbalances, including lower sperm concentrations in males
    • Increased likelihood of developing physical dependency on marijuana, leading to withdrawal symptoms (including mood and behavioral symptoms such as irritability, nausea, sleeping difficulties, dysphoria, stomach pain, craving, and anxiety)
  • Mental: 
    • Increased likelihood of developing mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, and suicidal thoughts
    • Cognitive impairment 
      • Negative impacts on memory, attention, and learning capabilities
    • Increased anxiety and paranoia: use can exacerbate feelings of paranoia and anxiety, especially for those predisposed to anxious distress
    • Dependency risk: Regular use can lead to psychological dependence (reliance on marijuana to cope with emotional distress, which can create a cycle of use that worsens underlying mental health concerns or exacerbates existing conditions)
    • Exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions (including schizophrenia and bipolar disorders)
    • Loss of motivation and internal drive over time (due to the short-term increase in dopamine leading to difficulty sustaining motivation and interest in things long-term)

The use of cannabis and marijuana has a long and complex history, with its effects on mental and emotional health being both complex and significant. While many individuals, particularly young adults, may turn to marijuana as a means of coping with mental health challenges, it is crucial to recognize and understand the potential short-term and long-term effects that can arise from its use. From altered perceptions and emotional states to the risk of developing dependency and exacerbating existing mental health conditions, the implications of marijuana use are not to be taken lightly. As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization and its increasing availability, it is essential for individuals who currently use marijuana or are considering using it to be as educated and informed as possible so that we can make informed decisions that prioritize our mental health and overall well-being.

If you or a loved one are struggling with marijuana use, are concerned about developing or having already developed a dependence on marijuana, or are considering quitting, please reach out to a professional.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley Weber (she/her), M.A., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Ashley generally works with adults 18 and older in a supportive, accepting, and non-judgmental manner to help individuals explore, identify, and begin to implement the kind of changes each individual person believes they need to live a more fulfilling life while providing new tools and skills along the way. Click here to learn more about Ashley’s experience and therapeutic approach.