By Jimmy
The world received a mini-shock yesterday when Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., better known as the rapper Snoop Dogg, announced his decision to quit smoking weed.
Snoop Dogg had long since been a mascot for smoking, as he could rarely be seen, both in private and public, without a blunt in his hand.
Hence, his announcement to quit smoking weed, coupled with the cryptic message he left on his social media, has people wondering.
In light of this, Ikejabird brings you a list of the effects of smoking weed and what it does to the mind and body, as well as how to overcome the addiction.
How smoking weed affects physical health
Some of the most common effects on physical health from cannabis use include:
- a higher likelihood of developing bronchitis
- more phlegm
- lung irritation from irritants including some carcinogens, such as accidentally burning the mouth or throat when smoking
- a weakened immune system due to the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main psychoactive chemical in cannabis
- pain relief
- reduction in vomiting and nausea
- faster heart rate by 20–50 beats per minute
- red eyes from the increase in blood flow
- relief from the symptoms of glaucoma, for short periods
- aggravation of existing lung conditions, such as asthma
- potential interference with tumor growth
- interference with fetal development during pregnancy
- interference with brain development among teenagers
When people use it medically, cannabis is often useful for the following:
- reducing pain associated with certain medical conditions
- reducing inflammation
- helping with glaucoma
- reducing nausea in people undergoing chemotherapy
How smoking weed affects psychological health
Some of the most common effects a person may experience include:
- increased appetite and thirst
- increased or decreased depression symptoms, depending on the user
- increased or decreased anxiety symptoms, depending on the user
- impaired judgment, making it harder for people to think clearly
- problems with memory
- the release of dopamine, which causes the feeling of being high
- symptoms of withdrawal after long-term use
- delayed reactions to stimuli
- temporary paranoia and hallucinations
- addiction, in some cases
Weed has many potential psychological effects, and it is worth noting that this is not a comprehensive list.
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How smoking weed affects younger people
Weed is only potentially safe for use by adults. Children and teenagers are susceptible to potential ill effects. When a mother smokes weed while pregnant, the baby may develop memory and concentration issues as they grow.
Breastfeeding mothers who also smoke weed may be exposing their babies to its potentially harmful effects. Women should avoid smoking weed while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Weed may affect the brain development of older children and teenagers. This can lead to memory loss, concentration issues, and impaired problem-solving skills.
Research strongly suggests that for those under 25 years of age, smoking weed can impair memory and learning ability.
Long-term effects of smoking weed
Long-term effects depend on several factors, including:
- how a person uses it
- how often they use it
- the age of the person using it
- how much a person uses at any given time
Some of the potential long-term effects include the following:
- memory loss
- concentration and memory issues from exposure while in the womb
- lung irritation
- possibly lung cancer, although research does not fully support this
- development of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes nausea and vomiting
How to quit smoking weed
No matter what strategy you decide to use to stop smoking marijuana, several techniques can help you stick to your goals. Some things you can try are listed below.
Find distractions
Finding ways to stay busy can help distract you from some of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It can also keep your mind off of the drug cravings that you might be experiencing.
Look for things that you can do that will help take your mind off smoking marijuana. If you usually smoke during specific periods, such as on the weekends, find activities that will help keep you occupied and distracted.
Creating a new routine can also be helpful when you are quitting a substance such as marijuana. Keeping a routine during stressful times can be important for your mental well-being, but sticking to old habits (those that feature regular drug use) can make recovery much more difficult.
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Care for Yourself
It can be challenging to deal with the symptoms of withdrawal from smoking weed, so caring for yourself is particularly important during this time. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest.
When you find yourself struggling with stress or anxiety, try implementing some effective stress management techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
Also, focus on finding a sense of balance in your life. Practicing mindfulness, in which you learn to focus on the present moment and build a stronger sense of self-awareness, can help you become more in tune with your needs.
Exercise
When you are quitting marijuana, you may find that getting regular exercise can be helpful for various reasons.
First, it can act as a valuable distraction when cravings hit. It can also help you feel better and more energized as you cope with symptoms of withdrawal.
Some research also suggests that exercise may help complement other treatments for cannabis use disorder. Researchers indicate that since marijuana use can affect the systems that regulate stress and rewards, exercise might help reduce withdrawal symptoms, aid in stress management, and reduce drug cravings.
One small study published in the journal PLoS ONE found that moderate exercise curbed marijuana use and cravings.
Find support
Your social support system can also play an important part in achieving your goals.
You might notice that some people in your life may be less supportive—particularly if much of your social life centers around smoking weed. In these cases, you may need to consider reevaluating some of your relationships and places where you spend your time.
Create boundaries with people who make it more challenging to quit. Talk to supportive friends about your goals. They can offer the encouragement and support that you need to be successful.
