The main active ingredient in marijuana, which is responsible for many of its effects, is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including thebrain with the smoke of marijuana.
The heart rate of an individual speeds up, the bronchial passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes expand, making the eyes look red within a few minutes after inhaling the smoke of marijuana. The heart rate may increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute, or may even double which is normally 70 to 80 beats per minute.
The smoker feels euphoric-or high-by acting on the brain’s reward system, which is made up of regions that govern the response to pleasurable things like sex and chocolate. THC stimulates brain cells to release the chemical dopamine as THC enters the brain. There are several other effects like heightened sensory perception (e.g., brighter colors), laughter, altered perception of time and increased appetite, which vary dramatically among different users. After sometime, the euphoria replaces, and the user may feel sleepy or depressed. Marijuana use may produce anxiety, fear, distrust or panic, occasionally. It becomes difficult for the user to form new memories and to shift focus by the use of Marijuana, by which various other activities like, learning, doing complicated tasks, participating in athletics and driving are also been affected.
The effect of Marijuana varies, depending on the THC quantity it contained which is mainly responsible for the strength or potency of marijuana. There has been a drastic increase in the THC content of marijuana since the 1970s.
The user tends to be less motivated and less satisfied with their lives, after getting addicted to marijuana.
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