Signs of Marijuana Addiction
There are numerous signs of marijuana addiction. When an individual
has an addiction to marijuana they experience several physical and physiological
changes. Smoking marijuana can relax a person and/or elevate their mood.
This can be followed by drowsiness and sedation. Other effects include
heightened sensory awareness, euphoria, altered perceptions and feeling
hungry ("the munchies"). High concentrations of THC, the active
chemical in marijuana may produce a more hallucinogenic response.
Marijuana is the dried flowers, leaves and stems of the Cannabis sativa
plant. The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta 9 tetrhydrocannabinol).
Marijuana can range from 1% THC to 8%. Hashish can be 7% to 14% THC and
hash oil is up to 50% THC. THC is a fat soluble substance and can remain
in the lungs and brain tissue for up to 3 weeks. This information is
helpful because if you suspect someone you care about is exhibiting signs
of marijuana addiction you will be able to know if they have used recently.
The high a marijuana smoker feels is a unique constellation of feelings,
and there are only two sources for the substances which activate THC's
very own neuroreceptor. Our brain is one source: it generates a neurochemical
very similar to THC, called anandamide. The only other source for this
bliss-producing substance is the cannabis plant.
High quality marijuana gives off a clean, sharp, pungent smell. Some
marijuana varieties have a citral smell similar to the scent of a lemon
tree, other marijuana varieties have a spicy scent or even an ammonia/chemical-like
smell.
Some forms of marijuana have longer and looser buds and leaves while
growing. These strains like Thai, and Columbian are usually packed or
compressed into bricks for shipment. As a result, they tend to be hard,
flakey, and compact once delivered to the user. Lower quality marijuana
will crumble easily, often feeling powdery and dry. High end forms of
marijuana known as “hybrids” will always feel sticky and
moist no matter how dry the environment they are stored in.
There are many signs of marijuana addiction to be aware of. We have
listed numerous below to help in determining if someone you care for
may be using marijuana.
Signs of Marijuana addiction:
Dilated (large) pupils
Cigarette rolling papers
Seeds that have been cleaned from marijuana
Smell on clothing, in room, or in car
Bloodshot eyes
Sleepy appearance
Reduced motivation
Pipes, bongs, homemade smoking devices (you may see sticky residue from burned
marijuana)
Anxiety
Difficulty thinking
Distorted sensory perceptions
Dry mouth
Euphoria (temporary feelings of elation, energy and limitless power)
Feeling sluggish
Grandiosity (acting in a pompous or boastful manner)
Impaired judgment
Impaired short-term memory
Inappropriate laughter
Increased heart rate
Increased appetite, craving sweets
Reduced coordination
Temporary feelings of reduced anxiety or stress
Sadness/depressed mood
Sensation that time is passing slowly
Social withdrawal and isolation
Discolored fingers
Sleepiness
Marijuana is usually smoked using cigarette rolling papers,
a purchased water bong, or a makeshift bong that can be made from a variety
of items. Hash can be smoked or eaten, and is sometimes cooked into baked
goods. Generally it can be difficult to recognize the signs of marijuana
addiction if you don't see the individual after smoking when they are
still experiencing the effects of the drug.
Slang terms for marijuana: Weed, ganga, bud, IZM, jive stick, Kentucky
blue, Ju-Ju (marijuana cigarette), kiff, kilter, Lakbay diva, laughing
grass, light stuff, binky (cigarette), macon, magic smoke, blanket (cigarette),
Mary and Johnny, Mary Jane, Mary Jonas, Mary Warner, Mary Weaver, meg,
meggie, mow the grass (to smoke), moving the lawn (smoking marijuana),
bowl, broccoli, budda, oboy, OJ, butter flower, pine, cannabis, Queen
Ann's lace, root, rope, sasfras, sen, shrimp, siddi, crying weed, spliffy
(cigarette), splim, dinkie dow, duros, tin (pipe made out of tinfoil,
container), toke (to smoke), wheat, gage, gash, wooz, yeh, yellow submarine,
zol, Greta, griff, grogged (extremely stoned), gungun, herb
