Marijuana Effects on the Body

Brain

As people get older, they lose neurons in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. This affects their ability to learn new information. Consistent THC use can speed up the loss of these neurons.

THC stimulates neurons in the brains' reward system creating higher than normal amounts of dopamine levels in the brain. Due to the higher amount, there are less receptors able to receive the dopamine receptors creating a new level of dopamine present in the brain. This results in what some users may call "getting a higher tolerance".

Short terms effects of THC include problems with executive functions (thinking, working, memory) and psychomoto functions (physical movement).

Lungs

THC can create air pockets in the lungs, and be at higher risk for chronic bronchitis, injuring the airways to your lungs.

Research shows that smoking marijuana can injure the cell lining of the lungs airways, which can cause symptoms such as a continuous cough, phlegm production, wheezing, and acute bronchitis.

Smoking marijuana can cause the airways to fail due to the toxins from marijuana. Regular marijuana use can cause bronchial epithelial cillary loss.

Heart

A person's risk of a heart attack goes up by 4x during the first hour after smoking marijuana.

Studies have shown links between marijuana users and an increased risk to a heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrilation.

Marijuana can cause the heart to beat rapidly, leading to increased risk of heart attacks or heart failure.

Blood Vessels

Cannabinoids can dilate blood vessels making the heart pump harder. This can then increase risk of heart attack.

THC exposure can induce inflammation and oxidative stress on the inner linings of the blood vessels.

Stomach

Long term marijuna smokers can be at risk for a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome which can lead to severe vomiting.

Marijuana is known to cause "munchies" — phenomenon that occurs because marijuana can induce ravenous hunger.