Even with the growing legalization of marijuana in the United States, there remains debate over the substance, its effects, and its concerns. Weed is used to promote relaxation, an issue that remains unclear is whether the drug functions as a clinical depression. Learn the truth about the effects of marijuana so that you can decide for yourself if it will lead to depression or not.
Even though many individuals may now legally use marijuana, it’s important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of taking it daily. Some individuals may become dependent on it; therefore, you need to know where to get support. If you require marijuana addiction treatment, contact House Of Zen at (844) 717-7069.
Understanding Depressants: What Are They?
A family of medications known as depressants slows down brain activity and central nervous system (CNS) activities. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that suppresses brain activity, is usually increased by these chemicals.
Adding a depressant in your system essentially ‘turns down the volume’ of your control center. It’ll overall reduce physical tension and increase emotions of relaxation. This is the reason why taking drugs may make someone feel more relaxed, calm, and occasionally drowsy.
Alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) are common depressants. Because of their relaxing effects, these medications are frequently recommended to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, and seizures.
What Makes Marijuana a Depressant?
Cannabinoids are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in marijuana. Furthermore, the effects that an individual will feel or experience from using cannabis will depend on the two main chemicals it contains: THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Since cannabis contains THC, a psychoactive substance, it gives users a “high.” On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and has no intoxicating/therapeutic properties. Therefore, a weed is greatly influenced by the ratio of THC to CBD in it. For example, a product with a high THC level would get you high faster. In contrast, one with a high CBD content can have greater medicinal effects.
Common Side Effects
Is weed a depressant, or does it cause any side effects? Similar to most other medications, depressants can have harmful side effects. A depressant may result in adverse consequences like:
- Inability to concentrate
- Feeling dizzy
- Perplexity
- Headaches
- Memory issues
- Slurred words
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
Effects of Weed on Mental Health
The link between marijuana and mental health is complicated and differs from person to person:
- Potential Benefits: For some people, this may lessen PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Medical experts are against treating serious depressive illness using weed.
- Risks: Using it may worsen psychosis, depression, or anxiety, especially in those who have a history of mental health issues.
- Interactions: The possibility of negative consequences is increased when marijuana is combined with other chemicals, such as alcohol and prescription drugs.
Can Marijuana Be a Stimulant or Hallucinogen?
Depending on the technique, tension, and amount used, marijuana can have stimulant or hallucinogenic effects in addition to its depressive effects.
Marijuana as a Stimulant
Weed can be sedative, relaxing, and stimulating, especially at lower dosages or with some strains. After using marijuana, specific individuals say they are more alert, euphoric, and energetic—qualities that are generally connected to stimulants. Strains with high THC and low CBD are more likely to produce these stimulant-like effects.
Stimulants elevate brain activity, resulting in increased energy and alertness or anxiety. This is the reason why some users of marijuana, especially those who ingest a more stimulating strain or are sensitive to THC, may experience higher perception, anxiety, or a rapid heart rate after using the drug.
For instance, sativa-dominant marijuana strains are frequently promoted as being more stimulating and ideal for daytime use. In contrast, Indica-dominant strains are sedating and relate to nighttime use.
Marijuana as a Hallucinogen
According to recent studies, marijuana usage may be associated with a higher risk of psychotic illness, which can result in hallucinations and delusions. After taking large doses of marijuana, especially when it’s swallowed rather than smoked, some individuals do describe altered perceptions of time, space, and reality.
However, these effects are not as strong as those made using classic hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin. These effects are typically more noticeable in inexperienced users or those who take considerable quantities of weed.
The Role of Strain and Dosage
The fact that the effects of marijuana may differ significantly based on the strain and dosage is one of the causes why it is so hard to characterize. With hundreds of distinct strains that can have varied chemical compositions, hemp is a versatile plant. Certain strains of marijuana have high levels of THC, while other strains have high levels of CBD.
A strain with high levels of THC but a low CBD material, for instance, can have more stimulating and possibly anxiety-inducing effects, whereas a strain with a high THC and CBD content might be more balanced and have a more calming, relaxing effect.
Similar to how a small dose of marijuana may have somewhat stimulating effects, a greater dose may cause drowsiness or even couch-lock, which is the name for the inability to get off the couch as a result of the pot’s strong sedative effects.
Conclusion
So, is weed depressant or stimulant? The answer varies based on the strain, dose, and individual CNS response. Because of its fluctuating effects, marijuana is still a complicated and somewhat contentious drug.
As this article has shown, marijuana is a drug that has multiple chemicals, each of which has a unique effect on the body. Its classification is complicated since, although it is not a classic depressant, it can have some depressing effects. Depending on the strain and chemical composition, it can also have varying stimulant and hallucinogenic characteristics.
Call HOZ for Marijuana Addiction Treatment
You may see that marijuana has several negative consequences and is not only depressing. We are here to help whether you or someone you know is having trouble with marijuana or any other narcotic. To find out the details of our programs and how we can help you on your path to recovery, contact us right now.
