Last Updated on March 31, 2024 by Team Spinfuel

“What? Excessive Cannabis Use? Me? What do you mean I can’t smoke weed 24/7? Pot is harmless man… isn’t it? I love my marijuana; don’t tell me it’s going to kill me!” – Average Pot Head after hearing some new studies indicate the possibility of health risks for those that use weed in some form or another, every day, all day.

When I think of cannabis, I recall the relatively harmless (by comparison) “weed” we had decades ago. The incredible aroma of a bag of weed from 1971, the 4 fingers tall baggy that set me back USD 20, a stuffed matchbox that sold for USD 5, and how it was the norm to roll a joint and smoke the entire thing, alone. I miss those days.

They Went and Put Cannabis on Steroids! (no, not steroids kid, calm down)

Today’s super-strains of cannabis contain sky-high amounts of THC that can pose serious health risks with excessive use. No. For real. I’m certainly not discouraging weed use, but overusing it? Science, and observations by friends, family, and those pesky scientists, are seeing a dark side to excessive pot use.

While cannabis legalization is spreading throughout the land, people should understand the potential dangers of abusing modern high-potency marijuana.

As more states legalize recreational cannabis, it is crucial to examine the health risks and impact of ‘excessive use’ to make informed decisions. Not decisions on continuing the legalization of it, but how to educate the public about its use.

Imagine the Feds stepping back in and making cannabis use a federal crime (wait, it still is, cannabis is regulated by the state and the Feds sit back and watch). Still, stay with me here.

If we’ve lived long enough, we most assuredly know more than one alcoholic. Booze is legal on both the state and federal levels, yet the number of deaths every year that are attributed to alcohol use is staggering. I think for this reason alone, any possible harm that can come from the overuse of cannabis is dwarfed compared to alcohol, and therefore untouchable.

 Though cannabis has real, solid benefits, science shows that overindulging in it can spur adverse effects like depression, psychosis, and permanent mental illness. We must acknowledge these risks to promote safe, responsible cannabis use, especially among youth.

With knowledge and moderation, cannabis can still improve lives. However, ignoring the health hazards of overuse jeopardizes wellbeing.

Excessive Cannabis Use Is More Prevalent Than Ever

Cannabis use has become remarkably popular. According to surveys, more than 60 million Americans now use marijuana at least occasionally. While some use cannabis for medical purposes to relieve pain, nausea, and other symptoms, many use it purely recreationally, for a myriad of reasons.

The Potency Problem is as Real as it Gets

From my own experience, marijuana available today through dispensaries is significantly (no wait, more than significantly) more potent than in decades past.

According to research, the THC content of cannabis has increased from an average of 3% in the 1960s and 70s to 12% today, with some strains containing 20-25% THC or higher. These higher potency strains mean that the effects and risks of cannabis use are more significant now than in previous generations. Back when I was young there were plenty of drugs with substantial health risks, but marijuana was not one of them.

Naturally, back in the late 60s and 70s I used weed every couple of days. I would usually share a joint or two with friends, and on occasion I’d smoke a joint by myself, driving to school, Uni, or work. At no time, ever, did I ever feel out of control, or the old classic test; you try to wipe something off your face, and it’s the floor. Today, that same scenario could happen easily.

The fact is, if today’s natural weed could be transported back to 1970, the fine folk who smoke it back there would swear it was treated with PCP or laced with something more dangerous than PCP.  Speaking from experience from both time zones, I’m not joking.

These high-potency products can pose serious health risks, especially when consumed in excess. Please keep in mind, that I am a huge supporter of marijuana and a regular consumer of it, I am specifically talking about those cannabis users who use it all day, every day.

Excessive Cannabis Use – THC and You

THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” sensation. While higher THC levels may seem appealing to some recreational users, it also means that the psychoactive effects and impairment are more pronounced. Studies show that cannabis with higher THC levels is associated with greater intoxication and impaired driving, as well as a higher risk of psychotic symptoms among regular users. That makes sense, right?

Health Risks and Dangers of High-Potency Excessive Cannabis Use

The increased potency of cannabis, combined with more frequent use, raises the possibility of an increased risk of psychosis and other mental health issues. Research suggests that high-potency cannabis may hasten the onset and intensify the severity of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia among vulnerable individuals.

Frequent use of potent cannabis is also linked to a higher likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder.

Cannabis overuse can negatively impact cognitive abilities and mental health, and the risks are amplified for those who start using cannabis during adolescence when the brain is still developing. (This cannot be argued with. So, it’s a bit strange that these same adolescents with developing brains until age 25, are managing to obtain gender-affirming damnation that can never be reversed.)

The legalization of recreational cannabis may increase the perception that it is safe for everyone, but more potent products can be particularly harmful when misused or overused.

While cannabis does have proven medical and recreational benefits when consumed responsibly, it is important to understand how today’s more potent cannabis differs from less potent strains of the past and the health risks associated with high potency or excessive use.

Moderation and education are key to using cannabis safely and responsibly.

Excessive Cannabis Use: The Risks of ‘Substance Abuse Psychosis’

One of the lesser-known risks of excessive cannabis use is substance-abuse psychosis, a temporary psychotic episode with delusions, paranoia, and loss of touch with reality.

While psychosis usually resolves within a few days, some cases require hospitalization, and a full third of those who experience it go on to develop long-term schizophrenia.

Some research also links frequent cannabis use to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and domestic violence.

Impaired Driving and Other Dangers

Because cannabis causes problems with coordination, cognition, and perception, it also poses health risks for impaired driving and other accidental injury. Studies show that driving under the influence of cannabis nearly doubles the risk of an accident and that cannabis-related traffic deaths have increased substantially as more states legalized marijuana.

While cannabis does have medical and recreational benefits when used responsibly, frequent, or high-potency use poses risks to physical and mental health that must not be ignored.

Education about safe cannabis use and moderation is critical, especially for young adults and teens whose brains are still developing. Overall, cannabis should be used carefully and in moderation to maximize benefits and minimize harm.

The Health Risks of Developing Excessive Cannabis Use Disorder

Addiction and Dependence

Excessive cannabis use can lead to the development of ‘cannabis use disorder’, which manifests as addiction and physical dependence.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, addiction is characterized by a loss of control over cannabis use, risky behavior, and failed attempts to quit.

Physical dependence occurs when neurons adapt to the frequent presence of THC and become less sensitive to its effects. When cannabis is withdrawn, this can trigger withdrawal symptoms like irritability, craving, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

Granted, these are extreme issues, not everyday consumers. We’ve all known some people throughout our lives that we’ve called “burnouts” or “potheads”. No one wants to waste away on cannabis, alcohol, or even opioids, but it does happen. Thankfully, the easiest one to cure, or at least reduce the damage, is the pothead.

Cannabis Excessive Use and Mental Health Issues

Frequent cannabis use is associated with increased health risks, including developing or exacerbating certain mental health conditions like psychosis, schizophrenia, and depression. Cannabis-induced psychosis involves the temporary onset of delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. While rare, psychosis can lead to dangerous behavior and sometimes requires hospitalization. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder involving a breakdown in thinking, perception, and emotional experience.

Some research links adolescent cannabis use to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood. Depression and cannabis use disorder also commonly co-occur, although the nature of this relationship is complex.

I had a good friend in High School in 1968, his name was David. We would regularly use marijuana a few times a week. Over time David began smoking more often. After we graduated and I went off to college, David stayed back. I returned home 6 years later, and David had become a shell of the man he was. All because of his massive amount of pot smoking. Even so, by the age of 30 David had kicked the habit and returned to his old self. But at the time, I thought we had lost him forever.

Impaired Cognition and Driving Ability

Excessive cannabis use impairs memory, attention, decision-making, and psychomotor functioning. These cognitive impairments begin quickly after use but may last for days.

Cannabis also impairs driving ability by slowing reaction times, impairing coordination, and distorting perceptions of time and distance. Driving under the influence of cannabis increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents and associated injuries and fatalities.

Due to the cognitive and psychomotor impairments caused by cannabis, users should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 6-8 hours after use to ensure safety. And I support the same penalties for driving drunk and driving stoned.

While cannabis may have medical and recreational benefits when used responsibly by adults, excessive use can pose not only serious health risks but also social risks.

Developing an awareness of these risks can help users employ harm-reduction strategies and avoid potential negative consequences associated with cannabis overuse or addiction. Overall, moderation and education are key to using cannabis safely.

Mental Health Risks and Effects of Excessive Use Briefly

Depression and Anxiety

Frequent cannabis use is associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety. Studies show that long-term cannabis users have higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts compared to non-users.

Additionally, cannabis withdrawal can sometimes cause or worsen symptoms of anxiety, irritability, and agitation. Excessive cannabis use may also lead to panic attacks in some individuals.

Excessive Cannabis Use and Relationship Issues

Several studies have found a connection between frequent cannabis use and increased rates of violence between intimate partners. (I’ve never witnessed this over the past 55 years) Frequent cannabis use is also associated with lower satisfaction and commitment in romantic relationships.

These effects are likely due in part to the negative impacts of too much THC on communication, emotional processing, and conflict resolution.

Cognitive Decline and Excessive Cannabis Use

Long-term cannabis use can lead to impaired memory, attention, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. These cognitive impairments may persist even after prolonged abstinence from cannabis.

Young adults who use cannabis frequently tend to have lower educational attainment and occupational status in adulthood compared to non-users.

While cannabis certainly has its benefits when used responsibly (I say for the 10^th time), excessive cannabis use or long-term use can pose serious risks to mental health and cognitive abilities, especially among young people.

Individuals should discuss their cannabis use with a medical professional to determine what level of use, if any, is right and safe for them based on their unique situation and medical history.

In summary, frequent, or excessive cannabis use can have detrimental effects on cognition, judgment, and motor function that endanger public health. Individuals should exercise caution to avoid operating vehicles or heavy machinery when under the influence of cannabis. With more states legalizing recreational use, public education on the real risks associated with cannabis-impaired driving is urgently needed. Moderation and responsibility are key to maximizing the benefits of cannabis and minimizing harm.

Finding a Healthy Balance With Cannabis

Finding moderation

While cannabis has many benefits when used properly, moderation and responsible use are key. Limit use to 2-3 times per week at most, use lower-potency products, and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after using cannabis.

Young adults and teens should avoid use altogether due to impacts on brain development.

Overall, cannabis can be used, by adults, safely and responsibly by following some basic guidelines.

Moderation, education, and common sense are the keys to maximizing the benefits of cannabis while reducing harm. Using cannabis responsibly and avoiding overuse are the healthiest paths forward.

Cannabis has had a long, fraught history in the United States, but with recent legalization in many states, it has become more widely accepted and available.

Benefits of Responsible Adult Use

Responsible adult cannabis use can provide relief from chronic pain, insomnia, PTSD, and other conditions when alternative treatments have failed or caused undesirable side effects. I know this by experience.

However, too frequent use of high-potency cannabis can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosis in some individuals. Adults should understand how THC and other cannabinoids interact with their body and mind before initiating long-term or high-dose treatment.

Stress Relief can be Golden

When used occasionally and in moderation, cannabis may produce temporary feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and enhanced enjoyment of sensory experiences for recreational users.

Responsible users will limit intake to weekends or evenings, take breaks when possible, and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence.

While no lethal overdose of cannabis has been reported, irresponsible use does carry risks.

Conclusion

As cannabis use becomes more widespread, we must understand both the benefits and risks involved. While cannabis can aid many conditions like chronic pain and anxiety, overuse poses serious health concerns.

Excessive use is linked to depression, psychosis, permanent conditions like schizophrenia, and impaired driving accidents. No one has fatally overdosed, but cannabis is more potent than ever.

Still, when used wisely, cannabis improves the quality of life for millions. The key is moderation and education – know the facts and your limits.

Cannabis can be a wonderful thing, but recklessness risks needless harm. With open eyes, we can all benefit from cannabis while protecting our health.

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