What are the immediate effects of marijuana?
Effects depend on the dose, the strength of the drug, the user, other drugs in the body, and the setting. Physical effects include an increase in heart rate, reddening of the eyes, and dryness in the mouth and throat. Marijuana’s psychological effects begin to occur even at low doses and increase if higher doses are taken. These effects include relaxation and feelings of euphoria. Short-term memory is impaired. Sense of time and space are altered. The ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, swift reactions, and coordination is reduced. Users’ reports that hearing, vision, and skin sensitivity are enhanced by the drug are not confirmed by objective research. Altered sense of body image, and bouts of exaggerated laughter are also commonly reported. Effects usually begin and peak soon after smoking, and diminish gradually over several hours. Use is followed by fatigue. Heavy use is often followed by a marijuana “hangover”. WHAT IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS OCCUR WITH MARIJUANA?
