Effects of alcohol vs. marijuana.

1.Increased Appetite One of the most known side effects of marijuana is the ‘munchies’. Shortly after smoking, many users will experience a sudden increase in appetite, often leading them to raid their fridge. 2.Though scientists are still unsure of the exact mechanism behind this effect, a 2015 study suggested that marijuana might activate certain pathways in the brain related to hunger. 3.While some view this side effect as negative, it’s a benefit to people who use marijuana to treat appetite loss during chemotherapy. In fact, a pill containing THC (Marinol) is available in a number of countries for patients with cancer. 4. Memory Impairment Many studies have found that cannabis users experience short-term memory problems; other studies suggest that cannabinoids impair all stages of memory. Young people who use the drug may be most at risk. A 2011 study suggested that memory impairment is more severe in adolescent cannabis users, and might even have a lasting impact. However, frequent users often become tolerant to the memory problems cannabis can cause. 5. Lack of Motivation (Photo: Pixabay) (Photo: Pixabay) Some people who are against the use of recreational marijuana point to the stereotype that users become unmotivated at work and in school. While this cliché is exaggerated, there is some merit to the belief. In a 2003 survey, 53% of marijuana users reported experiencing a loss of motivation. The loss of motivation might be explained by how cannabis affects the brain. Some studies suggest that long-term cannabis users have lower levels of dopamine — a chemical in the brain that is directly responsible for motivation. 6. Depression (Photo: JoePenna/Flickr) (Photo: JoePenna/Flickr) Although it has been proven that cannabis can act as a medicine to help people combat depression, in some cases it might work the opposite way. According to Werynski, research suggests that marijuana can cause depression mostly in young people. Likewise, a study published in 2002 in the British Medical Journal concluded that frequent cannabis use in teenage girls predicts depression in later years. Still, it’s important to note that there are different types of depression and that marijuana may affect each type differently. 7. Paranoia/Anxiety (Photo: Hunter McGinnis/Flickr) (Photo: Hunter McGinnis/Flickr) Another mental side effect of marijuana is the paranoia users often experience after smoking. “There absolutely is documented evidence in medical literature that THC can affect people by bringing on anxiety or elevating anxiety,” says Werynski. A 2015 study found that THC increased paranoia in individuals who had previously experienced the symptom. But the study also revealed that paranoia wasn’t a direct result of THC. Instead, paranoia seemed to be a byproduct of other effects of cannabis (such as depression) and the feeling of having an unusual experience. A study published in the late 80s found that patients with panic anxiety were likely to experience increased anxiety from marijuana. However, Werynski notes that CBD can actually act to reduce anxiety.