Cannabis is a drug that always sparks debate – some people appreciate it for its potential benefits, while others are wary because of the impact of cannabis on the brain. Although medical cannabis has been legal in the UK since November 2018, it can only be prescribed by authorised doctors in cases where no other medicine is working. That said, there are many people who use cannabis recreationally, too.
You might find momentary respite and use cannabis recreationally to relax and unwind or manage stress. But this brief stress relief has long-term impacts, like loss of focus and other cognitive effects.
A study published in JAMA Network revealed that 63% of heavy lifetime cannabis users showed reduced brain activity when they were presented with a memory task, and 68% of people who had recently started using the drug also revealed the same.
As a certified hypnotherapist with over twenty years of experience in empowering people to overcome smoking, vaping, and cannabis addiction using hypnotherapy treatment, my online sessions are completely bespoke to suit your goals.
If you’re beginning to feel the side effects of cannabis on your mental state or your life, it might be time to delve deeper into the reasons for your dependency and regain control of your life.
What is Cannabis and How Does It Work?
Cannabis is known by many different names, including marijuana or weed. It’s a class B drug that comes from the Cannabis plant.
Cannabis contains many different chemicals called cannabinoids. The ones you might be familiar with are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
The impact of cannabis on the brain comes mainly from these two chemicals. THC is the component that gives you the ‘high’ by altering your mood and cognitive function, while CBD has calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal for medicinal use.
When you smoke or consume cannabis, these chemicals bind to the receptors in the brain and trigger the release of dopamine. It’s this that makes you feel relaxed or euphoric.
What Does Marijuana Do To Your Brain?
If you’re under the impression that cannabis is harmless and has no lasting effect on your brain and mental health, you’re wrong.
Your brain is a complex organ, and when you regularly use cannabis, you’re interfering with its natural functions. If you’re under the age of 25, your prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed, and regular cannabis use will reduce the gyrification (the fold in the brain’s surface), which leads to altered synaptic connections and poor cognition.
Cannabis abuse effects can be seen in your hippocampus. According to studies, constant cannabis usage, especially with adolescent-onset, leads to a decrease in hippocampal volume, making it more difficult for you to remember information. Additionally, when you depend on cannabis for your dopamine kick, you’ll find it harder to feel pleasure naturally.
The impact of cannabis on the brain’s amygdala, which is associated with processing emotions such as fear and anxiety, is also profound. THC inhibits the natural reaction of the amygdala, making it difficult for a person to effectively perceive threats and stressors.
Because of the long-term effects of cannabis on the brain structure, using the drug puts you at risk of lasting cognitive impairment, which includes problems with focusing, learning new things, or maintaining mental clarity.
If you’re experiencing any of these effects, it is not too late to get some help. A skilled hypnotherapist can support you in overcoming this addiction.
Short-Term Effects of Marijuana
Many people find that after a long, stressful day, a puff of cannabis is all they need to relax. It creates a temporary feeling of euphoria, increases your desire to socialise, and can even enhance your senses, making colours seem more vibrant and music more immersive.
But on the flip side, you might experience the negative side effects of cannabis addiction as well, like drowsiness, increased anxiety, and memory lapses. What might feel like a stress-busting activity at the time might lead to overwhelming anxiety in the long run. If cannabis is causing you more stress than relief, you might feel ready to end your relationship with it.
Long-Term Effects of Cannabis
The long-term effects of cannabis on the brain structure can lead to a reduction of grey matter in your brain. There are also more concerning risks, like increasing your risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia. Studies have shown that psychotic symptoms can be triggered in people who have started consuming cannabis from a young age or have a family history of mental illness.
Over the years, I’ve helped many people overcome their dependency on cannabis to manage stress or anxiety. With hypnotherapy, we can manage your addiction while also helping you address the subconscious triggers leading to anxiety or stress. If you’re ready to finally take the first step towards stopping smoking cannabis, book your session today.
How To Quit Smoking Cannabis?
If you need help with cannabis addiction because you’re experiencing the negative impact of cannabis on the brain and your mental health from long-term use, I can help you. However, deciding to quit and being receptive to change is necessary for the best results.
Here are a few steps I recommend when you’re trying to overcome marijuana addiction:
1. Identify Triggers and Patterns
Try to think about when and why you decided to start using cannabis. Was it to get over a difficult feeling? Was it to deal with stress? Identifying the reason can help you find a better coping mechanism to deal with the original problem.
2. Reduce Gradually Rather Than Stopping
Trying to quit cold turkey can cause more harm than good. Your body will go through withdrawal, which is uncomfortable and might lead you to start again. Instead, try reducing your intake slowly and consistently.
3. Seek Professional Support
If you’re trying to break free from cannabis dependence using hypnotherapy, we’ll work together to rewire existing habits and thought patterns. With tailored sessions, I can help you reduce cravings, overcome anxiety and stress, and regain focus and motivation in your journey to quitting cannabis for good.
Contact Susannah For Help With Cannabis Addiction
Is cannabis use interfering with your daily life and mental well-being, but you can’t seem to find a way out? I’m here to help you effectively deal with the impact of cannabis on the brain.
Hypnotherapy can help you break free from cannabis dependency in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
At City Hypno, I use a compassionate, personalised approach to rewire the subconscious patterns that are keeping you stuck. We can work together to create a tailored plan for long-term success. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or addiction, I can help you deal with it all through hypnotherapy.
Book a consultation today or explore my treatments for more information.
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