Important Side Effects of Quitting Weed

Chronic weed use has been associated with many documented and undocumented effects on the human body. Smoking is the commonest way of marijuana consumption and since marijuana smoke is usually inhaled deep and retained for a significant amount of time, this can lead to chronic bronchial irritation. Apart from this feature the marijuana smoke contains over 400 different chemicals, some of which may be carcinogenic although concrete evidence linking marijuana use to cancer is lacking.

Apart from this marijuana use has been associated with memory loss, inability concentration, loss of motivation, infertility and cardiac problems. People with cardiac diseases should strictly avoid cannabis containing compounds.

Apart from this cannabis has also been associated with increased risk of psychosis in schizophrenics. Therefore quitting weed is definitely beneficial in the long run.

However quitting weed is complicated by the psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms which one suffers from after quitting weed. Although these symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days, they can be better handles if people are aware about them. Therefore here are a few common withdrawal symptoms seen after quitting marijuana.

· Insomnia is common in the first 48-72 hours after stopping marijuana use. This will usually settle and exercise is a good way to combat insomnia. One should not turn to other intoxicants like alcohol to help sleep during this period.

· Anxiety and restlessness is very common in the first week after discontinuing chronic marijuana use. This usually manifests as mild tremors, frustration, irritation and increase heart rate. This also settles within the first week. Deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help deal with the anxiety and restlessness.

· Loss of appetite, feeling low, lack of energy and low mood are other common symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis. Exercise, creative pursuits and a strong social support are essential for overcoming these obstacles.

· Nightmares are also commonly seen in the immediate period after withdrawal from cannabis. The sleep is usually very disturbed and interrupted by these dreams and nightmares. The person may wake up feeling very tired.

· Flight of ideas and inability to concentrate are another frequent symptom of cannabis withdrawal. Inattentiveness is particularly common. Once again channelling ones energies into some creative pursuit can help overcome this problem.

· Yawning is a common symptom of cannabis withdrawal. Most chronic users of cannabis will have experienced this phenomenon where they start yawing a few hours after their last joint which is interpreted as sleepiness while it is actually a sign of cannabis withdrawal.

Important Side Effects of Quitting Weed by Sriram Ravichandran