Pot, weed, hemp, and dope are all words associated with the drug marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most commonly used drug in America. The chemical in marijuana that gives its users the euphoric experience, otherwise known as a “high”, is called tetrahydrocannabinol, but many have shortened it to THC. Directly after ingesting THC, brain cells begin to rapidly release dopamine, which triggers the high.

To get THC into the system, marijuana can be eaten, vaporized, smoked, and even brewed. The majority of marijuana users smoke it. There is a list of side effects that come with smoking marijuana.

Respiratory System: Smoking marijuana causes many of the same effects as smoking tobacco. Increased daily coughing and phlegm production are some side effects of smoking marijuana. However, unlike tobacco, there has been no linkage between smoking marijuana and lung cancer.

Heart: Directly after smoking marijuana, the heart rate can increase up to two times for three hours. This is why some people experience heart attacks directly after smoking. It also decreases the user’s blood pressure.

Eyes: One of the more known side effects of marijuana is red eyes. When ingesting or smoking THC, blood pressure lowers which causes blood vessels and capillaries to dilate. Specifically, the ocular capillaries dilate which brings blood flow to the eyes.

Increased Appetite: Also known as the “munchies”, marijuana users experience an increased appetite after smoking. There are multiple theories that suggest why this happens, but no single explanation. According to Giovanni Marsicano, a neuroscientist at the University of Bordeaux, THC heightens the senses of smell and taste, so research suggests that marijuana users eat more because food simply tastes and smells better. Another theory states that the ingestion of cannabinoids releases chemicals that increase appetite.

Limb and Muscle Coordination: While high, users experience a loss of limb and muscle coordination. This leads to slowed reaction times.

Brain: Smoking marijuana can cause a distorted sense of time and short-term forgetfulness. THC acts on the same brain receptors as alcohol, which slows down or interrupts signals being sent between brain receptors.