What Happens to Your Body if You Get Too High

Summary

This script delves into the science of marijuana's psychoactive effects, detailing how THC disrupts the endocannabinoid system, affecting memory, decision-making, and emotions. It explores the impact on brain regions, neurotransmitters, and the body's response to THC, dispelling myths about marijuana's safety and addiction potential. The video also highlights the potential medical benefits of THC, emphasizing the importance of responsible consumption and staying informed.

Takeaways

• 🌿 **THC's Impact on the Brain**: THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, disrupts the endocannabinoid system by mimicking natural cannabinoids, leading to overstimulation of brain receptors.
• 🧠 **Altered Perception and Memory**: High doses of THC can impair short-term memory, spatial navigation, and the perception of time due to its effects on the hippocampus.
• 🚀 **Impulse Control and Decision-Making**: THC affects the prefrontal cortex, impairing executive functions like planning, reasoning, and impulse control, potentially leading to risky behavior.
• 🎨 **Creativity and Focus**: While THC might reduce inhibitions, excessive use can hinder focus and working memory, impacting the ability to actualize creative ideas.
• 😡 **Emotional Response**: THC can heighten the sensitivity of the amygdala, leading to misinterpretation of social cues and potential feelings of unease or paranoia.
• 💡 **Neurotransmitter Disruption**: THC affects various neurotransmitters, altering mood, motivation, sensory perception, and potentially leading to a 'crash' after the high wears off.
• 🍕 **The 'Munchies'**: THC interferes with appetite hormones, causing an increase in appetite and the sensation of hunger, even in the absence of actual need for food.
• 👀 **Physical Effects**: THC can cause bloodshot eyes and impaired coordination, affecting balance and reaction times, which can lead to accidents.
• 🔍 **Long-Term Consequences**: Chronic marijuana use, especially in developing brains, may have lasting effects on memory, learning, and mental health.
• 🚗 **Impaired Driving**: THC use can significantly impair driving abilities by affecting coordination, judgment, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
• 💊 **Medical vs. Recreational Use**: While THC has potential medical benefits, its recreational use can have different and sometimes negative effects, emphasizing the importance of controlled doses under medical supervision.

Q & A

What is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that affects the brain?

The primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which mimics the body's natural endocannabinoids and overstimulates the endocannabinoid system.

How does THC interact with the endocannabinoid system in our body?

THC acts as a molecular copycat, binding to the endocannabinoid system's receptors more intensely than natural endocannabinoids, causing an overstimulation that disrupts the system's balance.

What is the role of the endocannabinoid system in the body?

The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating various functions such as mood, appetite, sleep, and memory, maintaining a healthy internal balance.

How does THC affect the hippocampus and its functions?

THC disrupts the hippocampus, which is responsible for short-term memory and spatial navigation, leading to memory impairments and disorientation.

What is the impact of THC on the prefrontal cortex and decision-making abilities?

THC impairs the prefrontal cortex, which is the executive decision-maker of the brain, leading to poor judgment, increased risk-taking, and difficulty with complex tasks.

How does THC influence the amygdala and emotional responses?

THC can hyperactivate the amygdala, leading to heightened emotional responses, misinterpretation of social cues, and potential feelings of unease or paranoia.

What neurotransmitter does THC boost, and what is its effect on the user?

THC boosts dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation, leading to intense euphoria but also potentially causing a severe crash afterward.

How does THC affect the neurotransmitter glutamate and its role in the brain?

THC can cause an overproduction of glutamate, leading to a hyperactive brain state, racing thoughts, heightened senses, and potentially increased anxiety.

What is the impact of THC on the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA?

THC sabotages GABA's ability to calm the brain and reduce anxiety, which can make it difficult to relax or quiet racing thoughts when under the influence of marijuana.

What are some of the long-term effects of frequent marijuana use on the brain, especially for young people?

Frequent marijuana use, especially during adolescence, can have lasting effects on memory, learning, and may even lower IQ. It can also potentially trigger mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia in predisposed individuals.

Why is driving under the influence of marijuana dangerous?

Driving under the influence of marijuana is dangerous because THC impairs coordination, judgment of distances, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

What is the difference between the effects of THC and CBD?

THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis that produces a 'high,' while CBD, or cannabidiol, does not produce this effect but is being studied for its potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like anxiety, pain, and epilepsy.

Outlines

00:00

🌿 Understanding THC's Impact on the Brain

This paragraph delves into the science behind the psychoactive effects of marijuana, focusing on the role of THC, the primary active compound. It explains how THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, mimicking natural cannabinoids and overwhelming the brain's receptors. This overstimulation leads to a range of effects from memory and appetite changes to altered perceptions of time. The paragraph also highlights how THC affects specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and spatial navigation, causing short-term memory impairment and confusion.

05:01

🧠 The Effects of THC on Cognitive Functions and Emotions

The second paragraph examines the influence of THC on various cognitive functions and emotional responses. It describes how THC impairs the prefrontal cortex's role in decision-making and impulse control, leading to risky behaviors and poor judgment. The paragraph also discusses THC's impact on creativity, suggesting that while it may initially enhance brainstorming, excessive use can cloud focus and working memory. The effects on the amygdala, the brain's emotional alarm system, are explored, explaining how THC can cause heightened sensitivity and misinterpretation of harmless situations as threats, potentially leading to paranoia. The paragraph concludes by discussing THC's effects on neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, which are linked to pleasure, reward, and overall brain function.

10:06

🍕 The Physiological and Psychological Effects of Overconsumption

This paragraph explores the physiological and psychological effects of consuming excessive amounts of THC. It explains how THC can cause 'the munchies' by disrupting appetite hormones, leading to an insatiable hunger. The effects on the eyes, such as redness and irritation due to lowered blood pressure and dilated blood vessels, are also discussed. The paragraph touches on the impact of THC on physical coordination and balance, making activities requiring fine motor skills and reaction times difficult. It also addresses the long-term effects of frequent marijuana use, particularly on developing brains, and the potential for memory problems and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even the triggering of conditions like schizophrenia.

15:09

🚫 Debunking Marijuana Myths and Considering Responsible Use

The final paragraph aims to debunk common myths about marijuana use, emphasizing the importance of understanding its potential risks and benefits. It refutes the idea that marijuana is harmless, pointing out the potential for accidents, poor judgment, and long-term cognitive effects. The paragraph also addresses the misconception of marijuana's addictive potential, the 'gateway drug' theory, and the dangers of driving under the influence. It distinguishes between THC and CBD, highlighting their different effects and uses. The paragraph concludes by encouraging viewers to stay informed about marijuana's effects, to question myths, and to consider the potential medical benefits of THC under medical supervision, while being mindful of responsible use.

Keywords

💡THC

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in marijuana. It is responsible for the 'high' associated with cannabis use. In the video, THC is described as a 'molecular copycat' that mimics the body's natural endocannabinoids, overstimulating the brain's receptors and causing a range of effects from euphoria to memory impairment. The video explains how THC's interaction with the endocannabinoid system can lead to both short-term and long-term impacts on cognitive functions and emotional states.

💡Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system in the body that plays a role in regulating a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and memory. The script describes it as having receptors that act like 'tiny locks' and are naturally interacted with by the body's own cannabinoids, which act as 'keys'. The video emphasizes how THC, found in marijuana, disrupts this system by binding to these receptors in an unregulated manner, leading to the various effects of being 'high'.

💡Hippocampus

The hippocampus is a region in the brain that is critical for learning and memory. In the context of the video, it is depicted as the 'personal librarian' of the brain, responsible for filing away new information and aiding in its recall. The script explains how THC can 'throw a wild party in the library,' leading to short-term memory impairment and difficulty in forming new memories, which is likened to 'hitting save as... and accidentally deleting the file'.

💡Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex is an area of the brain associated with decision-making, planning, and impulse control. The video script describes it as the 'wise CEO of your brain'. It explains how THC can 'stage a hostile takeover in the boardroom', impairing judgment and leading to increased risk-taking behavior. The prefrontal cortex is also linked to the complex cognitive tasks that become more challenging under the influence of THC, such as following a conversation or making quick decisions.

💡Amygdala

The amygdala is referred to in the video as the brain's 'emotional alarm system', responsible for scanning for threats and triggering fight-or-flight responses. The script explains how THC can make the amygdala hyperactive, potentially causing it to misinterpret harmless situations as dangerous, leading to feelings of unease or paranoia. It also discusses the amygdala's role in perceiving social cues and how THC can distort this perception, affecting social interactions while under the influence.

💡Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that facilitate communication between neurons. The video discusses several neurotransmitters affected by THC, including dopamine, which is associated with feelings of reward and pleasure, and glutamate, which is crucial for learning and memory. The script illustrates how THC can artificially boost dopamine levels, leading to euphoria, and how it can disrupt the balance of other neurotransmitters, affecting time perception, sensitivity to sounds, and emotional states.

💡Munchies

The term 'munchies' is colloquially used to describe the increased appetite often experienced after consuming marijuana. The video script explains that THC can disrupt 'appetite hormones', tricking the brain into a state of starvation even if one has recently eaten, leading to an intense desire to consume food, as exemplified by the script's mention of 'suddenly feel like you could devour a whole pizza'.

💡Bloodshot Eyes

Bloodshot eyes are a common physical symptom associated with marijuana use. The video script explains that THC can lower blood pressure and dilate blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to appear red. It also mentions that THC can dry out the eyes, contributing to the irritation and redness, which is a classic giveaway of marijuana use.

💡Coordination

Coordination refers to the body's ability to move with precision and balance. The video script discusses how THC can affect coordination, making tasks like walking in a straight line or catching a ball difficult. It explains that THC slows down reaction times and disrupts the sense of balance, which can lead to clumsiness and impaired physical performance.

💡Long-term Impacts

The video script addresses the potential long-term impacts of frequent marijuana use, particularly on developing brains. It mentions that THC could affect learning, memory, and even lower IQ over time. The script also discusses the possibility that heavy, long-term use could lead to persistent memory problems and an increased risk of developing anxiety or depression. Additionally, it highlights the potential for THC to trigger conditions like schizophrenia in predisposed individuals.

💡Myths

The video script debunks several myths related to marijuana use, such as the belief that weed is harmless, that addiction is not possible, that it acts as a 'gateway drug', that driving under its influence is safe, and that CBD is similar to THC. The script emphasizes the importance of understanding these misconceptions in order to make informed choices about marijuana use, advocating for evidence-based information and responsible consumption.

Highlights

THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, mimics our natural endocannabinoids and overstimulates the endocannabinoid system, leading to a range of effects on the brain and body.

The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and memory, maintaining a healthy internal balance.

High doses of THC can cause memory impairment, making it difficult to form new memories or recall recent conversations.

THC affects the hippocampus, which is crucial for spatial memory and the perception of time, potentially causing disorientation and time distortion.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, is compromised by THC, leading to poor judgment and increased risk-taking.

Creativity may be enhanced by THC's ability to loosen inhibitions, but excessive use can muddle focus and working memory, hindering the execution of creative ideas.

The amygdala, responsible for emotional responses, can be hyperactivated by THC, causing heightened sensitivity to perceived threats and potential paranoia.

THC impacts neurotransmitters, including dopamine, leading to euphoria but also potentially causing a severe crash and long-term effects on mood.

Glutamate levels are affected by THC, potentially causing racing thoughts and heightened anxiety due to overactivity.

GABA, the calming neurotransmitter, is disrupted by THC, making it difficult to relax or control anxiety when under the influence.

Serotonin, which regulates mood and appetite, may be negatively affected by long-term THC use, potentially contributing to irritability or depression.

Individual experiences with THC can vary greatly due to genetics, tolerance, setting, and mindset.

Different strains of marijuana, such as Indicas and Sativas, can have contrasting effects on energy levels and mood.

Edibles containing THC can produce a delayed and more potent high compared to smoking, often leading to unexpected intensity of effects.

Frequent marijuana use, especially among young people, may have lasting effects on brain development, memory, and mental health.

THC's impact on driving ability is significant, impairing coordination, judgment, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.

CBD, unlike THC, does not produce a 'high' and has potential therapeutic benefits for conditions such as anxiety and epilepsy.

While THC has potential medical benefits, any use should be supervised by a healthcare provider and involve carefully controlled doses.

Transcripts

Picture this: you've taken one  too many puffs, and suddenly,  

your mind starts buzzing in a way  that's both exhilarating and, well,  

a bit confusing—ever wondered what's actually  going on inside up there when you get too high?

It turns out that it's way more than  just your imagination running wild.  

Marijuana's got a star player called THC  – that's short for tetrahydrocannabinol  

– and this little chemical throws a wild party in  

your brain. THC doesn't just tickle your  funny bone. It rewires the whole system.

Get ready because we're about  to dive deep into the science  

behind getting too high. From why  your brain suddenly craves a whole  

pizza to why time seems to stretch  and bend, we'll break it all down.

Okay, first things first. It might sound  surprising, but our bodies naturally have a  

whole system designed to interact with substances  similar to THC. It's called the endocannabinoid  

system, and it's made up of receptors  scattered throughout our brains and bodies.

Think of these receptors like tiny locks and  our body's own natural cannabinoids (called  

endocannabinoids) as the keys. This system plays  a vital role in regulating all sorts of functions,  

from mood and appetite to sleep and memory. It's  all about maintaining a healthy internal balance.

THC, the psychoactive ingredient in  marijuana, is basically a copycat.  

It mimics our endocannabinoids but in a much  stronger, less regulated way. When we get high,  

THC floods those receptors and throws the entire  finely-tuned endocannabinoid system out of whack.

This disruption is why marijuana can have  such wide-ranging effects on the brain  

and body. It's not about creating something  new, but rather taking our existing internal  

systems and cranking them up to overdrive...  or sometimes shutting them down altogether.

Understanding the endocannabinoid system  is crucial to understanding why getting  

high is more than just a feeling – it's  a full-on chemical hijacking with a whole  

range of consequences. So, now that  we've got this biological foundation  

let's dive into how THC directly  targets specific brain regions.

Here's where things get really interesting... THC,  the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana,  

is a molecular copycat. It has a similar  structure to our body's own endocannabinoids,  

those natural chemicals that work with the  endocannabinoid system we discussed earlier.

This sneaky similarity lets THC fool our brain's  receptors. Instead of a gentle interaction,  

it's like a stampede. THC floods the receptors,  

sending signals that are way more intense than  our bodies are used to. This overstimulation is  

what throws our delicately balanced  systems completely out of whack.

Imagine those receptors like volume  knobs that usually operate on a scale  

of 1-10. THC comes along and  cranks those knobs way past 10,  

blasting signals that our brains  simply aren't designed to handle.

The result? The wide range of effects  we associate with being high. It's not  

just about the euphoria – it's  about disrupting the brain's  

normal communication in areas that control  everything from memory to decision-making.

The amount of THC matters too. A  little might subtly turn up the volume,  

while a lot is a full-on sensory overload  for our internal systems. This is why the  

experience of being high can feel  so different depending on the dose.

Now, the brain is a pretty complex  organ. Let's pinpoint the main areas  

of the brain that THC messes  with. First the hippocampus.

Picture your hippocampus as your brain's  personal librarian – it files away new  

information and helps you recall the details  later. THC throws a wild party in the library!  

Imagine books flying off shelves and index cards  scattered everywhere – that's what happens to your  

short-term memory when you're high. Trying to  hold a conversation? If you’re a tad too high,  

good luck remembering what  was said two minutes ago.

The hippocampus isn't just about the present.  It's critical for making new memories that  

stick. When THC disrupts this process, it's  like hitting "save as..." and accidentally  

deleting the file. That awesome idea you had  for a song while high? Poof, gone by morning.

The hippocampus also acts like our brain's GPS.  It helps us remember places and how to get around.  

THC scrambles the signal. Suddenly,  familiar streets seem confusing,  

or you are completely blank on where you  parked the car. It's not just forgetfulness;  

it's getting lost in your own neighborhood.

While we're on the topic of the hippocampus,  let's talk about time. When high, minutes can  

feel like hours, or a whole evening can fly  by in a flash. This is because the hippocampus  

plays a role in our perception of time, and  THC seriously messes with its internal clock.

Alright, so we’ve talked about  the hippocampus. Now, let’s shift  

our attention to another part of the brain  that THC affects… the prefrontal cortex.

Imagine your prefrontal cortex as the  wise CEO of your brain. It’s the executive  

decision-maker. It's responsible for planning,  reasoning, and that little voice telling you,  

"Maybe eating a whole tub of ice cream isn't  the best idea." Well, THC stages a hostile  

takeover in the boardroom! Suddenly, impulses  rule, and good judgment takes a vacation.

That sudden feeling of invincibility when  high? That's your prefrontal cortex taking a  

nap. Decisions that would normally make you pause  – like texting an ex, or taking a dare – may seem  

strangely appealing. THC weakens the brakes on  risky behavior that your sober brain would stop.

The prefrontal cortex is also like a super-fast  processor, juggling multiple thoughts at once.  

THC throws a wrench in the works. Complex tasks,  like following a conversation or reacting quickly,  

become way harder. Suddenly, even  simple choices can feel overwhelming.

Here's a tricky one: some people  swear getting high unlocks their  

creativity. While THC can loosen  up inhibitions, if used in excess,  

it can actually muddle focus and working memory  – key parts of actually bringing those creative  

ideas to life. (Maybe that mind-blowing song you  wrote while high just sounded good at the time!)

Okay, so what about the realm  of your emotions? Enter the  

next brain area affected by THC… the amygdala.

The amygdala is your brain's emotional  alarm system – scanning for threats and  

triggering that fight-or-flight response.  THC fiddles with the sensitivity dial,  

making it hyperactive and sometimes misreading  totally harmless situations as danger zones.

For some people, THC can initially  promote a sense of relaxation and  

well-being. But the amygdala is a fickle beast.  When overstimulated, that chill vibe can quickly  

switch to a sense of unease or paranoia –  even if there's no logical reason for it.

Why do some people get paranoid while high,  while others feel relaxed? It's not fully  

understood, but the amygdala plays a huge  role. Factors like predisposition to anxiety,  

the amount of THC, and the setting  all influence how the amygdala reacts.

The amygdala is central to how we perceive  social cues. THC can distort this perception.  

A casual glance from a stranger might  suddenly feel menacing, or a joke might be  

misinterpreted as an insult. This can make social  situations feel way more stressful when high.

Now, it's not just about brain regions. THC also  targets neurotransmitters—the messengers between  

brain cells. It boosts dopamine—that “feel good”  chemical—hence the euphoria. But it messes with  

others, too, affecting everything from how we  perceive time to how sensitive we are to sounds.

Picture your brain as a vast communication  network. Neurotransmitters are the chemical  

couriers carrying vital messages between  brain cells. When THC enters the picture,  

it throws this entire system into  disarray, causing misfires and mayhem.

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter associated with  

reward and motivation. When we experience  something pleasurable, dopamine levels surge,  

giving us that sense of satisfaction.  THC artificially boosts dopamine way  

beyond normal levels, creating the intense  euphoria associated with being high. However,  

this also means the "crash" can be severe,  leaving you feeling depleted and low when  

the effects wear off. And with long-term THC use,  the dopamine system can actually become blunted.

Next neurotransmitter affected by THC? Glutamate.  This one is the brain's primary workhorse,  

exciting neurons and making them fire off  signals. It's crucial for learning, memory,  

and overall brain function. However, THC  leads to an overproduction of glutamate,  

throwing the brain into overdrive. Suddenly,  thoughts race, your senses feel heightened,  

and sometimes anxiety can surge  as a result of this hyperactivity.

While glutamate surges, the inhibitory  neurotransmitter GABA takes a break. GABA  

is the yin to glutamate's yang.  It's the brain's calming force,  

responsible for reducing anxiety  and promoting relaxation. Think  

of GABA as the brakes on a speeding car. THC  sabotages GABA's ability to do its job. This  

explains why it can be difficult to unwind or  quiet racing thoughts when you're too high.

Then, there’s serotonin. Serotonin plays a huge  role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. It's  

our natural happiness booster. While the immediate  effects of THC can feel positive, there's evidence  

that, in the long term, THC may disrupt serotonin  production and signaling. This might play a role  

in why some people experience irritability, low  mood, or even depression after the high subsides.

Keep in mind that the relationship  between THC and our brain chemistry  

is incredibly complex. THC doesn't just mess  with the big players like dopamine and GABA.  

It also impacts other neurotransmitters like  acetylcholine, which is essential for memory,  

and norepinephrine, which controls alertness  and focus. This intricate web of effects is  

why everyone's experience with  being too high can be so unique.

So, to recap… can smoking a joint give you  that next philosophical breakthrough or unlock  

a hidden artistic genius within you? Well,  maybe, but it's complicated. THC definitely  

loosens up your thinking, making you less  likely to judge your own ideas. This can  

be great for brainstorming or free association,  but here's the catch: THC also messes with focus,  

working memory, and the ability to actually  execute those ideas. So, you might have a  

brilliant flash of inspiration, then spend  the next hour trying to remember what it was.

Now, there are some individual differences to  keep in mind. For instance, ever notice how some  

of your friends practically melt into the couch  after getting high while others suddenly have an  

unstoppable urge to reorganize their closets? It  turns out that weeds can have totally opposite  

effects when it comes to energy levels. This is  partly due to the different strains of marijuana.  

Indicas are famous for their mellow, sleepy  vibes, while Sativas often have a more uplifting,  

energizing quality. It all depends on the  specific mix of chemicals within each strain.

Dose plays a big role, too. A little bit  might give you a slight buzz, but overdo it,  

and you might be glued to the couch for hours.  Finally, our bodies all process THC a little  

differently, so what makes one person feel  wired could leave their friend ready for a nap.

Why do some people feel chill and giggly when  high while others get paranoid? Think of your  

body as a unique party for THC. Genetics play  a huge role, kind of like how some people can  

handle their liquor while others get tipsy after  one drink. The more often you get high, the more  

tolerance your body builds up, meaning you might  need a higher dose to achieve the same effect  

as before. Setting and mindset make a massive  difference too – getting high at a chill hangout  

with friends is a whole different vibe compared  to getting high before a stressful job interview!

Now, edibles are a whole different beast!  When you eat something infused with THC,  

hold on tight. Instead of hitting your  bloodstream quickly like with smoking,  

edibles have to go on a long journey through  your digestive system. This means there's  

usually a delay before you feel anything  – then wham, everything kicks in at once,  

often way stronger. On top of that, your liver  breaks down THC from edibles differently,  

creating a more potent chemical that sticks  around in your system for longer. This is  

why many rookie edible experiences end with  someone way higher than they bargained for!

The takeaway? Dosing with weed, especially for  beginners, is all about starting low and going  

slow. This holds doubly true for edibles! Pay  attention to how your body uniquely reacts,  

not just what worked for your friend.  There's no single "normal" high,  

so focus on safety and knowing your limits.

Okay, we've talked brains, but being too high  doesn't just mess with your mind. It throws  

your whole body a curveball too! Let's break down  the weirdness that happens when you get too high.

First up, the munchies. Ever get high and  suddenly feel like you could devour a whole  

pizza… or two… plus dessert? That's not just  willpower failing – THC goes haywire with your  

appetite hormones. It flips the "I'm full" switch  off and tricks your brain into starvation mode,  

even if you just ate. No wonder those  chips suddenly seem irresistible!

Then, there are those bloodshot, red eyes...  the classic giveaway you've been hanging out  

with Mary Jane. Why does this happen? THC  lowers blood pressure and dilates blood  

vessels in the eyes, making them appear  redder. It can also dry your eyes out,  

adding to the irritation. Pro  tip: eyedrops are your friend!

THC is also like a prankster messing with  your body's GPS. Coordination can become quite  

difficult under the effects of too much weed.  Suddenly, walking in a straight line seems hard,  

and catching a ball feels impossible. Your  reaction times slow down, and your sense of  

balance gets wonky. This is why attempting  anything even slightly athletic while high  

is generally a recipe for clumsy disaster… best  captured on video for later laughs, of course!

Alright, we've covered the immediate craziness  of getting too high. What about the long-term  

impacts? It's important to remember frequent  marijuana use can have lasting effects,  

especially for young people. Let's get into it.

First, let’s talk about developing brains. Teenage  brains are construction zones! They're still  

wiring up important connections, especially for  things like decision-making and impulse control.  

THC throws a wrench into those works. Studies  suggest it could change how teen brains develop,  

potentially affecting learning and memory,  and even lowering IQ over time. Basically,  

weed is the detour sign on the  route to a fully grown-up brain.

Forget where you put your keys  while high? That's normal. However,  

some research indicates heavy,  long-term marijuana use might  

make memory problems stick around even after  you've sobered up. It's still being debated,  

but the possibility is definitely something to  consider if you're blazing all day, every day.

THC can also wreak a bit of havoc on  the mental health landscape. Sure,  

we know weed can mess with your mood in the  moment. However, for some people, chronic use  

increases the risk of developing longer-term  anxiety or depression. Even more concerning,  

if you're predisposed to mental illnesses  like schizophrenia, frequent marijuana use  

can potentially trigger these conditions.  Not for everyone, but the risk is real.

This stuff isn't meant to scare you; it's about  being informed. Everyone's body is different,  

and more research is needed for definitive  answers. But especially for young folks,  

understanding the potential long-term  impacts of getting high is responsible.

Now, let's clear the smoke around some persistent  weed-related myths. These aren't just opinions,  

but scientific facts so you  can make informed choices.

Let’s start with myth #1: weed is  harmless. While marijuana is less  

likely to lead to a fatal overdose  compared to some other drugs,  

that doesn't mean it's without risks.  Getting too high can lead to accidents,  

poor judgment calls with lasting consequences,  and the potential for anxiety or paranoia  

spirals. The long-term effects, especially on  developing brains, are still being studied,  

but research suggests potential impacts on memory,  learning, and even IQ. Harmless? Not so fast.

Next, myth #2: you can't get addicted to  marijuana. While the addictive potential  

of marijuana may be less compared to  substances like opioids or nicotine,  

addiction is definitely a risk factor. Studies  show that roughly 9% of users become dependent,  

and this number jumps with those who  start using during their adolescent  

years. Addiction means experiencing withdrawal  symptoms when you stop, continued use despite  

negative consequences, and losing control  over how much or how often you consume.

Myth #3? Marijuana is a "gateway drug." This  one's complex. The majority of marijuana  

users won't go on to use “harder” drugs.  However, a significant body of research  

shows a correlation: those who start using  marijuana, particularly as teenagers,  

are statistically more likely to experiment  with other substances later in life. It's not  

about guaranteeing a progression but rather  acknowledging that there's an increased risk.

Next up is Myth #4, “driving high is no biggie.”  This one’s absolutely wrong! THC messes with your  

coordination, your ability to judge distances,  and it slows your reaction time. Even if you  

feel okay to drive, studies consistently  show that marijuana use significantly  

impairs the skills needed to be safe behind  the wheel. Buzzed driving is drunk driving,  

and the number of accidents linked  to cannabis use are on the rise.

Finally, there’s myth #5: CBD is just like  THC. Wrong again! CBD, or cannabidiol,  

is another key compound found in the cannabis  plant but it does NOT produce the “high”  

associated with THC. CBD is gaining a lot of  attention for its potential therapeutic benefits,  

with research exploring its use for conditions  like anxiety, pain, and epilepsy. It's important  

to understand they are not interchangeable  and have vastly different effects on the  

body. (Psst… we have a video on this topic  if you’re interested in taking a deep dive!)

One important note… myths evolve! It's crucial to  stay up-to-date and question what you see online  

or hear from friends. Look for reliable sources  of information backed by scientific studies,  

like reputable health organizations or  peer-reviewed research publications.  

Stay informed as you consume. Your choices  matter, so base them on facts, not fiction.

While we've delved into the potential downsides  of getting too high, it's important to note  

that THC isn't all bad. There's growing research  suggesting it could have real medical benefits.  

Scientists are exploring its potential  to treat chronic pain, which might  

offer a much-needed alternative  to addictive opioid painkillers.

It's also shown promise in reducing nausea for  chemotherapy patients. Even anxiety, although  

high doses of THC can definitely make it worse,  is being studied with the possibility of low,  

controlled doses being helpful. It's important  to remember that any medical use of marijuana  

requires supervision by a doctor and is all  about carefully controlled doses. This is a  

far cry from the recreational use we've  been discussing throughout this video.

So, there you have it! Getting too high isn't  just a mind trip; it's a full-blown chemical  

takeover happening in your brain. Understanding  how THC messes with your noggin helps explain  

those sometimes confusing and not-so-fun side  effects of getting a little too elevated.

Did this video blow your mind? Let us know  in the comments below, then check out “What  

Happens to Your Brain if You Smoke Weed  for 30 Days.” Or watch this video instead!