The Dangers of Vaping Marijuana

Marijuana is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the United States. While recreational marijuana use is relatively common, the risks with marijuana use have increased in recent years as purity has risen substantially. THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, which is responsible for its mind-altering effects.

Over the past decade, THC levels in street marijuana have drastically increased. In the 1970s, THC content in marijuana hovered around 6%, but now THC levels in marijuana typically are above 15%. Medicinal cannabis, which is commonly diverted to illicit markets, can have THC contents exceeding 60%.

The increased prevalence of vaporization as a method of smoking marijuana has led to more people vaping marijuana. The dangers of vaping marijuana are more significant than smoking because vaporization allows you to utilize more THC than other routes of administration. Because of the increased THC content of marijuana, and the effectiveness of vaporization, the dangers of vaping marijuana can lead to addiction, abuse, and increased risks of overdosing.

The Dangers of Vaping Marijuana 

While the dangers of vaping marijuana are similar to smoking or ingesting it, vaping marijuana carries additional risks. Because it allows you to absorb more THC than other methods of consumption, vaping marijuana can increase your chances of becoming addicted and physically dependent on THC. Some of the additional dangers of vaping marijuana include:

• Non-fatal overdose
• Severe paranoia
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Addiction
• Insomnia

While a fatal overdose of marijuana has never occurred, high levels of THC can cause you to experience uncomfortable emotions, paranoid thoughts, and delusions. Marijuana intoxication can negatively impact your motor skills and impair your ability to drive. Since vaping marijuana creates a stronger high, it can lead to you needing to use more marijuana in order to achieve the same euphoric effects.

Also, other dangers of vaping marijuana include potential respiratory problems, heavy metal exposure, and mood swings.

Treating a Marijuana Addiction

While detoxing from marijuana won’t cause potentially fatal symptoms, withdrawal can last several weeks. During withdrawal, you could experience mood changes, insomnia, and anxiety. If you have a co-occurring disorder, withdrawing from marijuana could worsen your mental health symptoms.

Additionally, treatment for marijuana addiction can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Most treatment combines individual counseling, group therapy, and evidence-based treatments to help you cope with triggers, cravings, and withdrawal.

What’s the Next Step?  

The dangers of vaping marijuana can include addiction and dependency, making treatment a viable option to help support you while you detox and recover. Making the decision to reach out for help while struggling with a substance abuse problem can be overwhelming, confusing, and emotional, but choosing to get help is the first step on your journey towards recovery.

Here are a few programs you may want to consider:

• Holistic therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Anger management
• Mindfulness based treatment

Beaches Recovery, the best marijuana addiction rehab center Jacksonville FL offers, provides compassionate, professional, and supportive treatment programs to help you overcome your addiction and achieve sobriety. To learn more about our programs and treatment options and how they can help you or a loved one, call us today at 866.605.0532.