Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

long term marijuana use

hi,
i am a 24 year old male. ive been smoking weed for 7 years as of date. On average, i smoked a gram (approx 2 joints) a day. With deep regret, i discontinued use about 2 months ago. Unfortunately, my mind still seems "cloudy." In the hopes of recovering some of what was lost, i would appreciate an answer to the following questions.
1. is six years considered long-term abuse. how long do the effects of long term abuse last after discontinuing use of the substance (marijuana specifically)?
2. what scan will be the most definitive in identifying the abnormalities caused by drug abuse? (prior to drug abuse, i had matured relatively late)
3. what, if any, medication/food diet will be able to "reverse" the effects of marijuana or improve brain development and overall function.
thank you for your support
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
people who say pot effects your brain long term have got problems. Why lie? Pot helps protect your brain from free radicals by sticking to neurons. It also helps build new circuits in your brain by stimulating changes in normal thought process
Helpful - 0
1056589 tn?1273747102
I have numerous neurological issues. I was dx with Transverse Myelitis and complicated migraines with aura. I have 15 brain lesions and am heading towards a MS dx. My body twitches and is weird pretty much all the time.
I use to be a pothead when I was younger but had quit about 6yrs ago. On the advise of some friends with MS I  started smoking pot agin. It has helped me tremendously. I have told my doctor and he fully supports medical mary jane. He suggested another delivery system such as a vaporizor.Due to the effects on the lungs.
There are numerouse studies about the positive affects on MS patients. There are certain canaboids that have immunosupressive properties. It helps with muscle spasms and sleep issues.It also is a vasoconstricter so it helps my migraines aswell. It has alot less side effects than most of the prescription migraine and neurological drugs.
This is a neurological disorder forum so I responed as some one with actual neurological issues.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
First of all, congrats in quitting ,since that was your goal. Im sure your lungs will thank you later. Smoking anything, of course, is detrimental to your lungs. Second, Marijuana abuse alone does NOT cause any physical abnomalities to your brain, so the answer to question number two is "no scan". Marijauna/THC acts as a Serotonin reuptake inhibitor, allowing you to have higher serotonin levels. Serotonin is a feel good chemical. Antidepressants that fall into the SSR catagory do the same thing. So, essentially you have been taking an antidepressant for 6 years, via smoking marijauna. The only side effects you will have are psychological, and a drop in serotonin. There is some good information out there about withdrawal symptoms. You are likely going to feel down, and probably off kilter for a few weeks. Question number three--- As for "Reversing the effects" of marijauna. There are NO long term physical effects or damage to your brain from marijauna. However, just like with tobacco, your LUNGS may have some damage. If you want to stabelize your mood, there are alot of foods that help boost your "feel good" chemicals. Research it. And as always, if you find that you are severely depressed, not just a little down , but having a hard time functioning, talk to a doctor immediately and he/she may prescribe something to help you. Good luck!
MM
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease