does pot cause depression? make it worse? Just looking for diffrent perspectives on the subject
212287
I think mainly the overuse of marijuana causes depression. It is a depressant, but thats like alcohol too, that causes depression but you'd hardly be aware of it if you didnt use it all of the time (like daily)
288642
Okay, lets concentrate on the effects of Pot, whether you like it or not, i.e. it makes you:\n1)Hungry\n2)Tired\n3)unable to concentrate\n4)lazy\n)Stupid ( After long term use)\n\nNow, create two characters show them as kids and later after traveling two separate paths and meeting again.\nOne would be successful and the other lives in his Moms basement. You know which one smokes Pot.\n-kevin82abn
12239
I find that alcohol seems to take whatever mood a person is in and magnify it; so a person who is drinking in celebration becomes more exhuberant, the person who is drinking out of anger becomes more beligerant, and the person who is drinking out of depression sinks even lower.  On the other hand, Marijuana typically mellows a person regardless of their mood going into it.  It is common for people to become paranoid when using pot, especially with ongoing use.  \n\nBoth are used most often to relax and unwind; but can become misused as a means to avoid problems.  With both, the user builds a tolerance to the substance, so more and more is needed to have the desired effect with continued use.  Both will alter the user's perception and judgement.\n\nMy opinion is that as long as cigarettes and alcohol are legal, there is no reason why marijuana shouldn't be -- it is no worse than either of those drugs.  I don't know from a medical/research standpoint, but it seems to me that alcohol is actually more harmful to the body than pot, and I believe that it is socially more harmful, because of the effects I've observed that I noted above.  \n\nIf marjuana were legal, I would use it on a weekend night before watching a movie or something.  In the past, I went through phases when I would smoke daily -- and it really saps motivation from a person.  \n\nI used to drink, probably the most before I was of legal age.  I got sick plenty of times.  Now I don't like the taste, and many alcoholic beverages actually give me a sinus/allergy attack.  So it is rare for me to use either of these things now.
1614
Wow, your message is not a good advertisement for legalizing pot!\n\nBut to answer your question, because they don't get it. They believe that pot is to blame for all drug use and that it leads to harder drugs.\n\nBooze and pot do different things, either one is real bad for you if not used in moderation. Some people are not capable of moderation with the use of their drug of choice.
651622
Not only do I NOT think it's bad.  I think it's great.  I have been a heavy pot smoker since I was 12.  I graduated in the top of my class in high school, I graduated college at a university, I am 22, work for myself, and make almost $100K/year totally legal, and I'm working on my MBA.  My mom and aunts and uncles have smoked since they were in high school and all have very good jobs, families, and lives.  All my friends in college and right out of college have been smoking with me forever and are all doing great.  It is so much safer and healthier than alcohol.  Someone tell me what is bad about marijuana.  They have even found out recently that the THC actually fights off the cancer causing chemicals in marijuana, so it actually offsets itself as far as cancer goes.  Wow.  And people actually still live so far in the past and think weed is bad.  Come on now, crack is bad, not weed.
368588
The answer is no, but don't be misled here.  There is ALWAYS a cause for depression.  It's just that the cause may not be apparent.  Yes, people who experience the loss of a child, close family member, or beloved pet can become depressed, but it's also very possible for someone who has not experienced any of the things you mentioned to develop severe depression.  \n\nYou're right -- the major cause of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Research suggest some people are born that way, so they'll always need medication to feel "normal."  Scientists also believe that head trauma injuries to babies, infants, toddlers, and young children can cause problems with depression later in life.  Depression has also been tied to drug use -- and not just illegal drugs; we're also talking about certain prescription drugs here (but those cases are fairly rare).\n\nSo to answer your last question, it is possible for someone who has not had any devastating events happen to them to suffer from severe depression anyway.
75786
It doesn't seem very appealing--it can involve dietary restrictions, especially on the larger patch sizes (the ones with higher dosages), which seems like it would have a negative affect on one's mood anyway. It will, of course, get the standard list of depression medication side effects, so I really wouldn't choose this over any others, especially ones that seem to have positive side effects (like Wellbutrin, which can increase one's chances of quitting smoking).
209452
According to most research on the subject, alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana.  Alcohol, in moderation, does have benefits, though.  When either is used in excess, you see health problems and diseases.  Marijuana is not addictive, alcohol is.  Both can cause accidents.  Of the two, I'd rather be around a pot smoker than a drunk, but that's just my opinion.
420355
haha, i think weeds better than booze, worst thing yo do stoned is want to eat the wallpaper... just kidding... some pot is far mor potent than other, but basicly you fell mellow, almost like before you goto sleep at night, or like when youve had your 3rd beer... just mellow.. till you get the munchies....oh NEVER go shopping when stoned!!  im sooo serious
249483
Just like any drug, it effects everyone different. Although they say that it is a downer, so you would be more susceptible to having mental disorders than the next who doesn't use.
287715
When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to organs throughout the body, including the brain.\n\nIn the brain, THC connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. Many cannabinoid receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement4.\n\nThe short-term effects of marijuana can include problems with memory and learning; distorted perception; difficulty in thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and increased heart rate. Research findings for long-term marijuana abuse indicate some changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term abuse of other major drugs. For example, cannabinoid (THC or synthetic forms of THC) withdrawal in chronically exposed animals leads to an increase in the activation of the stress-response system5 and changes in the activity of nerve cells containing dopamine6. Dopamine neurons are involved in the regulation of motivation and reward, and are directly or indirectly affected by all drugs of abuse.\n\n\nEffects on the Heart\n\nOne study has indicated that a user's risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana7. The researchers suggest that such an effect might occur from marijuana's effects on blood pressure and heart rate and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.\n\n\nEffects on the Lungs\n\nA study of 450 individuals found that people who smoke marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems and miss more days of work than nonsmokers8. Many of the extra sick days among the marijuana smokers in the study were for respiratory illnesses.\n\nEven infrequent abuse can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat, often accompanied by a heavy cough. Someone who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, a heightened risk of lung infections, and a greater tendency to obstructed airways9. Smoking marijuana possibly increases the likelihood of developing cancer of the head or neck. A study comparing 173 cancer patients and 176 healthy individuals produced evidence that marijuana smoking doubled or tripled the risk of these cancers10.\n\nMarijuana abuse also has the potential to promote cancer of the lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract because it contains irritants and carcinogens9,11. In fact, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke12. It also induces high levels of an enzyme that converts certain hydrocarbons into their carcinogenic form—levels that may accelerate the changes that ultimately produce malignant cells13. Marijuana users usually inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than tobacco smokers do, which increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke. These facts suggest that, puff for puff, smoking marijuana may be more harmful to the lungs than smoking tobacco.\n\n\nOther Health Effects\n\nSome of marijuana's adverse health effects may occur because THC impairs the immune system's ability to fight disease. In laboratory experiments that exposed animal and human cells to THC or other marijuana ingredients, the normal disease-preventing reactions of many of the key types of immune cells were inhibited14. In other studies, mice exposed to THC or related substances were more likely than unexposed mice to develop bacterial infections and tumors15,16.\n\n\nEffects of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior\n\nResearch clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. Depression
634725
i think it is bad because the scientist guy is absolutly correct.\nI smoke pot fo remotional reasons. i f I dont smoke i will have an anxiety attack, and marijuan mellows me out. I smoke from the second I wake up, to the secnd I go to bed. I am succesful, but at work I have to write everything down or i will forget! i know its from the pot
334600
Any "artificial" high can be more intense, more potent than a "natural" high.  Unfortunately, the drug disrupts your body and the low that follows is usually much worse than coming off of a natural high.  The long term effects of drug use may be a permanent imbalance of your natural chemicals.  For some there is even a temporary or permanent lack of having any emotional reactions, quite devastating.  even drugs don't help.  Enjoying life the way it comes to you without introducing drugs is safer and allows you to become more aware and appreciative of the natural ups and downs of your emotions.  The more you do it the better it gets.
408251
I really am not sure, but I do know that when I was very ill a few years ago I had to have several surgeries, my ex gave me pot to smoke to help me through my recovery.  I may have smoked a small cigerette roll once a week so I was not really a pot smoker.  It did help me heal faster and that is the honest truth.  I did do research for you and found that heavy pot smokers there are indeed risks I will paste below for your reading\n\nOther negative results of smoking pot are that it…\n\nChanges the chemical balance in your brain, altering your mood, appetite, ability to concentrate, and energy levels. \nLowers testosterone levels in men and upsets the balance of hormones in women that control menstrual cycles. \nDecreases sperm count and increases sperm abnormalities. \nJeopardizes the eggs in women’s ovaries (remember, you are born with the total number of eggs you will have for your lifetime – they are irreplaceable!). \nThreatens your ability to learn and remember things, leading to forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. \nCauses the same lung problems as cigarette smoking, including emphysema, cancer, frequent chest colds, coughing, and more phlegm production. \nLeads to anxiety problems, depression, and paranoia. \nIncreases risk for cancer of the throat, lungs, head, and neck. \nWhat are the immediate effects of smoking pot?\n\nRelaxation \nAltered sense of hearing, time, and vision \nEuphoria \nIncreased heart rate and appetite \nDilated pupils \nMemory impairment \nRed eyes and swollen eyelids \nDry eyes and mouth \nLoss of coordination, slower reaction time (never drive after smoking pot) \nImpaired judgment \nHow addictive is marijuana?\nThere has been conflicting research linking marijuana and addiction. Although pot has not shown signs of causing severe physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms, associated with drugs like cocaine and heroine, marijuana often causes psychological dependence. This means that the user experiences a psychological need for the drug and its effects in order to function on a daily basis. \n\nIf I quit marijuana, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?\nThe severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on the level of your habit, but if you smoke heavily, you are likely to experience psychological withdrawal, such as feeling sick. You may also experience chronic fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and feel depressed or anxious. Other withdrawal symptoms include nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, chills, and tremors. Impaired brain functioning can include short-term memory loss and inability to think abstractly. [top]
260505
though family personal experience it never stops at cannibis. bet you have tried other things right? it changes you as a person you become angry and self obsessed, paronoid, lazy "carnt be bothered" secrective, a liar. those are a few common traits. next thing your "mates" have moved on and your on your own wanting to get that bit more high. you will spend every waking moment wanting drugs wishing you had listened but people never do! its not a funny subject it really happens this way i have seen it and due to the "disease" called drugs had to cremate the my brother 2 months ago.
288660
I have suffered from depression since I can remember. I dealt with it by punching walls until my knuckles were bleeding, binge drinking when I was 14, smoking weed at an early age, and cutting myself. My depression would come and go, I'd feel good for a while then go through stints of depression. They'd last anywhere from a couple weeks to a few months. I probably was not eating as much because I'd sleep about 10-12 hours a day, so I wouldn't be awake to suffer. I was eventually put on Prozac, but I had to start seeing a psychologist to get the meds. I was on that treatment for about a year, then decided that I could deal with it on my own. I'm 23 now and even though I've stopped most of the self destructive behavior, I know that it's always there. For me it kind of feels like being a recovering alcoholic; you're never really get over it, but you gain the knowledge on how to cope with it. I just have to remind myself that there's bad days and good days; a rainbow comes out after the storm has passed. I'm a health fanatic now, I go to the gym and lift weights. It's my release... a lot of my depression manifested itself as anger, so instead of punching things and cutting myself I bench press and do curls.
169320
I read a study in the New England Journal of Medicine that stated that pot contains chemical compounds which actually inhibit tumour growth. A long term analysis of pot smokers apparently showed much reduced cancer rates over long term cigarette smokers.