Depending on the person, the perception of marijuana varies. Some think it does little to no harm, while others worry about the plant’s impact. But what is the real truth about cannabis and its long-term effects?

Mark Vega, a clinical assistant instructor in DePaul’s School of Nursing, specializes in psychiatric mental health nursing. He explains that there are many side effects to using cannabis products excessively or frequently.

Some of these topics are debated, but Vega said prolonged and frequent use of cannabis can impact the brain and cause conditions such as amotivational syndrome, which affects cognition and memory. Weed, if smoked frequently, can also damage the lungs.

Many believe there is no risk of dependency, but addiction symptoms are not immediate like other drugs, according to Vega, who stresses that dependency is often emotion-based. 

“They hold it near and dear to them, and they’re not ready for change,” Vega said.

The American Psychological Association reports THC levels are much higher than they used to be. Dispensaries market and sell highly concentrated products, including vapes, waxes and edibles. However, Vega thinks that the blame for dependency from higher concentrations shouldn’t be put on the dispensaries.

“Society has a problem using it responsibly,” Vega said of various weed products. “I think it’s up to the individual to be responsible with it.”

Many of these effects are related to how much a person uses. Vega says cannabis can help people medicinally to manage pain and sleep and stimulate appetite when used in moderation and with guidance.

However, Vega believes some overuse comes from people self-treating psychiatric issues where marijuana is not beneficial. 

“Unfortunately, sometimes people think that it’s a cure-all for everything,” Vega said. “They may use it thinking, ‘Oh, I need it for my anxiety,’ but actually, depending on the strain, it can make your anxiety worse.” 

DePaul sophomore Annie Price does not consume cannabis products recreationally or for medical reasons, as she fears certain effects that come with being high on cannabis. 

“Hearing about people’s bad experiences with weed scared me a lot,” said Price, an animation major. “Just the unpredictability of it as a substance, or all substances in general, is kind of hard for me to grapple with.”

Price understands that not everyone chooses sobriety. She doesn’t think cannabis is a bad drug for people to use recreationally, but is sober because of the standards she’s set for herself.

“I feel like since I’ve abstained from using drugs or alcohol for so long, it’s a part of my identity,” she said.

Ana Ganddini, a junior at Loyola University, does consume cannabis products recreationally. She said she enjoys consuming marijuana because it makes her feel less anxious. She said she is also a strong advocate for the medicinal benefits it provides to others, including some of her family members.

Ganddini dislikes the stereotype that people who consume cannabis products are “dumb.” 

“I don’t feel like I get dumber in any way,” she said of her cannabis use. “I’ve had a lot of deep conversations with people on it. It helps me open up more.” 

She believes that people, especially those from older generations, also judge weed smokers more harshly than cigarette smokers. 

“Why are you judging someone who takes a couple hits of a blunt when you smoke a pack a day?” Ganddini asked.  

 Regardless of what people believe or don’t believe about cannabis, symptoms vary from person to person, and can easily have negative effects. However, Vega believes further research is needed to determine the extent of its medicinal purposes. 

“I do think, if used responsibly, cannabis is safe,” Vega said. “When you use it too much, and it becomes a habit, then it becomes a problem.”

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