Marijuana has been found to have various benefits that make it useful for medical purposes. And while many enjoy recreational marijuana use with no reported issues, there are many potential side effects with any marijuana use, particularly when not used at the direction of a qualified medical professional. Regarding marijuana’s primary consumption method, smoking any substance has various side effects. Find out the effects of smoking marijuana and the various benefits those who quit smoking marijuana enjoy.

What happens when you stop smoking pot?Respiratory health improves

Any kind of smoke causes harm to the lungs. This is because smoke contains the by-products of combustion such as particulate matter and carbon monoxide. Burning marijuana also produces irritants, carcinogens, and toxins like tobacco smoke. That’s why most marijuana smokers experience bronchitis-like symptoms, excess phlegm, difficulty breathing, and frequent coughs.

It’s also noteworthy that a general habit among marijuana smokers is to draw in a lot of smoke and hold it inside their lungs for an extended period. This prolonged exposure of the lungs to smoke increases the risk of negative side effects and can cause illnesses such as pulmonary fibrosis.

Quitting marijuana smoking will clear all these signs and improve respiratory health. In fact, the lungs start to heal as soon as three days after quitting and continue getting better as time passes. Soon, quitters will enjoy improved lung capacity and better respiratory health.

Better heart health

Cannabis users experience a rapid heart rate almost immediately after use. This occurs when  THC activates the user’s sympathetic nervous system, the brain function that regulates how the body responds to physical threats. The heart can continue beating faster than average for about three hours after use. The problem with an increased heart rate is that it predisposes one to a higher chance of a heart attack. Overburdening the cardiovascular system is associated with stroke as well. Quitting marijuana will thus lead to improved heart rate and decrease the chance of suffering a heart attack. This is a constructive step for marijuana smokers who suffer from cardiovascular issues.

Relationships improve

When consumed regularly, the brain becomes used to marijuana. Users find that they have a tough time going without it and make smoking a priority. One may also uncomfortable smoking marijuana around their family and friends if they aren’t users or don’t approve. This leads them to find company among other marijuana users thus neglecting people with whom they have had fulfilling relationships. Besides, cannabis use can alter one’s mood, lower one’s energy and motivation, and sometimes cause one to isolate. This behavioral change strains relationships.  By quitting, one enjoys balanced moods and increased energy and does not feel pressured to avoid some friends or family.

Improved memory

Another risk associated with cannabis use is cognitive impairment. THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, has been found to affect short-term memory and other cognitive abilities. Some functions that suffer from smoking marijuana include the capacity to plan, organize, make decisions, and control one’s emotions and behavior, among others.

Essentially, THC attaches to the brain’s receptors namely the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, altering how it processes, stores, and retrieves information. For periodical cannabis users, impaired memory functions are majorly temporary. However, persistent use of marijuana can result in long-term damage. By quitting marijuana, one can restore memory function within a few weeks and prevent long-term effects. They can also make it easier to concentrate on tasks and stay attentive for longer.

How do you quit? Of course, quitting marijuana isn’t always easy, especially, when one’s system has become reliant on the substance. Each user’s system responds to marijuana differently. When trying to quit, it’s possible for one to experience severe withdrawal symptoms and opt to stick to marijuana longer. However, there are ways to clear one’s system of THC and overcome withdrawal symptoms faster. The time it takes to get rid of THC from the system depends on how much of the chemical is still in the body. A good starting point would be to calculate your THC levels and use a THC detox kit.