Delta 9 THC: A Gateway To Mental Illness
What is Delta 9 THC?
Delta 9 THC, or Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It causes your brain to release a lot of dopamine, which is a chemical that makes you feel good. This is why many people find the sensation of being high enjoyable.
While there are a lot of perceived benefits of using marijuana, there's also a lot of confusion and misleading information, making people believe that smoking weed and even eating gummies is always a safe and good choice for their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
It's important to know that Delta 9 THC can lead to addiction and have some serious side effects. For example, regular use of high-potency cannabis products, which have higher concentrations of Delta-9 THC, is associated with a greater risk of developing substance-induced psychosis.
What You Should Know About Delta 9 THC
Delta-9 THC poses several risks that users should be aware of. While many people use cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, it is important to understand that Delta-9 THC can have significant effects on both the mind and body.
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One of the most notable risks associated with Delta-9 THC is its impact on cognitive function. It can impair memory, attention, and coordination, which can be particularly dangerous in situations that require full cognitive abilities, such as driving or operating machinery.
Another significant concern is the potential for addiction. Regular use of Delta-9 THC can lead to the development of cannabis use disorder, where people become dependent on the drug and find it difficult to stop using it despite negative consequences. This dependency can also lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and cravings when the person tries to quit.
Heavy use of Delta-9 THC can have social and occupational consequences. It can lead to decreased motivation, known as amotivational syndrome. This can negatively affect one's academic, professional, and personal life. Relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can also suffer as a result of the behavioral changes associated with frequent cannabis use.
Impact on Mental Health
While a lot of people think that smoking weed will make them feel happy and calm, on the contrary, it may also cause them to experience heightened anxiety, paranoia, or even panic attacks, especially with higher doses.
These effects can be distressing and may even contribute to ongoing mental health challenges. Moreover, in some people, particularly those with a predisposition to mental health disorders, Delta-9 THC has been linked to an increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia, particularly with heavy and long-term use.
For some, using marijuana might seem like a casual activity, or in other words, they might think that they are 'just smoking weed,' while for others, it can lead to life-changing consequences-especially on young and developing adolescents.
That's why God’s Will Foundation supports education about the potential dangers of Delta 9 THC found in marijuana, gummies, and other consumable products.
We believe it is absolutely crucial that those choosing to use THC products understand and know the possible risks of not only Delta 9 but all other THC strains so they can make wise, informed decisions that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
We will advocate for warning labels for these products that affect people differently. Similar to a peanut allergy and even alcohol, for some, it may have no lasting negative impact, while for others, the consequences can be severe or even fatal.
"The circumstances in which you find yourself do not define
the person you become, they only determine where you start.”
Nido Qubein
Is Delta 9 THC Addictive?
Research indicates that Delta 9 THC has the potential to be habit-forming. The more you use it, the more your body gets used to it, meaning you might need higher doses to feel the same effects. This can lead to relying on it, both mentally and sometimes physically. The strong high that Delta 9 THC gives makes it especially easy to overuse, leading to a form of dependence in some people.
Sometimes, this is referred to as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), where a person may feel the need to use THC regularly despite any negative impacts on their life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a dependence on Delta 9 THC, there are resources and support systems available. Speaking with a healthcare provider, counselor, or addiction specialist can provide guidance and help you explore options for managing or reducing use.
If you have a teen or young adult and you are concerned about their marijuana use, click here to recognize signs. Review the resources provided below and first make an assessment to determine the seriousness of their issue, then seek treatment.
Research on Delta 9 THC
Explore these resources on Delta 9 THC, featuring the latest research, facts, and expert insights. These links provide comprehensive information, helping you better understand the effects, risks, and statistics of Delta 9 THC so that you can make informed decisions.
Need Help with Delta 9 THC Addiction?
If you or someone you know is having difficulty managing cannabis use or facing challenges from Delta-9 THC, support is available.
Connect with the help you need by exploring the resources on the right side.
1. CADA Prevention & Recovery Center:
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A nonprofit health agency that specializes in mental health and substance abuse recovery services in New Orleans. Services, including assessment for substance use disorders, are available regardless of the ability to pay.
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2. National Addiction Hotline:
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A 24/7 drug abuse hotline. Start your rehab and addiction recovery with a free call to Drug Helpline.
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3. Federal Government Resources For Substance Abuse:
A collection of important resources from the federal government relating to substance use disorders.
https://www.usa.gov/substance-abuse
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4. SAMSHA: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
The confidential and anonymous resource for persons seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.