Is Marijuana a Stimulant or Depressant or Hallucinogen?
Marijuana has been a popular drug for a lot of people taken recreationally. This is usually referred to as weed. But, there is also a wide use of this plant medically today to address symptoms and chronic conditions. There is a lot that asks this question – Is marijuana a stimulant or depressant or a hallucinogen?
There are 4 types of Drugs in general and they are coined after the effects and properties they give. Each drug falls on specific categories and these are;
- Depressants – Drugs that slow down brain function includes alcohol, barbiturates and Xanax.
- Stimulants – Drugs that elevate our mood and increase energy and alertness levels like, methamphetamine, Cocaine and several ADHD medicines.
- Hallucinogens – Drugs that alter our sense of our reality through altering our brain to nerve communications such as LSD, psilocybin (mushrooms) and MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Opiates – Drugs made that are powerful painkillers like morphine, heroin and prescription painkillers
How Is Marijuana A Stimulant or Depressant at the Same Time?
So many would ask, on which drug type does marijuana belong to? And which category does it below? Well, the answer is not as precise as you may think as the effects of weed may be different from each person and are usually subjective to each. Plus, each strain has a distinct composition which results in a different entourage of effect for each one.
As a result, Weed can be classed into 3 of the 4 types of drugs mentioned above and we will try to answer each to better explain how this happens.
Keep reading more to know why Marijuana is a Depressant, a Stimulant and a Hallucinogen.
Is Marijuana A Depressant?
Answer: Yes, Marijuana is a depressant
Depressants affect our nervous system directly and it slows down the function of our brain. Together these effects can assist in calming the nerves and relaxing muscle tension. Depressants can be used as a remedy for several conditions such as anxiety, insomnia and muscle spasms.
Marijuana produces effects that fall into this category which include;
- Memory Loss (Short term)
- Sleepiness
- Relaxation (Mind & Muscle)
- Dizziness
Is Marijuana a stimulant?
Answer: Yes, Marijuana is a stimulant
Stimulants have the total opposite of effects compared to depressants. They increase our blood pressure and heart rates that may cause heavy and fast breathing to other people. This type of Stimulants can improve our mood especially just right after taking them.
Stimulants make us energetic, alert and euphoric at the same time. It is excellent for increasing our focus.
Marijuana produces effects that fall into this category which include;
- Palpitations and Fast Heartbeat
- Elevated Mood
- Paranoia
- Boost in Energy
- Anxiousness
Take note that weed has a very unique effect from person to person so some people may feel relaxed and with ease while others may feel paranoid and anxious.
Is Marijuana a Hallucinogen?
Answer: Yes, Marijuana is a hallucinogen
Hallucinogens are chemical substances that change and alter your perception of your reality. This is either through sensory, auditory or visual perception.
One example is, when a person who smokes weed may suddenly see another person from far away but in turn, was just a tree stump. Or maybe a sudden rush of paranoia because of the sudden belief that someone is following you even though there isn’t.
Marijuana produces effects that fall into this category which include;
- Loss of Motor Skills & Control
- Altered Sense of Space and Time
- Increase Heart Rates
- Detached from Surroundings
- Dry Mouth
- Nausea
Thes effects may be experienced when consuming weed, which is classified as part of the effects of hallucinogens.
Conclusion
Marijuana can have a wide array of effects from person to person both psychologically and physically. It can make tired people feel relaxed while it can also boost the energy of others. These are all influenced by the breed of the strain and how they are grown. This has also been used for quite some time to aid in some psychological conditions like depression, anxiety and shyness. Due to these reasons mentioned above Marijuana can be classified as a Depressant, Stimulant and Hallucinogen depending on the certain effects it brings to its consumer.
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