Marijuana Use: Benefits, Risks, and What You Need to Know
Marijuana is becoming increasingly mainstream. Nearly every day, another state or country makes headlines for legalizing it. Here in New York City, the scent of cannabis is hard to miss—you can catch it in parks, on sidewalks, and in the most unexpected places.
It’s so common and easy to find that many people no longer even consider it a “drug.” Popular opinion often frames marijuana as harmless, and some point to studies suggesting minimal long-term consequences for certain users. Add in the influence of celebrities who openly endorse and celebrate cannabis, and it’s no wonder its image has shifted.
But is marijuana truly harmless? The answer is more complex than many believe.
Why People Enjoy Marijuana
Clients I work with often say they enjoy marijuana because it:
Lowers anxiety, promotes calm, and creates a sense of peace
Temporarily makes problems and worries fade
Helps them fall asleep
Heightens sensory experiences—movies seem funnier, music sounds richer, sex feels more intense, and food tastes better
Makes life feel less dull or monotonous
Inspires imagination and creativity
Feels like it connects them to a higher level of consciousness
It’s important to separate personal anecdotes from medical facts. For example, one young client told me marijuana cures cancer. This is not supported by evidence. While cannabis compounds may help manage cancer-related symptoms like pain, nausea, or appetite loss, they are not recognized as curative treatments by the medical community.
Common Downsides of Regular Marijuana Use
Even regular marijuana users admit there are drawbacks. The most frequent complaint? Reduced mental clarity. Many describe feeling foggy or having trouble thinking clearly immediately after use—and sometimes for hours or even days afterward.
Other common side effects include:
Short-term memory problems
Irritability, anxiety, or low mood
Fatigue, grogginess, and brain fog
Decreased motivation and increased procrastination
Emotional numbness or reduced ability to feel joy
Coughing and chest congestion
These effects can also appear when someone tries to quit—known as marijuana withdrawal symptoms.
More Serious Risks
While uncommon, marijuana use can trigger psychotic episodes in some individuals, even after a single use. This is more likely in people with a family history of psychotic disorders or those using high-potency THC products.
Some users experience intense anxiety, paranoia, or self-consciousness while high—enough to make them avoid cannabis altogether.
Marijuana and Mental Health
In my experience, people who already struggle with anxiety or depression often find that regular marijuana use exacerbates these conditions over time. While the short-term relief can feel helpful, the long-term effects often include increased anxiety, mood swings, and lower overall emotional resilience.
Many clients come to therapy seeking help to cut back or quit because they’ve reached the point where the negatives outweigh the positives.
Taking an Honest Look at Your Use
If you’re concerned about your marijuana use, consider asking yourself:
What am I getting from it?
What is it taking away from me?
How does it make me feel—both right after and the next day?
Writing out the pros and cons can give you a clearer picture of your relationship with cannabis and whether it’s serving you—or holding you back.
Final Thoughts
Marijuana can bring pleasure and relaxation for some people, but it’s not without risks—especially for mental health. Whether you choose to use it or not, understanding both the potential benefits and the consequences is key to making informed decisions.
If you recognize that cannabis use is affecting your mood, motivation, or clarity, support is available. Reducing or quitting can be challenging, but with the right strategies and guidance, it’s absolutely possible.