Dangers of Mixing Ecstasy and Marijuana

Polydrug abuse refers to using two or more substances together.

Many people engage in polydrug abuse for a variety of reasons, but the most common is to experience a more intense high. A common duo among recreational drug users is ecstasy and marijuana. Unfortunately, there are risks when mixing intoxicating substances. In order to prevent further incidents, our drug and alcohol treatment center in Pompano wanted to share the dangers of mixing ecstasy and marijuana.

Side Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana is made up of dried leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis plants. The two active components in marijuana are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive component of weed that produces the high people experience. CBD sort of counteracts the effects of THC by producing feelings of relaxation and pain reduction. Although many people believe that marijuana is harmless, this isn’t entirely true. Too much THC can cause scary and unpredictable mind-altering effects, including psychosis.

Some side effects of marijuana use include:

• Auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations
• Altered perception of time
• Altered sense of taste, smell, and sight
• Mood changes
• Euphoria
• Paranoia or anxiety
• Depression
• Memory problems

People who use marijuana long-term are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction and anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure. A person can become dependent on marijuana and may require professional treatment in order to get sober. At Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano, we offer a partial hospitalization program that’s open to all patients who want to recover from drug addiction or alcoholism.

Side Effects of Ecstasy

Ecstasy, also referred to as MDMA or molly, is a synthetic, mind-altering drug that affects a person’s perception of time and their surroundings. It’s similar to both hallucinogens and stimulants in that it increases energy while distorting perception. Ecstasy works by targeting three neurotransmitters: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. All three play important roles in regulating mood, regulating heart rate, sleep, sexual arousal, regulating blood pressure, and digestion, to say the least. While it was initially popular in nightclubs and raves, it has now become a common drug to use in combination with other substances like marijuana.

Some common side effects of MDMA include:

• Blurred vision
• Increased energy
• Increased heart rate
• Irritability
• Impulsiveness and aggression
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Decreased libido or interest in sexual activity
• Problems with memory

Depending on the dose, the effects of ecstasy can last between three to six hours. Many MDMA users tend to take several doses back-to-back, however, making the symptoms and duration of symptoms unpredictable.

What Happens When You Mix Ecstasy and Marijuana?

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t mix marijuana and ecstasy. MDMA and marijuana both affect perception and can cause side effects like hallucinations and psychosis. The longer these drugs are used, the worse their side effects get. The dangers of mixing ecstasy and marijuana stem from the unpredictability of their symptoms when combined.

The effects of mixing ecstasy and marijuana include:

• Psychosis (extreme episodes of anxiety and paranoia)
• Increased core body temperature
• Decrease in memory function (difficulties remembering things or recalling past events)
• Decrease in serotonin levels of the brain, increasing chances of mental illness
• Inhibition of neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA
• Weakened immune system
• Decrease in cognitive ability (learning, speech, memory)

What happens when you mix ecstasy and marijuana depends on how much each is taken. Because they each cause their own set of symptoms, combining the two can cause unpredictable reactions. Polydrug abuse is extremely dangerous. If a person abuses weed and ecstasy for a long period of time, they are at a higher risk of experiencing these adverse effects.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, Banyan Pompano is here to help. Call us today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our rehab center in Florida and our unique therapies and programs.