Short Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana Does marijuana kill brain cells? Killing brain cells is not a pre-requisite for getting `high.' Marijuana contains a chemical which substitutes for a natural brain chemical, with a few differences. This chemical touches special `buttons' on brain cells called `receptors.' Essentially, marijuana `tickles' brain cells. The legal drug alcohol also tickles brain cells, but it will damage and kill them by producing toxins (poisons) and sometimes mini-seizures. …showed first 75 words of 289 total…

…showed last 75 words of 289 total…use • racing heart, agitation,tenseness • mild to severe anxiety • panic attacks at very high doses (usually oral) or in sensitive users • headaches • dizziness, confusion • paranoid & anxious thoughts more frequent • possible psychological dependence on cannabis • "mild" withdrawal symptoms occur after daily use in some users. These may last for 1-6 weeks after cessation of use and can include anxiety, anhedonia (reduced experience of pleasure), headaches, general unease/discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and a desire to smoke pot.