It is something people quietly observe over time. Someone who was once sharp and well put together slowly begins to look less concerned about personal hygiene.

It is important to be fair. Not every user ends up this way. However, there is a pattern where the internal push to maintain order slowly fades.

The biological entry point

The belief that behaviour changes because of brain chemistry is supported by medical explanations of how THC enters the system.

According to the World Health Organisation and global health platforms such as WebMD, THC travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it interferes with how cells communicate and affects memory and focus.

In July 2023, NACADA’s John Muteti also raised concerns about this effect.

“It interferes with the cognitive functions and the way a person perceives their environment,” Muteti said.

He added that the substance is “a major threat to the well-being of citizens.”

Interference with motivation

The idea that the drive to stay organised weakens is linked to how the brain’s reward system responds.

Speaking in July 2023, Muteti warned that the problem goes beyond individual behaviour.

“There is a need for targeted mass media campaigns and life skills empowerment,” he said, noting the growing impact on young people and describing it as a triple threat to health, social life, and the economy.

At the same time, research offers a more nuanced picture. A University of Cambridge study led by Martine Skumlien found that not all users show reduced motivation.

“We were surprised to see that there was really very little difference when it came to lack of motivation or lack of enjoyment,” Skumlien said.

However, experts maintain that for individuals with heavy or dependent use, reduced drive and loss of routine remain clear warning signs.

The routine starts breaking

Cleanliness is not a one-time decision. It is a routine built daily.

Findings from NACADA’s 2022/2023 national survey show the broader concern.

Drug abuse “threatens to undermine the social, economic, and political transformation achieved over the years,” the report states.

When the mind is affected, planning and organisation begin to weaken. That is where small changes start appearing.

Skipping a bath feels acceptable.
Laundry is postponed.
Haircuts are delayed.

Over time, these small lapses build into visible lifestyle changes.

Triple threat of potency

Another factor is the strength of modern cannabis.

Muteti noted the urgency of understanding the issue. “We must establish the facts around the matter urgently,” he said, pointing to changing trends across Africa where countries are increasingly becoming consumers.

Globally, the UNODC World Drug Report 2023 highlights the same concern, noting that cannabis potency has significantly increased.

In some regions, products have “almost quadrupled in potency,” even as the perception of risk continues to decline.

This combination increases the likelihood of behavioural effects, especially with frequent use.

The honest picture

When people notice a bhang user neglecting cleanliness, they are often observing a deeper shift in self-regulation.

Muteti warned that the wider impact cannot be ignored.

“The continued illicit cultivation and trafficking” of drugs, he said, continues to strain development and social stability.

The difference is not just the substance itself, but how it interacts with the mind over time.

What begins as small changes in behaviour can gradually affect routine, discipline and daily life.

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