Marijuana

Cannabis sativa is the plant responsible for the production of one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States - marijuana. Shredding and drying primarily its leaves and stems, rolling in cigarette papers and smoking creates an intoxicating end product that has occupied the lifestyles of many a drug addict.This extremely potent and illicit drug is probably "the gateway" for the rise in numbers of drug users over many decades.

Comprised primarily of the chemical THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) marijuana, when smoked, instantly travels to the brain where it binds to particular protein receptors lining certain cellular nerve endings, which work to set off a series of chain reactions. These chemical reactions result in the apparent "high" experienced by users.

Commonly referred to as grass, pot, weed, bud, Mary Jane, or dope, marijuana is usually smoked in cigarette form, referred to as a joint or through a pipe known as a bong. It's also common for empty bongs or cigars (blunts) to be refilled with marijuana and other desired drugs. Some people even like to blend it in their drinks or throw it into their everyday cooking as one of the ingredients. On the whole, marijuana smoke has a very distinct, easily recognized sweet and sour overpowering smell.

Sinsemilla, a higher grade marijuana unlike the marijuana typically commercially produced and distributed, is a much more potent form of marijuana; it is made up of only the leaves and buds of the unfertilized female cannabis plant. This is where THC is most concentrated, explaining the drug's unique potency.

The moment marijuana enters the body it goes to the brain; depending on the method by which it was ingested, its effects can last between one and three hours. Smoking deposits smaller levels of THC in the short term, yet acts more rapidly to produce the altered feeling and in the long run causes much worse effects on the body.On the other hand, eating or drinking the drug takes a while before its effects set in but these tend to last longer in the body than when smoked.

Within only a few minutes after inhaling marijuana smoke, an individual's heart begins beating more rapidly. The drug gets directly into the blood stream; it causes the throat passageway to loosen up and while becoming inflamed, it creates more room for the drug to pass. As the drug travels in the blood stream it causes the blood vessels to expand and those in the eyes are particularly affected. More blood gets into these vessels and the eyes turn pinkish or bloodshot. By this time the heart rate may be beating at an abnormally low rate of 20 to 50 beats a minute. (Usually the heart beats at 70 to 80 beats per minute).

The "high" experienced by marijuana users is a result of the presence of the chemical dopamine which is released by the brain cells which are simply reacting to the THC deposited by the drug subsequent to its ingestion.This feeling of pleasure is accompanied by strong, ethereal sensation as well as elevated awareness that users often say was not present before.

Smoking marijuana typically results in dry throat and mouth and sudden hunger. Trembling may occur and as the feeling of ecstasy subsides the user may become drowsy or depressed. Anxiety, fear, distrust, or panic may also follow.

Effects of long-term use

Long term use of marijuana can lead to addiction. Without proper help or professional assistance available at a drug rehabilitation program, the user may have difficulty dealing with withdrawal symptoms and in turn revert to their abuse.

Here are some effects of long-term marijuana abuse:

Studies reveal that the THC in marijuana effects the way information is processed by the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is responsible for memory. Hence, memory loss is usually a noticeable long-term effect.

Research further reveals that in comparison to children or young adults who do not smoke the drug, marijuana users tend to score lower grades than their counterparts. For some habitual users, even abstinence for as long as 24 hours did nothing to help improve their attention span and memory and required additional professional help to get better. Users are more likely to hate school or develop an extremely negative attitude and unexplained dissatisfaction toward it.

Marijuana users also develop a tendency to have panic attacks as well as increased anxiety. They often lack coordination and balance, linked to neurological problems associated with marijuana abuse.

Marijuana users are frequently later for work and display a higher rate of absenteeism than non users. Users tend to be more accident prone and their overall job performance is drastically reduced.

Marijuana use increasesthe risk of developing respiratory diseases such as of chronic cough, bronchitis and emphysema. Lung cancer and cancer of the throat are also common diseases shared with tobacco smokers. It is important to note that marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.

Cancers affecting the head and neck also occur in marijuana smokers

Marijuana effects on pregnancy

No doubt, marijuana use poses a huge threat to the unborn fetus.

Infants exposed in any way to marijuana stand the risk of developing problems responding to environmental stimuli. They may experience tremors that may be associated with neurological problems. Studies show that fetal exposure to marijuana often leads to visual impairment, stunted development of language faculties, difficulty paying attention and performing basic memory tasks during their infancy and preschool years.

Marijuana withdrawal

These are some of the withdrawal symptoms experienced by users of marijuana:

Extreme irritability

Insomnia

Anxiety and agitation

Increased feelings of aggression

Mood Swings

Cravings to use

Marijuana addiction treatment

No medication is currently available to treat marijuana addiction, though medication can be prescribed to reduce its withdrawal symptoms. However, rest and talk therapy is usually the best treatment for marijuana addiction.

Following three to five days of treatment, the cravings for the drug should diminish, but it is unlikely that the affected individual will stop craving the drug altogether. It is recommended that marijuana addicts enroll in an outpatient drug treatment program specifically designed to assist in the development of effective coping skills. In the event that this is not effective and the individual reverts to using, they should admit themselves into residential drug treatment.

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