What is marijuana?
Marijuana’s botanical name is Cannabis sativa. It is called by many slang names among users. The chief psychoactive (mind-altering) ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The plant also contains more than 400 other chemicals. A marijuana cigarette is made from dried leaves of the plant.
Does marijuana vary in strength?
Plant strain, climate, soil conditions, time of harvesting and other factors determine the potency of marijuana. In recent years the strength of street samples of marijuana has markedly increased. In 1975, samples exceeding 1% THC content were rare; in 1990, samples with 4% THC and more were common — that’s an increase of 400% potency. The more potent marijuana increases the physical and mental effects and possibility of health problems for the user.
What are some of the immediate effects of smoking marijuana?
Most users who smoke marijuana experience an increase in heart rate, reddening of the eyes and dryness in the mouth and throat. Studies of marijuana’s mental effects reveal that it temporarily impairs short-term memory, alters the user’s sense of time and reduces the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, quick reaction time and coordination. Many believe that hearing, vision and skin sensitivity are enhanced by the drug, although this is not confirmed by objective research. Feelings of euphoria, relaxation, altered sense of body image and bouts of exaggerated laughter are also commonly reported.
Do people ever react badly to the drug?
Some users may experience anxiety and/or paranoia. The symptoms often disappear in a few hours when the acute drug effects have worn off. Other physical and mental effects are described within.
Can marijuana cause dependence?
While marijuana’s addictiveness is still in question, those who discontinue frequent, high-dose use of marijuana do exhibit symptoms of withdrawal such as irritability, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and weight, sweating and stomach upset. Tolerance to marijuana (the need to take more and more of the drug over time to get the original effect) has been proven in animals and humans. Whether dependence develops or not, heavy use and daily use can pose serious problems.
How can marijuana affect young people?
In addition to its adverse effect on health, a very real danger in marijuana use is its interference with a young person’s growing up process. Research shows that marijuana use impairs thinking, reading, verbal and math skills. Clinicians also believe that the drug may interfere with the development of social skills and may encourage psychological escapism. Young people need to learn how to make decisions, handle success and failure and form their own beliefs and values. By providing an escape from growing pains, drugs can prevent young people from learning to become mature, independent and responsible.
How does marijuana affect men’s reproductive systems?
Studies of adult males have found that chronic marijuana users had lower levels of the male sex hormone, testosterone, than non-users and that the sperm count in young adult males diminishes temporarily during periods of use.
Can marijuana cause brain damage?
To date, no definitive neurological study of humans has shown evidence of permanent marijuana-related brain damage. However, one animal study showed persistent changes in the structure of the brain cells after regular marijuana use. The possibility of subtle and lasting changes in brain function from heavy and continuous marijuana use cannot be ruled out.
What is marijuana burnout?
People who smoke marijuana heavily over long periods of time can become dull, slow-moving and inattentive or burned out. Scientists believe that burnout may be a sign of drug-related mental impairment that may not be completely reversible, or is reversible only after months of abstinence.
How does marijuana affect the lungs?
Users typically inhale the unfiltered marijuana smoke deeply and hold it in their lungs as long as possible, keeping the smoke in contact with lung tissues a prolonged time. Inhalation of smoke (whether marijuana or tobacco) inflames the lungs and affects their functions.
Can marijuana cause cancer?
Examination of human lung tissue chronically exposed to marijuana smoke in a laboratory showed pre-cancerous cellular changes. In laboratory tests, tars from marijuana smoke have produced tumors when applied to animal skin. Heavy marijuana smokers report increased symptoms of respiratory illness (coughing, wheezing, bronchitis) — just as do tobacco smokers.
How long does marijuana stay in the body after it is smoked?
THC is absorbed by many tissues and organs in the body, which rids itself of the THC by transforming it into metabolites up to a week after marijuana is smoked. Tests involving radio-actively labeled THC have traced metabolites in animals for up to a month.
How does marijuana affect driving?
Even low doses of marijuana impair driving ability. The drug significantly affects judgment and concentration. It also affects perception, causing tunnel vision and slower eye adjustment to change in light. Marijuana also impairs motor skills. A study of drivers responsible for fatal accidents showed that 39% were impaired with alcohol and 16% with marijuana at the time of the crash. Marijuana presents a definite danger on the road.
Do marijuana users go on to use other drugs?
Surveys show that regular marijuana users are more likely than non-users to experiment with other drugs.
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