MARIJUANA (Cannabis sativa)
Marijuana is the most widely abused illegal drug in the United States. It is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa and is commonly referred to as “pot,” “weed,” “smoke,” “grass,” “ganga,” and “hash.” The main chemical in the plant that induces a mind-altering state is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Hash is much stronger than crude marijuana, as it contains five to ten times the amount of THC. This chemical binds with certain nerve cells in the brain that contain protein receptors. Once this occurs, THC initiates the high that users seek to experience.
To achieve this high, marijuana is generally inhaled via a rolled cigarette (joint) or smoked through a pipe. The inhaled THC quickly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, where it is carried to the brain. The short-term effects include a mood-altering state in which some senses are enhanced, while reality becomes distorted.
For example, Delta 9 gummies can provide a range of short-term effects, including increased focus, relaxation, and a boost in mood. Additionally, they offer a fun and convenient way to consume cannabis and have become a popular choice for those seeking a tasty alternative to smoking or vaping.
Immediate Effects of Marijuana Use
Inhalation of marijuana results in a quickened heartbeat, dry mouth and throat, bloodshot eyes, and, in some cases, elevated blood pressure. It inhibits quick motor skills, reducing the ability to drive a car or operate machinery. Short-term memory is impaired, as is the sense of time and place. In some cases, an adverse reaction to the drug can induce an acute sense of fear and loss of control, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and feelings of panic. This subsides after a few hours.
Long-Term Effects of Marijuana Use
Studies have shown that inhaling marijuana over an extended period can cause cellular changes in lung tissue, a condition known as metaplasia, which is considered pre-cancerous. It has been found that marijuana smoke contains 50-70% more carcinogens than tobacco smoke. Since users inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and hold it for longer periods, the lung tissue becomes irritated, leading to coughing, phlegm, and an increased risk of emphysema. Additionally, because marijuana increases heart rate by up to 50%, it can cause chest pain in individuals with already compromised cardiac function and may lead to a heart attack.
THC also negatively impacts the immune system, making users more susceptible to bacterial infections and respiratory illnesses. A study of 450 people who smoked marijuana regularly revealed that they had more lost workdays compared to their non-smoking counterparts.
Psychological and Social Effects
The constant use of marijuana can lead to problems with socialization. Disassociation, depression, melancholy, and anxiety have all been associated with long-term use. Since marijuana reduces memory retention and attention span, learning is compromised, resulting in decreased accomplishments in the classroom or workplace. However, after quitting marijuana use for four weeks, cognitive ability begins to resume, and the negative effects diminish.
Chronic marijuana smokers often experience higher rates of divorce and disruptive family life. The negative impact on socialization can severely affect daily life. In the workplace, studies have shown that marijuana users had a 55% increase in compensation claims, sick days, and tardiness. Job performance also suffers, with heavy smokers displaying issues with memory retention, attention to detail, and following instructions.
Marijuana smokers often describe the prolonged effects of the drug as “burnout.” This manifests as a dull, listless, and inattentive demeanor, where users are so unaware of their surroundings that they appear non-responsive and resemble a “zombie.”
Medicinal Use of Marijuana
Exciting studies are underway to explore new uses of THC in treating various medical conditions. Most recently, THC has shown promise in developing drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Kim Janda, Ph.D., director of the Worm Institute of Research and Medicine at Scripps Research Institute, is leading studies demonstrating that compounds found in marijuana may block the formation of brain-clogging Alzheimer’s plaques more effectively than current drugs. This is promising news for the 4.5 million Americans suffering from this debilitating disease.
Fifteen other clinical studies are being conducted to determine the effectiveness of cannabis in treating:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Diabetes mellitus
- Dystonia
- Fibromyalgia
- Gliomas
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Hepatitis C
- Hypertension
- Incontinence
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Osteoporosis
- Pruritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Tourette’s syndrome
Cannabis has long been used in the treatment of glaucoma, as it effectively reduces intraocular pressure, thereby alleviating damage to the eye. For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, cannabis helps reduce nausea and vomiting while enhancing the effectiveness of pain medications. It is also used to stimulate appetite in weight loss patients suffering from cancer or AIDS.
It is important to recognize the most common marijuana addiction symptoms so you can identify if a loved one is struggling with dependence on the drug.