About Marijuana
A by-product of the Cannabis sativa plant, marijuana has been used by various cultures for centuries for medicinal and spiritual uses. The ancient Aryan Indians used a form of cannabis in tribal rituals, and the drug has been known to treat discomfort from headaches, glaucoma, and nausea resulting from chemotherapy. Marijuana also has a strong association to pop culture. It is not uncommon for people to pass around a joint during a rock concert, while recent films like "Half Baked" and "Harold and Kumar" have helped bring marijuana use into the mainstream.
It is the active ingredient tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, in marijuana that effects the immune system during intake. THC may promote a prolonged feeling of relaxation and/or disorientation in users, that "stoned" feeling that encourages sleepiness and increases the appetite (also known as "getting the munchies"). Enjoying such a euphoria may encourage some to continue using the drug on a regular basis.
A number of negative side effects, including loss of memory and increasing paranoia, are thought to be attributed to overuse of the drug. Like ordinary tobacco, regular use of marijuana may also increase the risk for lung cancer and other related illnesses. It is also argued that marijuana is a "gateway" drug, leading users to try harder stimulants and narcotics once the body has become accustomed to THC's numbing effects, yearning for a stronger high.
Signs that a person may be abusing marijuana might include:
Sudden mood changes, depression and listlessness Redness in the eyes Problems with concentration, short-term memory loss Change in appearance Marijuana has a distinct odor that lingers in clothes and hair when smoked Users of marijuana, whether for medicinal or recreational use, should be made aware of the risks of addiction and possible health damage. Parents who suspect their young children of abusing the drug look for the signs and consult professional help as soon as possible.
Related Tags: drugs, pot, marijuana, substance abuse, weed, drug abuse
Stephanie Loebs is the executive director of Williamsburg Place, one of the top drug rehab clinics in the nation. Williamsburg Place aids those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction, and specializes in caring for health care professionals. For over twenty years Williamsburg Place and its joint rehabilitation center, the William J. Farley Center, have helped thousands of people from all walks of life take back their lives and overcome substance abuse.
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