Marijuana
By Adam Wills
What is Marijuana?
A psychoactive herb derived from the flowering tops of a hemp plants. The most extensively used drug in the U.S. and is only legalized some states. It is mainly used for recreational purposes but,it can be used to treat Glaucoma and can help some cancer patients to diminish dizziness and vomiting.
How is the drug taken into the body?
Marijuana can be taken into the body in a number of ways, however the most common way is to take it through a marijuana cigarette known as joints. Other methods of taking this drug include baking it into edibles like brownies or cookies, or brewing it into a tea.
How does the drug affect the body?
Since marijuana depressant, it causes a feeling of relaxation and well being. Your body's reaction time is significantly delayed and your balance is thrown off, as is your coordination. Dry mouth and an increased heart rate are also common effects of marijuana high quantities, marijuana can cause some hallucinations and paranoia.
Short term effects
- Sensory distortion
- Panic
- Anxiety
- Poor coordination of movement
- Lowered reaction time
- Increased heartbeat (and risk of heart attack)
Long term effects
- Reduced resistance to common illnesses (colds, bronchitis, etc.)
- Suppression of the immune system
- Growth disorders
- Increase of abnormally structured cells in the body
- Rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain could be permanent
- Personality and mood changes
- Inability to understand things clearly
Signs of abuse
If somebody is abusing marijuana they may have rapid loud talking and bursts of laughter in early stages of intoxication, and sleepy or suporous in later stages. They may also have a lack of concentration and coordination inflammation in the whites of the eyes.
Dependence/Addiction
People who are dependent on marijuana are at a higher risk of suffering from the negative consequences of using the drug, such as short term memory impairment, mental health problems and respiratory diseases (if marijuana is smoked).