The inhalation of smoke made from the cannabis plant dates back to nearly 10,000 B.C in the Middle East. Charred seeds of cannabis were found in a ritual burial site in Romania. The extracts of this plant were used more by the Hindus in India and Nepal, who associated it to the heavenly drug called Soma that was supposed to be a heavenly hallucinogen. From this very plant Cannabis sativa, marijuana is extracted. This has become the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. Marijuana is a dry mixture of the stems, leaves, flowers and seeds of this plant. THC or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the chemical in marijuana that causes the high that people abusing it experience. Common names of marijuana are grass, pot, ganja, Mary Jane, reefer, skunk, gangster, boom, Kif, weed and herb.
Abuse of Marijuana
Marijuana is smoked in a pipe, cigar or a cigarette. While smoking a cigar with Marijuana in it, the nicotine on its blunt end mixes with the marijuana causing harmful effects on the health. Marijuana is also mixed with tea leaf and certain foods. It is known as hash oil when it is in the form of black liquid which is sticky, and in its resinous form it is known as hashish. People may also take alcohol and cigarettes along with Marijuana. It is known as a ‘gateway drug’ as use of this drug can lead to addiction to other illegal drugs.
When a person smokes marijuana, the THC ingredient in the smoke passes through the lungs into the blood stream from where it is further carried to the brain. The THC then acts on the receptors of brain causing a feeling of ‘high’ which includes impaired coordination, inability to solve problems, inability to think properly, distorted perceptions, memory loss, and inability to learn things. Although the effect of marijuana wears off in two to three hours, it still remains in the body. Urine and blood tests can detect its presence even after two to four weeks of using marijuana.
Marijuana has the potential to cause dependency, if taken for a long time. It means that you crave to use marijuana, in other words, it becomes a compulsion to take marijuana. Once you become dependent, quitting marijuana may be difficult due to withdrawal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, depression and troubled sleep occur, depending on level of dependence on the drug.
Effects of Marijuana on the body
Effect on heart
When a person smokes Marijuana, the heart rate increases considerably which last for 3 hours. According to studies, Marijuana smokers have a high risk of heart attack in the first hour of smoking the drug. This is because of increase in heart rate, irregular heart beat and palpitations due to the Marijuana smoke. This risk is higher, if the person has a previous history of heart disease or if the person is aged.
Effect on lungs
The Marijuana smoke acts as an irritant to the lungs, and it also contains carcinogens or cancer causing ingredients. It has been reported to be more harmful than tobacco smoke. During Marijuana smoke inhalation, the smokers tend to inhale the smoke for longer periods which increases the risk for cancer of the lungs. The other harmful effects of Marijuana smoke on the lungs are lung diseases, increase of cough and phlegm production, and high risk for infections of the lung.
Effect on Reproductive system
Marijuana use affects the sex hormones in men and women adversely. In women it leads to irregular menstrual cycle and ovulation inhibition. In case of pregnant women, it may lead to birth of babies with low birth weight, health problems and delays in development of the baby. In men, marijuana use for a prolonged time leads to delay in puberty and decrease in sperm count.
Physical effects of Marijuana
The physical effects of Marijuana are nausea, headache, shaking, decrease in coordination, Problems in breathing, increase of appetite, reproductive organ changes and blood flow reduced to the brain.
People addicted to marijuana should get themselves into a drug rehabilitation center. The treatment involves medications and behavioral therapy. In addition to treating the condition, people may get good support systems to help them avoid marijuana, and come out of the habit. If you are undergoing detoxification, it is better to avoid the company of people who abuse marijuana. You may take long walks with a friend or a family member, or listen to music you like to take off your mind from marijuana.
Say ‘NO’ to Marijuana
The use of Marijuana starts as a way to feel euphoric, but gradually it makes you dependent on it. Once you are dependent, the craving for Marijuana increases despite knowing all its adverse effects on health, work and relationships. The best way to avoid Marijuana dependency is to say ‘NO’, the very first time you come across it. If you are already dependent, you must get yourself checked into drug rehabilitation center or consult your doctor for advice.
