What is undeniably the most popular and most controversial illegal drug in America, and probably in other parts of the world as well, is what is colloquially known as pot, weed, grass or joint. It is more widely known as Marijuana, the drug made from the Cannabis sativa plant, which has the main psychoactive substance tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.

Marijuana is a habit-forming and addictive substance, and it is not easy to quit once you have become psychologically and physically dependent on the drug. Marijuana addiction is treated in many drug addiction treatment centers, but the longer exposure and dependence on the illegal substance takes a longer and more complex rehabilitation process. Treatment from Marijuana addiction may also involve detox rehab because habitual marijuana users also experience physical withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult for them to quit without qualified clinical assistance from a drug rehab facility.

Medically, Marijuana is used as a muscle relaxant, bronchodilator (for improving air flow in the lungs), appetite stimulant, and antiemetic (for alleviating nausea and vomiting). The substance is also known for its hallucinogenic effect, probably one of the qualities that make it popular among substance abusers.

Aside from THC, Marijuana also contains more than 400 chemicals and some of its immediate physical effects include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, and mouth and throat dryness. A common negative effect of Marijuana is the “acute panic anxiety reaction” or what people describe as the feeling of panic from the extreme fear of losing control.

Research shows that Marijuana can have negative mental effects because the drug can impair short-term memory, reduce people’s ability to concentrate and alter their sense of time. Marijuana use among young people has shown that it can dramatically interfere with their learning process because it affects their thinking, reading comprehension and verbal and mathematical skills. Studies show that students do not remember what they learn when they are under the influence of Marijuana.

Marijuana use is dangerous because it impairs or reduces people’s ability to do things that require concentration, swift reaction and coordination. People who drive vehicles or operate machinery are at a higher risk of causing an accident because their thinking and reflex skills are said to be impaired for at least four to six hours after smoking Marijuana.

The active Marijuana ingredient THC also makes the effects of the substance linger for up to two days after the last Marijuana use. THC is known to be extremely fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in the body’s fatty tissues. It can be continuously and slowly absorbed by a person’s bloodstream for up to two days after smoking Marijuana. Moreover, Marijuana can be identified in the body system of heavy users by modern drug testing techniques up to one month or at least two to three weeks after the last use.

Smoking Marijuana has been associated with the impairment of users’ immune system because studies have shown that cannabinoid receptors can come in high concentrations in a Marijuana user’s brain and certain immune system cells. The list of Marijuana’s negative effects on a person’s health goes on but it doesn’t deter current and potential users from abusing the substance. They can be better informed and treated in a qualified substance abuse treatment center so that they would fully understand the negative effects Marijuana can have on their life and on the lives of the people they love.

Filed under: Marijuana

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