Marijuana is a green leafy hemp plant called cannabis sativa. When intended to be consumed to get high it is sold in the form of a green and brown mix of shredded and flower buds and leaves. There are over 200 slang terms for marijuana including "pot," "herb," "weed," "boom," "Mary Jane," “bud.” "gangster," and "chronic." It is usually smoked in the form of a cigarette (called a joint) or in a small pipe or glass bong with a water filter. It can also be smoked in the form a blunt. A blunt is a cigar skin filled with marijuana instead of tobacco. Blunts also have other drugs added such as crack. Some marijuana users also bake marijuana into food such as brownies or use it to brew a tea.
The active ingredient in the plant which produces a euphoric or high effect is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which enters the bloodstream via the lungs. When the THC reaches the brain, the pleasure center is triggered providing a euphoric pleasurable feeling which at the same time clouds thought, concentration and perception. THC affects the same section of the brain that controls memory and focus. It is often reported by marijuana users that they become anxious and paranoid while under the influence of the drug.
Marijuana Addiction
Addiction is identified as a compulsive, uncontrollable craving for the drug even with potential negative consequences. Often marijuana users will attempt to stop smoking marijuana for an important event such as a job interview or family gathering but find themselves using just before the event. The issue extends far beyond the use of willpower.
Marijuana addiction is a disease that affects millions of people every year. Marijuana addiction is like any other drug or alcohol addiction. It is marked by the uncontrollable urge to have and use marijuana. Individuals addicted to the drug are not able to stop using the drug despite a desire to stop and will continue to use marijuana regardless of negative consequences. Often a marijuana addict will make excuses about why now is not a good time to stop using or about how little they use.
Another trait of marijuana addiction is the physical craving that comes when the body adapts to the drug and begins to develop a tolerance to it. Anyone who has been smoking marijuana for a while knows that they must smoke more and more to feel the same effect that once took just a few hits used to produce. It's not about the quality of the marijuana; it’s the quantity and duration. The brain readjusts to keep balance with the frequent supply of new chemicals being delivered by the pot and needs that supply to function at greater levels.
According to The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, marijuana is Americas most widely used illegal drug. Nearly 40% of the population over the age of 12 has tried pot at least once in their lives and it is frequently used by teenagers and young adults. Use of marijuana has increased this last decade and nearly half of all current high school students in the 12th grade have tried pot according to www.marijuana-addiction.net.
Side effects of Marijuana
The side effects can be experienced right away and can linger up to 4 hours. Marijuana effects can be as seemingly harmless as an increased appetite (munchies) to as life threatening as lung cancer. Information on marijuana-addiction.net states that an increased likelihood for accidents is also one of the marijuana side effects. Studies on the site show that 6 to 11 percent of fatal accidents are contributed to by marijuana side effects. Other external marijuana side effects include legal problems, work and financial problems and troubles at home.
The side effects of marijuana use may include the following:
- Bloodshot red blurry eyes
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Hunger or “munchies”
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety, paranoia and fear
- Poor memory
- Poor coordination
- Slow reaction time
- Loss of control
- Addiction
Chronic use of marijuana can contribute to respiratory problems, chest pains and a constant mucus filled cough. Cancer of the lungs is also linked to marijuana use because unfiltered marijuana smoke has more carcinogens than cigarettes.
One of the dangers of marijuana addiction is the misconception that it is not really a problem as with other drugs. The marijuana around today is not the same that the “flower children” were smoking in the 1970s. The potency of the drug continues to get more powerful and has become mixed with other chemicals. Studies also show that teens can get a hold of marijuana much easier than alcohol. Even addicts who seek treatment for “harder” drugs like cocaine or heroin often admit that marijuana is their primary drug of choice.
Some individuals are more prone to become addicted to marijuana than others. Those with family members who are alcoholics or drug addicts are more likely to become addicted as are individuals who parents smoked marijuana and didn’t quit while they were in the third grade or younger. Also, individuals who began smoking marijuana at an early age are more likely to become dependent on the drug.
[page updated February 2009]