The most widely used illicit drug in the world is marijuana. There are nearly 200 different names for marijuana, including pot, grass, and weed. Although the majority of people believe that marijuana is harmless, most users are unaware that it can be dangerous. Originating from the plant Cannibis sativa, the main mind altering (psychoactive) ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but more than 400 other chemicals can be found in the plant.
The amount of THC in the marijuana determines the strength and effects of the drug. The type of marijuana, the soil, weather and other factors will all affect the strength. The strength of today’s marijuana is ten times greater than that available in the 1970s. Modern cannabis cultivation has a significantly higher THC content. It averaged less than 1% in 1974, rising to an average 4 percent in 1994. A higher level of THC can lead to increased physical and mental awareness. This could pose a risk for users.
How long do chemicals from Marijuana stay in the body?
THC is absorbed into most tissues and organs of the body. It can be found primarily in fat tissues in the liver and lungs. THC is recognized by the body as a foreign substance, and it attempts to eliminate it by creating metabolites. THC metabolites can be detected in urine for up to one week after users have smoked marijuana. Sensitive blood tests may detect trace amounts up to four weeks later.
What is Marijuana used for?
Smoking marijuana and other cannabis products is common. They can be smoked in either a pipe or water pipe. The majority of users will use loosely rolled cigarettes, also known as “joints.” Some users will smoke a cigar, then add marijuana to it to create “blunts”. Both blunts and joints can contain crack cocaine or PCP, which are very powerful hallucinogens. The user will experience a profoundly altered state of mind.
Although smoking is the most popular option for marijuana users, it’s not the only one. You can make tea from marijuana or bake with it.
What Are the Immediate Side Effects of Smoking Marijuana Marijuana?
Although some might disagree with this statement, marijuana is considered mildly hallucinogenic. You may notice an increase in heartbeat, dry mouth, and throat, as well as a faster pulse and bloodshot eyes. The drug may impair or decrease short-term memory, alter one’s sense time, and make it difficult to perform tasks that require quick reactions, coordination, concentration, and speed. Operating machinery or driving a car is not recommended and could result in serious legal consequences. A moderate amount of marijuana can induce a feeling of well-being, and a state of blissful relaxation.
Acute panic anxiety reaction is a common side effect that some users may experience. An overwhelming feeling of loss of control can lead to panic that is rooted in fear. The symptoms typically disappear within a few hours.
Smokers will generally feel the effects of smoking in a matter of minutes. The high peaking effect can take between 10 and 30 minutes.
How does Marijuana affect the Human Reproductive System?
Both men and women have experienced a temporary loss in fertility, according to studies. Research suggests that marijuana use during pregnancy can lead to low birth weights and premature babies. Our young people experience rapid sexual and physical development during adolescence. This makes it more dangerous.
Can Marijuana Cause Lung Disease?
Inhaling unfiltered marijuana smoke can cause lung damage. For long periods, users may hold the smoke deep in their lungs. This not only causes irritation to the lungs and damages their functioning, but also exposes them to the same cancer-causing ingredients as tobacco smoke. Metaplasia, a form of precancerous cellular changes, can be found in the human lung tissue after long-term use. When marijuana tars were applied to animals’ skin, it has been shown to cause tumors. It is also possible that the tars could cause cancer in humans.
What are the dangers for young people?
Based on when they first started using marijuana, teens are more likely than others to try other drugs. Teens will lose interest in schoolwork and become less motivated to finish the task. Learning can be severely impaired. This can affect the ability to comprehend, think and understand, both in math skills and reading skills. Research shows that students have trouble remembering what they’ve learned when they’re “high”. It seems that many students fail to learn important interpersonal coping skills. Our young people who smoke marijuana are setting themselves up to fail in making Top Shelf BC the right life choices and limiting their ability to mature.
The “gateway drug” marijuana has been described as, allowing the user to access more dangerous and potentially fatal substances. Columbia University’s Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse found that young people who smoke marijuana are 85 times more likely than those who choose to abstain. 60 percent of the younger generation who smoked weed before turning 15 go on to use it again.
Marijuana Dangers
- An increase in heart rate
- Panic Attacks, Anxiety and Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Motivational Loss
- Accidents at a higher risk
- Impaired Judgment
- Impaired perception
- Diminished short-term memory
- Loss of concentration and coordination
- Diminished Inhibitions
- Hallucinations
- Psychological dependence
- Increased Cancer Risk
- Injuries to the Immune, Respiratory, and Reproductive Systems
You or someone you love is suffering from marijuana addiction. Please seek professional help.