Marijuana

The Effects of Marijuana By Zachary Levicki

Before we can determine the effects of Marijuana, we must examine what it actually is. Marijuana (pot, weed) is the common name for an addictive drug made from the plant Cannabis Sativa. The one chemical that triggers the effects of marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but more than 400 other chemicals also are in the plant.There is a few ways marijuana can be induced. A marijuana "joint" (cigarette) is made from the dried particles of the plant.Or you can use the same dired particles to smoke out of a pipe as if it was tabacco. The THC in the marijuana determines how strong its effects will be. Many factors contribute to the amount and strength of the THC in the plant such as weather, the plant itself, the soil and etc... The marijuana that is produced in modern day is greatly more effective (harmful) than the pot used back in the 70's. This more potent marijuana increases physical and mental effects and the possibility of health problems for the user. A certain product of marijuana, Hashish (Hash) is made by taking the resin from the leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant and pressing it into cakes or slabs. Hash is usually stronger than crude marijuana and may contain five to ten times as much THC. Pure THC is almost never available, except for research. Substances sold as THC on the street often turn out to be something else, such as PCP.

Some immediate physical effects of marijuana can/are bloodshot eyes, sluggish behavior, and a faster heart/bloodrate. There hasnt been any scientifical studies of pot being an aid for hearing, eyesight, or any of the other senses. However,some studies of marijuana's mental effects show that the drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to do things which require concentration, swift reactions, and hand/eye coordination, such as driving a car or operating a machine.

A common bad reaction to marijuana is the "acute panic anxiety reaction." some people describe this reaction as an extreme fear of "losing control," which causes panic. The symptoms usually disappear in a few hours. Long-term regular users of marijuana may become psychologically dependent. They may have a hard time limiting their use, they may need more of the drug to get the same effect, and they may develop problems with their jobs and personal relationships. The drug can become the most important aspect of their lives.

One major concern about marijuana is its possible effects on young people as they grow up. Research shows that the earlier people start using drugs, the more likely they are to go on to experiment with other drugs. In addition, when young people start using marijuana regularly, they often lose interest and are not motivated to do their schoolwork. The effects of marijuana can interfere with learning by impairing thinking, reading comprehension, and verbal and mathematical skills. Research shows that students do not remember what they have learned when they are "high".

Driving experiments show that marijuana affects a wide range of skills needed for safe driving -- thinking and reflexes are slowed, making it hard for drivers to respond to sudden, unexpected events. Also, a driver's ability to "track" (stay in lane) through curves, to brake quickly, and to maintain speed and the proper distance between cars is affected. Research shows that these skills are impaired for at least 4-6 hours after smoking a single marijuana cigarette, long after the "high" is gone. If a person drinks alcohol, along with using marijuana, the risk of an accident greatly increases. Marijuana