The Effects That Marijuana Has On The Body.

The intended use of marijuana was as a drug for pain relief, to stop nausea, vomiting and a loss of appetite. It is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. It is a dry brown and green mixture of flowers, seeds, steams and leaves of the cannabis plant. The mixture is smoked or mixed in baked goods and eaten to achieve a high feeling. The active chemical is THC (the psychoactive ingredient) which causes the high feeling user's experience. This feeling persist in the body for up to three hours. Marijuana high gives most people the false sense of having new ideas and a new understanding about life. Over 2000 chemicals enter the body through the lungs when marijuana is smoked. Some users experience a state of panic and dread rather than the high they expect. However, the user's mood and personality effects their reaction to the drug.

There are new studies concerning the effects of marijuana daily. One of these studies confirms that heavy marijuana use impairs critical thinking and learning. This particular effect lasts up to twenty-four hours after the user stops feeling high. Smoking one to three marijuana cigarettes produce the same lung damage and cancer risk as smoking five times as many cigarettes. The user's risk of heart attack is greater within the first hour of smoking. This happens because of the elevated blood pressure, heart rate and reduced level of oxygen. Frequent and long term use cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat. Some may have the same respiratory problems as tobacco smokers. Smoking marijuana increases the risk of cancer. One study found that people who use marijuana frequently but do not smoke tobacco have more health problems than nonsmokers.

Depression and anxiety are associated with marijuana use. These conditions may not show up for years after a person stop using. Marijuana use can enhance these mental conditions causing prolonged treatment.

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