Because I am addicted to Marijuana...
Overview
Cannabis sativa L. is a plant that grows wild throughout
most of The tropic and temperate regions of the world. Three drugs that come from cannibis - marijuana, hashish, and hashish
oil - are distributed on the U.S. illicit market. THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is believed to be the main chemical ingredient
that produces the psychoactive effect.
Street Names
Blubbers, Boom, Gangster, Ganja, Grass, Hashish/Chara, Herb, Pot, Reefer, Weed
Marijuana Looks Like
Marijuana is a dry, shredded green/brown mix of flowers,
stems, seeds, and leaves from the Cannabis sativa plant. The mixture typically is green, brown, or gray in color and may resemble
tobacco. Hashish is collected, dried, and pressed into a variety of forms, such as balls, cakes, or cookie-like sheets. Hashish
oil is a viscous liquid ranging from amber to dark brown in color.
Methods of Marijuana Abuse
Cannabis products are usually smoked.
Marijuana's Affect on the Mind
Cannabis is abused for its euphoric effects. When cannabis
is smoked, the THC passes from the lungs and into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the organs throughout the
body, including the brain. In the brain, the THC connects to specific sites called cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and
influences the activity of those cells. Many of these receptors are found in the parts of the brain that influence pleasure,
memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. The short-term effects of cannabis
include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem-solving, and loss of coordination.
The effect of marijuana on perception and coordination are responsible for serious impairments in driving abilities. Long-term
chronic use is associated with "Amotivational Syndrome", characterized by apathy, impairment of judgment, memory and concentration,
and loss of motivation, ambition and interest in the pursuit of personal goals. High doses can result in mental confusion,
panic reactions and hallucinations.
Marijuana's Affect on the Body
Short-term physical effects may include sedation, blood
shot eyes, increased heart rate, coughing from lung irritation, increased appetite, and decreased blood pressure. Like tobacco
smokers, cannabis smokers experience serious health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Extended
use may cause suppression of the immune system. Because cannabis contains toxins and carcinogens, cannabis smokers increase
their risk of cancer of the head, neck, lungs and respiratory track. Withdrawal from chronic use of high doses of cannabis
causes physical signs including headache, shakiness, sweating, stomach pains and nausea, as well as behavioral signs including
restlessness, irritability, sleep difficulties and decreased appetite.
Marijuana Overdose Effects
There have been no reported deaths by overdose.
Marijuana's Legal Status in the United States
Cannabis and THC are schedule I substances under the
Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical
use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma.
Extended use may cause suppression of the immune system. Because cannabis contains toxins and carcinogens, cannabis smokers
increase their risk of cancer of the head, neck, lungs and respiratory track. Withdrawal from chronic use of high doses of
cannabis causes physical signs including headache, shakiness, sweating, stomach pains and nausea, as well as behavioral signs
including restlessness, irritability, sleep difficulties and decreased appetite.
Common Places of Origin
Cannabis is grown in the United States, Canada, Mexico,
South America and Asia. It can be cultivated in both outdoor and in indoor settings.
