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Marijuana

Marijuana is produced from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. The main active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but it can contain over 400 other chemicals. The brain makes a chemical called anandamide, which is similar to marijuana.

In the United States, buying, growing, or possessing cannabis is illegal except by legal provisions of some states that allow limited cultivation and use of marijuana for medical purposes. Possessing hemp (the roots, stalks, or stems of the cannabis plant, which can be made into cloth or paper) is legal but, because cultivating hemp without also producing marijuana is impossible, no hemp is commercially produced in the United States without a special license from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Marijuana is also known as: cannabis sativa, grass, hashish, hashish oil, joint, roach, Mary Jane, Acapulco gold, bhang, ganja, grass, hemp, jive, Maui wowie, Panama red, Panama gold, pot reefer, ragweed, sativa, tea, Thai sticks, hash, hash oil, honey oil, weed oil.

Methods of Use

Marijuana is usually smoked in a cigarette or cigar, but it may be used in any number of ways:

Joints (marijuana cigarettes)
Bongs (water pipes that filter the marijuana smoke)
Pipes (similar to tobacco pipes)
One-hits (a small metal pipe that allows a single "draw" of marijuana smoke)

Effects on the Central Nervous System

THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana, binds to membranes of nerve cells in the central nervous system that have protein receptors. After binding to nerve cells, THC initiates a chemical reaction that produces the various effects of marijuana use. One of the effects is suppression of memory and learning centers (called the hippocampus) in the brain.

Intoxication

Getting "stoned" on marijuana makes many users feel relaxed and talkative. Other pleasurable sensations sought by marijuana users include mood lift, relaxation, and altered senses and state of consciousness (while high, users report feeling more philosophical, aware, or enlightened). The main effects usually plateau for about half an hour after use and then taper off, but evidence suggests that some effects may last for days or weeks after use.

Marijuana use may also cause increased appetite, dry mouth, slowness, and difficulty thinking logically or linearly. The more negative side effects of marijuana intoxication include:

Nausea
Short-term memory loss
Racing heartbeat
Agitation, anxiety
Dizziness
Confusion
Paranoia

Life Risks

Marijuana smokers may develop many of the same respiratory problems that tobacco smokers do, including chronic cough with phlegm and chronic bronchitis. Long-term use of smoked marijuana may injure or destroy lung tissue. Marijuana smokers inhale many times more carbon monoxide and tar than do tobacco smokers, possibly because marijuana joints are usually unfiltered.
Marijuana increases blood pressure and heart rate, especially when combined with cocaine.
Use of marijuana may impair important cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and learning. Research on marijuana use among young people shows lower achievement than among non-users.
A mother may pass THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, to her children through breast milk. Additionally, some children of women who use marijuana have low birth weight.

Warning Signs

Marijuana paraphernalia, including rolling papers, roach clips, bongs, fluorescent or high-energy discharge lamps (for indoor marijuana gardens), and heat-resistant pipes. Bongs may be constructed of homemade materials like mason jars and glass pipettes.
Personality changes including inappropriate laughter and paranoia, poor judgment, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Impairment of memory, concentration, and learning
Evasive behavior, lying about activities

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms may occur after chronic use and may last a few weeks after individuals stop using. Effects may include:

Anxiety
Reduced pleasurable experiences
Headaches
Difficulty sleeping
Desire to smoke pot

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