Marijuana
Marijuana contains a chemical — delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short — that goes to the parts of the brain controlling memory, concentration and movement. The popular image of a “stoner” is no myth. They really do have trouble solving problems, perceiving what’s going on around them and learning.
Worse, the effects of being “high” on marijuana can last days or weeks after it’s smoked. They may not even realize how dim their wits have become over time. The health hazards aren’t funny either. Chronic cough, bronchitis, emphysema, cancer, decrease in testosterone and sperm counts for men, and an increase in testosterone and infertility for women, are among the risks for long-time marijuana smokers. The drug contains 50-70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke.
It is possible to become addicted to marijuana, and the psychological harm can include paranoia and anxiety – and the physical harm can include vital organs.
Marijuana Effects (can differ depending on drug strength and past use)
- Cloud senses and judgment
- Heighten senses (colors might seem brighter and sounds louder)
- Distort sense of time
- Hurt motor skills and make driving more dangerous
- Lower inhibitions so maybe engaging in risky sex or taking other chances
- Increase hunger
- Intensify the effects of alcohol
Marijuana Uses and Forms
- Rolled cigarettes
- Small handheld pipes
- Water pipes, called a bong
- A cigar that has been hollowed out and refilled with marijuana, called a blunt
- Sticky resins, or substances, drawn from the cannabis plant; resins often are loaded with much higher amounts of THC than regular marijuana
Users can also can mix pot into brownies, cookies, candy, tea and other foods. Eating and drinking the drug delay the high because it has to travel through the digestive system before the THC enters your bloodstream. So it may take 30 minutes to 2 hours before anything is felt. Yet, edibles provide a high that lasts much longer – up to 8 hours – than smoking or vaping weed.
(Source: WebMD)
Resources
It’s possible to become addicted to marijuana and the psychological, or mental, harm can include paranoia and anxiety.