Marijuana
Overview
Marijuana refers to the dried flowers of the Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants. Originally native to Central Asia, Cannabis is now cultivated throughout the world. Marijuana is the most often used illegal drug in this country. The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Of the roughly 400 chemicals found in the cannabis plant, THC affects the brain the most.
As of July 2015, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Washington D.C. have legalized adult recreational use.
A national study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in 2014 found that 8.4% of Americans 12 years or older regularly used marijuana.
Recreational Use
Users typically inhale marijuana through smoking or vaporization. Users may also ingest marijuana. They typically experience heightened mood, euphoria, relaxation, and appetite stimulation. Long-term marijuana smoking is associated with an increased risk of some respiratory problems, including an increase in cough, mucus production, airway inflammation, and wheeze – similar to that of tobacco smoking. According to the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, infrequent marijuana use has not been associated with adverse effects on lung function, though other studies cannot conclude that light marijuana smoking is safe for the lungs. Additionally, many marijuana smokers also smoke tobacco, which further increases harm.
Marijuana can be habit-forming. Marijuana does not produce the same physical dependence (as characterized by withdrawal symptoms) that other drugs, including caffeine, heroin, alcohol, and nicotine have the potential to cause in high frequency users. Withdrawal symptoms are mild compared to other substances, and symptoms disappear within a few days. However, this does not mean marijuana is a risk-free substance.
Adverse effects of marijuana use may include tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), hypotension (low blood pressure), decreased functioning of short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, reddened eyes, muscle relaxation, paranoia, anxiety and anxiety attacks, and decreased gastrointestinal motility. Some research has indicated that marijuana use may worsen pre-existing mental conditions, such as schizophrenia.
Medicinal Use
Researchers are evaluating possible medicinal uses for marijuana. Cannabinoids have been used to improve the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, including nausea, vomiting, anxiety, poor sleep quality, and loss of appetite. Marijuana has also been used to treat hypertension, osteoporosis, sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s disease, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease), and HIV/AIDS.
As of January 2016, at least 23 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal use.
Marijuana FAQs
Q: Does smoking marijuana impact memory?
A: Yes. Smoking marijuana can interfere with learning and memory. Occasional users experience lasting effects on cognitive functioning, including memory, for up to 48 hours after smoking. Habitual users experience ongoing impaired ability to learn new information, which continues for up to several weeks after quitting use.
Q: Can smoking marijuana negatively affect the immune system?
A: Most likely, according to the majority of research. Smoking marijuana damages the cells in the bronchial passages, which protect the body against inhaled microorganisms. It also decreases the ability of the immune cells in the lungs to fight off fungi, bacteria, and tumor cells.
Q: Can smoking marijuana cause lung cancer?
A: The association between smoking marijuana and lung cancer remains unclear. Marijuana smoke contains about 50% more benzopyrene and nearly 75% more benzanthracene, both known carcinogens, than a comparable quantity of unfiltered tobacco smoke. Moreover, the deeper inhalations and longer breath-holding of marijuana smokers result in greater exposure of the lung to the tar and carcinogens in the smoke. However, some studies have failed to show an association between lung cancer and smoking marijuana because of such a high co-occurrence of marijuana and tobacco smoking among users.
Q: Can the effects of smoking marijuana last up to two full days?
A: Yes. The length of the effects of smoking marijuana will differ by individual and can be affected by length of use, tolerance, and body composition. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in marijuana, is extremely fat-soluble, which means it is stored in the body's fatty tissues and can slowly enter the bloodstream for up to two days after smoking.
Q: Can smoking marijuana change your mood?
A: Yes. Some users may experience heightened mood, euphoria, relaxation, and appetite stimulation. Others may experience mild flashbacks, anxiety, or panic attacks, and marijuana has been shown to heighten certain preexisting psychological conditions such as anxiety and panic disorders.
Resources and Further Reading
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Marijuana
The Partnership at DrugFree.org, Marijuana Drug Guide
Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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