Marijuana is the greenish Tobacco-like substance produced by drying the leaves and flowering tops of the cannabis sativa plant. It contains more than 400 chemicals.
How it’s Used: Marijuana is smoked in the form of loosely rolled cigarettes called “joints”, in hollowed out commercial cigars called “blunts”, in standard pipes or in water pipes known as “bongs”.
Effects: Marijuana contains a chemical called THC that has an impact on the brain and the heart. In the brain, it affects moods and physical functions controlled by the brain. It causes the heart to beat faster and produces changes in blood pressure.
Side Effects
Short-Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana: Drowsiness, Impaired short-term memory, Reduced ability to concentrate, Loss of coordination, Increased heart rate, Dry mouth, Bloodshot eyes, Decreased social inhibitions.
Long-Term Effects of Smoking Marijuana: Paranoia, Abnormal physical development in males: reduced testosterone levels may delay deepening of voice, growth of beard, development of muscle mass. It can also lead to decreased sperm count and difficulty having children. Abnormal physical development in females: Increased testosterone and decreased estrogen levels may cause irregular menstrual cycles and an increased risk of infertility. Carbon monoxide and tar into lungs (Pot smoke has 70% more cancer-causing chemicals than Tobacco smoke, so that heavy pot smokers may have as much or greater potential for developing cancer as cigarette smokers). Reduced capacity to fight off infections (and added risk of infection to smokers who share joints), Decreased motivation/ambition.
Remedies
Here are some sites that offer remedies for drugs including Marijuana.
- DrugHelp.org is a private, non-profit information and referral network providing information on specific drugs and treatment options, and referrals to public and private treatment programs, self-help groups, family support groups and crisis centers throughout the United States.
- Narconon Drug Rehabilitation and Treatment for Addiction. High success rate. Offers Narconon Drug Prevention and Education Services.
- Church Of Scientology International Drug Solutions presents information on effective drug education, drug prevention and drug rehabilitation.
- Drug Education Council offers ways to prevent drug abuse and become better informed about current local and national community awareness efforts.
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