What is Marijuana?
Where does marijuana come from? Marijuana is derived from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. Its use as a psychoactive substance has been traced back to the writing of Chinese Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BC in China (Narconon, 2011).
In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin and LSD, because of its very high abuse potential and no accepted medical use. Today it is federally still illegal, although there are some states that have legalized it. Federal law trumps state law, so growers and users still run the risk of being arrested and penalized by federal law (Narconon, 2011).
What does marijuana look like? Before it is dried, it is a distinctively shaped plant. Marijuana is typically sold as the dried and shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. (The Partnership, 2011).
How is marijuana abused? By far the most common method for using marijuana is to roll the dried plant into sticks made of white paper (joints) and smoke it. On the other hand, an increasingly common method is to mix it in a variety of different foods and eat it. Lastly, it can also be brewed into tea (The Partnership, 2011).
What do marijuana users say about it? Called on the street by names like, “Blunt,” “Boom,” “Dope,” “Grass,” “Hash,” “Herb,” “Mary Jane,” “Pot,” “Reefer,” “Skunk,” and “Weed,” marijuana sellers and users tell others it is safe to use and is not addictive. It is often easier to obtain than alcohol and is relaxing (The Partnership, 2011).
Why is Marijuana dangerous? Marijuana causes memory, learning, attention, and hand-eye coordination problems. In fact, even several days after use, these effects linger. It can also cause hallucinations, delusions, overall lack of motivation, and depersonalization. Marijuana has also been linked to various types of cancer due to more than one carcinogenic ingredient (Rassool, 2008).
What is the prevalence of marijuana use in high schools? An amazing 1 in 3 teens has abused marijuana in their lifetime. This is, in part, because of the persistence of the myth that it is completely safe and non-addictive (The Partnership, 2011).
How can I tell if someone is using marijuana? Marijuana users exhibit slower thinking and speech. They have poorer reaction times and may demonstrate physical coordination difficulties. Paranoia and suspicion can occur with marijuana use. “Amotivation Syndrome,” or a lack of motivation is common as well (Rassool, 2008).
What else do I need to know about marijuana? Marijuana is often referred to as a “gateway drug,” because once individuals have adjusted to using marijuana, it is all too easy for them to try something else. In fact, addicts in recovery from other drugs are 3 times as likely to relapse to their drug of choice if they use marijuana.
For more information contact a Utah Drug Rehab center near you. Utah Drug Rehab centers are great at answering questions and helping those who might be struggling with any form of drug abuse.
References
Narcanon International. History of Marijuana. Retrieved February 1, 2011 from http://www.narconon.org/drug-information/marijuana-history.html.
Rassool, H. (2008). Alcohol and Drug Misuse; A Handbook for Students and Health Professionals. NY, USA: Routledge.
The Partnership at Drugfree.org (2011). Drug Guide; Information for over 40 commonly-abused drugs. Retrieved January 30, 2011 from http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide.
3 Comments
Kip Matko / 12 Apr 2011 / 6:31 pm
Ernie / 12 May 2011 / 8:04 am
Alejandro Booe / 19 May 2011 / 5:37 pm