Marijuana

Marijuana is an oily, dried fibrous material obtained from the Indian hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. It is commonly known by street names like pot, herb, weed, grass, boom, Mary Jane, gangster, or chronic.

It is the most commonly abused substance in the world after nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine.

Sinesmilla, hashish, and hash oil are stronger forms of marijuana. All forms of marijuana are mind-altering (psychoactive). They all contain THC (delta - 9 - tetrahydrocannabinol), the main active compound. Most forms contain about 7% THC.

THC is transported to the brain within 15 seconds of usage to occupy specific cannabinoid receptors in cerebral cortex. It is also absorbed by fatty tissues in various organs. It can be detected by standard urine testing methods several days or weeks after use.

Commonly marijuana is rolled loose into a cigarette, called a joint or nail. Bong and blunt are other forms of commonly smoked marijuana.

People who smoke marijuana may feel relaxed or high or sometimes normal depending upon the amount of THC. Marijuana may cause anxiety, increased heart rate, increased appetite, dry mouth, bronchodilation, weakness, muscle tremors, urinary retention, low testosterone levels-impotency, euphoria, relaxation, sensory alterations, distorted perception, acute psychotic reactions with paranoid delusions and hallucinations.

Excessive usage may lead to oral and lung cancer, chest colds, male infertility, and lung infections like pneumonia. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same, sometimes even more, of the cancer causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Its usage also leads to impairment of ability of T-cells in the lungs immune system to fight off some infections.

Male infertility is result of low testosterone levels, low sperm counts, reduced sperm motility, and greater abnormal sperm morphology.

There are currently no medications for treating marijuana addiction. Withdrawal may cause irritability, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, tremor, and appetite loss.

Medicinal Use -

Marijuana has been recognized for centuries as a therapeutic agent, in particular as an analgesic, muscle relaxant, appetite stimulator, and anti-convulsant. THC, the active chemical in marijuana, is available by prescription as a pill that can be used to treat the nausea and vomiting that occur with certain cancer treatments. It is used as a sedative along with BZs (Benzodiazepine). It helps AIDS patients to eat more to keep up their weight.