What is Marijuana?

Marijuana Overview

Marijuana is a plant that is smoked by users primarily to feel the mild hallucinogenic properties that the marijuana plant possesses. The chemical in marijuana that causes the user to feel high is THC. The major danger of marijuana use is in the actual smoking of the plant. Marijuana smoke is actually more harmful to the body than cigarette smoke. Marijuana can also be consumed by adding the marijuana plant to food and consuming it orally.

The high obtained from smoking marijuana is usually described as a mellow feeling that is also pleasant and euphoric. The high can be much more intense however based on the potency of the marijuana and the state of mind of the user.

Marijuana side Effects

• Long term use can affect how sensory input is interpreted by the brain
• Respiratory troubles
• Lung Cancer
• Lethargy
• Thirst
• Excessive sleepiness

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana is not considered physically addictive, but the repeated use by many people does meet the clinical threshold for an addictive behavior. Any pleasurable experience can be psychologically addictive. the user will feel saddened, depressed, and anxious if they cannot obtain more marijuana. It should be noted that many people smoke marijuana infrequently and do not develop addictive tendencies around their marijuana use.

Marijuana Treatment

There are no formal treatments aimed at assisting someone to quit using marijuana. Cognitive behavioral therapy would be the most likely way for a marijuana addict to change their behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches addicts ways to avoid excessive marijuana usage by focusing their energy on more positive ways to spend their time. Group therapy and Narcotics Anonymous are also options. One of the most helpful ways to assist a marijuana addict to quit smoking is to offer support and understanding, as many people will minimize the addiction.

Marijuana Links

If you would like more information about marijuana use, prevention, or side effects please feel free to visit the following sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marijuana http://www.personalhealthzone.com/marijuanasideeffects.html http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html