Know about Marijuana

2009.04.26

One of the most popular and widely consumed drug Marijuana is known by various other names like- Aunt Mary, Boom, Chronic (Marijuana alone or with crack), Dope, Gangster, Ganja, Grass, Hash, Herb, Kif, Mary Jane, Pot, Reefer, Sinsemilla, Skunk, Weed.

Marijuana is produced by a hemp plant named “Cannabis sativa”, in which more than 400 chemical substances are found, around 60 of them are very unique in itself which are termed as cannabinoids. One commonly found substance is THC(delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) which is
the main cause of  physical and psychic effects.

Appearance & Use

Marijuana can be found in a green or grey mixer of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It can be used as a joint or smoked in a water pipe called “bong”, can also be used in foods or brewed as tea. When consumed with food like bakery stuff like cakes and brownies it takes longer to show its effect but it lasts longer.

Effects of Marijuana

Marijuana can leave certain short term effects like memory problem, learning problem, trouble with thinking and problem solving, increased heart rate, reduced blood pressure etc. It can also cause anxiety, fear, distrust or panic. Consumption of marijuana especially with food instead of smoke can lead the consumer to experience hallucinations, delusions, impaired memory or disorientation. Studies also indicate that THC can impair the body's immune system, which would ultimately lead to a myriad of health problems.

High consumption can also lead to male infertility, though it can be reversed by ceasing its consumption for about 30 days. The female infertility is yet to be established but just like any other drug it does crosses the placenta, ergo inadvisable that females consume it. Moreover consuming marijuana during pregnancy can be hazardous to the unborn baby as it increases the chances of problems in neurological development.

The psychological effects of cannabis take place almost immediately after smoking it with the highest peak between 30-60 minutes. The most important effect of cannabis is an intensification of the emotional situation you are in, but can vary a lot from person to person. It depends on the quantity of cannabis taken, the personal condition, the way to use cannabis (smoke or eat), and the experience of the user.

The marijuana lovers claim that consuming marijuana can be beneficial as well. According to them, it helps in increasing the appetite of cancer patient who has to undergo chemotherapy. Patients suffering from AIDS tend to lose weight rapidly hence, marijuana helps in keeping the appetite consistent which is necessary to avoid other infections which the patient is more prone to catch.  Studies also show that it helps the person in getting rid of the uneasy feeling of nausea, it has benefited people suffering from glaucoma, asthma, spasticity, and the doctors have successfully used marijuana in the treatment of neurogenic pain.