Introduction
Marijuana is produced from foliage and flower heads of the hemp plant. A variety of hedonistic and pleasure-inducing drugs are extracted from this plant. The Cannabis sativa, the cut, and baked parts, and ground foliage are capable of producing a greenish-brown drug commonly termed as Marijuana. The principal constituent of marijuana is an original chemical called THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol), which provides the hedonistic senses which users crave for. (NIDA Info Facts: Marijuana).
Behavioral effects associated with marijuana
During the year 1988, research has proved that tissues of some nerve cells possess protein nerve ends that fasten chemical THC onto them; As a result, it triggers off chemical reactions that give the user a mental pleasant and euphoric sensation. and a feeling of being very light and ecstatic without real cause for it. However later, once inebriation sets in, the user begins to have a dry mouth, heartbeat rises, loss of coordination and body balance sets in, and also certain other characteristics of drug use like memory losses, slower reaction time, etc., takes place accompanied with dizziness, etc. Also, the user may possess a temporary loss of control over memory and thinking faculty, including acting puerile and appearing silly, etc. . (Marijuana: Important Signs of Users).
It is evidenced that marijuana reacts differently with different people. For some people, the blood pressure may rise conspicuously, for other heart rate and dilation of eye vessels may take place. Freshers may experience neurosis and paranoid feelings, but get reduced once ‘hangover’ is tided over. Large dozed could trigger off severe psychotic symptoms and necessitate urgent medical attention. Drug users may also become prone to unsafe sexual contact. There is a positive correlation between drug use, unsafe sex, and the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus.
Automobile accidents could be set off due to lowered reaction time, judgment, and perception under its influence. The risk of accidents under the influence of this drug is quite high. The use of this drug could adversely affect alertness, concentration, body coordination, etc, which could last for a minimum of 24 hours after ingestion. Thus, under its influence, it would be difficult for users to assess distance and react to road rules, making way for chances of accidents on roads. The use of marijuana with alcohol compounds the ill effects of these substances. (Marijuana (Cannabis)).
This drug obstructs the user’s short-term memory and s/he may be inconvenienced while handling complex tasks; even simple works may become burdensome. While under the influence of marijuana, students may find it difficult to concentrate and study. For young sportsmen, their performance may be vitiated due to loss of timing, coordination, and movements.
Conclusion
Marijuana can be detrimental in a large number of ways- through both immediate effects and long-term damage to overall health. THC has the capacity to relive the way in which sensory information is seen and processed by the hippocampus, the brain component that is responsible for learning, memory, and integration of senses with emotions and thoughts. Learning behavior also gets reduced. To a large extent only determinable by specialist and neurological professional health care practitioners, marijuana can interfere with the activities of the hippocampus and make it perform in a haywire and disoriented manner. This explains the mood swings and uncharacteristic behavior of people under the influence of marijuana consumption.
The pattern of brain changes under the influence of marijuana is somewhat similar to that produced by other major drugs. Loyal marijuana smokers may have to go through the respiratory ailment smokers undergo. Without prejudice to THC contents, the quantum of tar and level of carbon monoxide absorbed in the blood and brain is almost 3-5 times greater than among smokers. It is essential to stop the use of this drug as soon as is possible since addiction and damage to long-term health are significant consequences of its use. The best way to help an addict recover is through personal and continuous drug testing.
Works Cited
- Marijuana: Important Signs of Users. Health moon. 2009.
- Marijuana (Cannabis). Home Drug Testing Kit. 2009.
- NJIDA Info Facts: Marijuana. NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2009.