Cannabis, or marijuana as it is more commonly called, is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). In 2008, 25.8 million people aged 12 and older used marijuana at least once a month. Marijuana contains 400 chemicals; the primary one is THC, which has significant mind-altering effects. The amount of THC present determines the potency of the drug and its consequences.
Effects on the Brain
Marijuana acts quickly when smoked. It takes about 10 to 30 minutes for the drug to enter the lungs then the bloodstream, which subsequently carries the chemical to the brain. The high is achieved when the chemical THC binds to specific receptors in the brain that affect pleasure, concentration, memory, movement and perception. The American Council for Drug Education states that using marijuana can affect a person's ability to learn and retain new material. Marijuana users showed impairment in memory and specifically in math and verbal skills.
Effects on Health
Marijuana use can impair lung function and possibly lead to cancer, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Marijuana contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogens than tobacco. Users are especially at risk because marijuana is inhaled more deeply thus exposing the person to more of the carcinogenic material. Other health problems are experienced such as daily cough, phlegm, lung infections, reduced immunity and obstructed airways. Marijuana can also raise blood pressure and heart rate, thus increasing the risk of heart attack. The American Council for Drug Education reports that use of marijuana can also negatively affect hormones in a young person. Boys may experience a delay in puberty and a lowered sperm count. Girls can experience a disruption in their cycle and ovulation. Pregnant women who use marijuana may deliver smaller babies with health problems who are at risk of experiencing developmental delays later in life.
Effects on Social Functioning
According Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIDA, marijuana use can be addictive. The user may compulsively seek out the drug and allow it to interfere with other activities such as school, work or family life. Because marijuana use affects learning, students who use marijuana often achieve lower grades or fail to graduate. Young people often have difficulty in developing appropriate coping skills and often make inappropriate life choices. Adult workers are frequently absent from their jobs, perform poorly and have frequent job turnover. Mental disturbances such as anxiety and depression are common with marijuana use. Very heavy and consistent use of marijuana has been linked to psychosis, hallucinations and delusions. A strong link has been associated between marijuana use and the development of schizophrenia in vulnerable individuals.
