Grass, also known as marijuana, is a popular mind-altering drug. Though illegal, as of 2010, some states have legalized its medicinal use. When the leaves, flowers and stalks of the cannabis plant are crushed, they can be rolled into a "joint," or a marijuana cigarette, or can also be smoked in a pipe. Regular smoking of grass can lead to health complications that may not manifest immediately. Long-term effects can even include cancer, according to the American Council for Drug Education.
Respiratory System
Regular grass smokers often notice an increase in the number of chest colds, bronchial infections or asthma attacks, and may even develop emphysema.The National Institute on Drug Abuse also reports an increased risk of lung cancer from smoking grass. Coughing and wheezing, similar to the effects of smoking cigarettes, may also develop.
Neurological System
Although the effects of smoking grass vary from person to person, one of the most common effects of very strong doses is hallucinations. The hallucinations may manifest as pleasant visions or be frightening images that can make the user paranoid and anxious. Smoking grass is also linked to decreased motivation, release of inhibitions, diminished short-term memory, increased reaction times and loss of coordination. However, these physical symptoms wear off after a few hours.
Reproductive System
Young men who smoke grass may delay their sexual development and have a lower sperm count than non-users. In women, menses and regular ovulation disruption occurs, reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse. A grass-smoking pregnant mother may give birth to a low-weight infant who later experiences developmental delays, reports the American Pregnancy Association.
Digestive System
After smoking grass, individuals are prone to increased hunger. An attack of the "munchies" makes users crave food. This phenomenon works well in the treatment of AIDS patients. AIDS patients develop muscle-wasting and anorexia; when they smoke grass, the weight loss slows down as appetite increases, reports The Body website. The same benefits are seen in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, a treatment which makes patients nauseated and unable to eat; smoking grass reduces the nausea, allowing these patients to keep food down without vomiting, notes the National Cancer Institute.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Marijuana, Fact for Teens
- American Council for Drug Education: Basic Facts About Drugs, Marijuana
- American Pregnancy Association: Using Illegal Street Drugs During Pregnancy
- The Body: Medical Marijuana
- National Cancer Institute: Marijuana Use in Supportive Care for Cancer Patients
