In the iconic1936 film "Reefer Madness," young people instantly shed their inhibitions and engage in outrageous and immoral conduct, which results in tragedy and leads to a sensational court trial--all from the evils of smoking marijuana, or weed. Although the signs of smoking weed are rarely as dramatic as the film would have you believe, marijuana intoxication does have definite effects. The immediate signs of smoking weed are often easy to detect.
Respiratory Problems
Marijuana smokers often have many of the same respiratory problems as smokers, including smoker's cough, chronic bronchitis and acute chest illnesses, according to the National Office of Drug Control Policy and the Anti-Drug website. Marijuana introduces carbon monoxide and tar into the lungs, just as tobacco does, according to the BBC. Tar from marijuana contains 50 percent more carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents, than tobacco does.
Impaired Mental Functioning
Smoking marijuana also causes impaired memory and shortened attention span, according to the Anti-Drug website. These effects can persist for 24 hours or longer after the last exposure to the drug, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, claims. Much like alcohol, marijuana also adversely effects reaction time, perception and coordination--skills necessary for safe driving.
Behavioral and Mental Health Problems
Smoking weed may also lead to behavioral problems and unsafe sexual behavior. Marijuana can also cause anxiety and paranoia, according to the NIDA. MayoClinic.com claims that marijuana use is frequently associated with depression, although there is no clear evidence of causation. Smoking weed, however, may trigger schizophrenia, as well as psychosis, in some users. Evidence also suggests that adolescents who commit or attempt suicide are more likely to be marijuana users than those who do not.
Appearance and Demeanor
Someone who has been smoking marijuana may have red, bloodshot eyes, according to the NIDA. Regular marijuana users may neglect their appearance and appear unkempt. Like tobacco smokers, people who smoke weed often carry a distinctive smell on their clothing and in their hair from marijuana smoke, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- The Anti-Drug.com: Health Effects of Marijuana
- MayoClinic.com: Can Marijuana Cause Depression?
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Marijuana Facts and Figures--Health Effects
- BBC: Cannabis Smoke "Worse" Than Tobacco
- National Institute for Drug Abuse: What Are the Short Term Effects of Marijuana Use?
