Cannabis: What's wrong with a joint? PRESENTED BY FRANCIS SPENCER After 20 years of research: Finally the truth about MARIJUANA

Marijuana, also known as cannabis and by other numerous names, is a preparation of the cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or medicine. It is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. There will be a lot of voices that believe that marijuana smoking is not very harmful to your health. The drug was not addictive and has little effect on long-term health. "Complete nonsense," says Professor Wayne Hall from King's College London, who advises the World Health Organisation. "marijuana is highly addictive, causes mental health problems." According to some it is life-threatening, while others again claim it is completely harmless. Professor Wayne Hall now wants everyone to understand that after 20 years of research the emerging fact is: "marijuana is indeed a dangerous drug." It is true that it is impossible to take an overdose of marijuana, but that does not make the drug no less dangerous. "There is the risk of cancer and heart problems, but especially the mental effects are dangerous." Hall indeed found a clear link with psychosis and schizophrenia, especially in teenagers. The risk of mental problems even doubles if you smoke marijuana.

Pregnant women are also at risk: the weight of the baby suffers under strong smoking of the drug. Whether they are for or against the legalization of marijuana sales, one thing experts agree on is that: a joint is not innocent. Let’s go straight to some facts and lists the main dangers of marijuana. 1. Marijuana MAY INDEED BE ADDICTIVE. While most marijuana smokers have their urge more or less under control, others indeed get addicted. It is also proved that the chance of becoming addicted to other illegal drugs is higher if you use marijuana once. The younger the user, the higher the risk.

2. Marijuana INCREASES THE RISK OF PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS. Scientific research has shown that young marijuana users, especially 13- to 16-year- olds have a significantly higher risk of developing a psychiatric disorder. This mainly involves a psychosis or schizophrenia. Also acute psychiatric problems as a result of marijuana occur. 3. Marijuana INCREASES THE RISK OF ACCIDENTS. Like alcohol, the use of marijuana makes you less alert. He who crawls behind the wheel after smoking a joint, so runs a real risk of a traffic accident. For the same reason, it can be downright dangerous in some professions to perform your job under the influence of marijuana. Think of drivers, construction workers, surgeons Marijuana IS NOT A "HEALTHY" FORM OF SMOKING. Although marijuana does not contain nicotine, as you inhale marijuana smoke you also take in harmful substances. Also in the short term excessive use of marijuana indeed has unpleasant consequences, such as bloodshot eyes and excessive vomiting. 5. THE CURRENT marijuana IS MORE HARMFUL THAN it was PREVIOUSLY. Compared to say ten years ago, the marijuana of today is much more potent. Due to the better culture methods it contains five to ten times more of the mind-altering chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other related compounds. That, of course, also increases the risk of adverse effects. It is downright dangerous when you mix marijuana with other drugs or narcotics.

THC over activates certain brain cell receptors, resulting in effects such as: Altered senses Changes in mood Impaired body movement Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving Impaired memory and learning Marijuana use may have a wide range of effects, both physical and mental, which include: Breathing illnesses Possible harm to a foetus's brain in pregnant users Hallucinations and paranoia There has been steady increase in the amount of THC in marijuana, creating more harmful effects for users. Marijuana can be addictive. Treatment for marijuana addiction includes forms of behavioral therapy. No medications currently exist for treatment.