Effects of Marijuana Created by T. Truitt MS

Immediate Effects Effects are reported in minutes, but intensify and reach their peak in about 30 minutes. Effects are reported for up to 3 hours. Effects are difficult to specifically define since the participant’s experience and expectations can alter the drug’s effect. Increased heart and pulse rate. Reddening of the eyes. Dryness in the mouth and throat Mild decrease in body temperature

Effects of different doses Low doses –Induce restlessness with an increasing sense of well- being, followed by a dreamy state of euphoria. –Change of sensory perception, experiencing a more vivid sense of sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. Stronger doses –Intensifies the reactions of image distoritions, a loss of personal identity, fantasies and hallucinations are a matter of record. –10 times more potent today than in Increased potency contributes to the dangers associated with regular use.

Long-Term Effects THC is absorbed by many tissues and organs of the body. THC has been identified in the body system for as long as one month after use. It has been demonstrated through research, that smoking marijuana 5 days a week for 6 months that changes in the structure of the brain cells takes place. Can increase the heart rate by as much as 50% which can be responsible for resulting chest pain in individuals experiencing a poor blood supply to the heart.

Long-Term Effects Continued… Can affect the lungs because the user often inhales the unfiltered smoke and holds it in the lungs. This can inflame the lungs and affect other related pulmonary functions. Heavy use can affect the white blood cell formation necessary for the body’s immune response. Can affect both the male and female reproductive systems. Chronic male marijuana users have lower levels of testosterone and a lower sperm count as use increases. Chronic use by females can affect fertility and the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Marijuana and Other Drugs There is no evidence that marijuana itself does cause people to use other drugs. Most studies show that tobacco and alcohol use often precedes marijuana use. The overwhelming majority of marijuana users do not go on to use other drugs, but some do. The earlier marijuana use begins, the more likely that use will be heavy. Early use also increases the likelihood of experimentation with other drugs. Most young people are introduced to marijuana by their peers. This peer pressure contributes to early experimentation and regular use.

In summary Majority of students report that close friends would disapprove of smoking marijuana even occasionally. Use of marijuana will NOT help solve problems or guarantee peer acceptance. Provides a temporary state of euphoria and may appear to resolve adolescent problems. When the drug wears off, the individual is still confronted with the same problems. Consider the legal, social and health consequences of use and then make an informed decision NOT to use marijuana. There is NOTHING magical about marijuana. It cannot do all of the things that people think it can.