Because
marijuana users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it
in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and
pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same carcinogens
and toxic particulates as tobacco, sometimes in higher concentrations.
Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and
require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the
center of their lives.
The
Effects on the Male:
Marijuana
is the most common drug used by adolescents in America today. Marijuana
affect the parts of the brain which controls the sex and growth hormones.
In males, marijuana can decrease the testosterone level. Occasional cases
of enlarged breasts in male marijuana users are triggered by the chemical
impact on the hormone system. Regular marijuana use can also lead to a
decrease in sperm count, as well as increases in abnormal and immature
sperm. Marijuana is a contributing factor in the rising problem of
infertility in males. Young males should know the effects and potential
effects of marijuana use on sex and growing process before they decide to
smoke marijuana.
The
Effects on the Female:
Just
as in Males, marijuana effects the female in the part of the brain that
controls the hormones, which determines the sequence in the menstrual
cycle. Its been said that females who smoked or used marijuana on a
regular basis had irregular menstrual cycles, the female hormones were
depressed, and the testosterone level was raised. Even though this effect
may be reversible, it may take several months of no marijuana use before
the menstrual cycles become normal again.
Mothers
who smoke marijuana on a regular basis have been reported of having babies
with a weak central nervous system. These babies show abnormal reactions
to light and sound, exhibit tremors and startles, and have the
high-pitched cry associated with drug withdrawal. Occurring at five times
the rate of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Marijuana Syndrome is a growing
concern of many doctors. Furthermore, doctors worry that children born to
"pot-head" mothers will have learning disabilities, attention
deficits and hormonal irregularities as they grow older, even if there are
no apparent signs of damage at birth. Pregnant or nursing mothers who
smoke marijuana should talk to their doctors immediately.
Effects
of Marijuana on the Brain:
Researchers
have found that THC changes the way in which sensory information gets into
and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain's
limbic system that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of
sensory experiences with emotions and motivations. Investigations have
shown that neurons in the information processing system of the hippocampus
and the activity of the nerve fibers are suppressed by THC. In addition,
researchers have discovered that learned behaviors, which depend on the
hippocampus, also deteriorate.
Recent
research findings also indicate that long-term use of marijuana produces
changes in the brain similar to those seen after long-term use of other
major drugs of abuse.
Effects
on the Lungs:
Someone
who smokes marijuana regularly may have many of the same respiratory
problems that tobacco smokers have. These individuals may have daily cough
and phlegm, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, and more frequent chest colds.
Continuing to smoke marijuana can lead to abnormal functioning of lung
tissue injured or destroyed by marijuana smoke.
Regardless
of the THC content, the amount of tar inhaled by marijuana smokers and the
level of carbon monoxide absorbed are three to five times greater than
among tobacco smokers. This may be due to the marijuana users inhaling
more deeply and holding the smoke in the lungs.
Effects
on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure:
Recent
findings indicate that smoking marijuana while shooting up cocaine has the
potential to cause severe increases in heart rate and blood pressure. In
one study, experienced marijuana and cocaine users were given marijuana
alone, cocaine alone, and then a combination of both. Each drug alone
produced cardiovascular effects; when they were combined, the effects were
greater and lasted longer. The heart rate of the subjects in the study
increased 29 beats per minute with marijuana alone and 32 beats per minute
with cocaine alone. When the drugs were given together, the heart rate
increased by 49 beats per minute, and the increased rate persisted for a
longer time. The drugs were given with the subjects sitting quietly. In
normal circumstances, an individual may smoke marijuana and inject cocaine
and then do something physically stressful that may significantly increase
risks of overload on the cardiovascular system.
Effects
of Heavy Marijuana Use on Learning and Social Behavior:
A
study of college students has shown that critical skills related to
attention, memory, and learning are impaired among people who use
marijuana heavily, even after discontinuing its use for at least 24 hours.
Researchers compared 65 "heavy users," who had smoked marijuana
a median of 29 of the past 30 days, and 64 "light users," who
had smoked a median of 1 of the past 30 days. After a closely monitored
19- to 24-hour period of abstinence from marijuana and other illicit drugs
and alcohol, the undergraduates were given several standard tests
measuring aspects of attention, memory, and learning. Compared to the
light users, heavy marijuana users made more errors and had more
difficulty sustaining attention, shifting attention to meet the demands of
changes in the environment, and in registering, processing, and using
information. The findings suggest that the greater impairment among heavy
users is likely due to an alteration of brain activity produced by
marijuana.
Longitudinal
research on marijuana use among young people below college age indicates
those who used have lower achievement than the non-users, more acceptance
of deviant behavior, more delinquent behavior and aggression, greater
rebelliousness, poorer relationships with parents, and more associations
with delinquent and drug-using friends.
Effects
on Pregnancy:
Any
drug of abuse can affect a mother's health during pregnancy, and this is a
time when she should take special care of herself. Drugs of abuse may
interfere with proper nutrition and rest, which can affect good
functioning of the immune system. Some studies have found that babies born
to mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were smaller than those
born to mothers who did not use the drug. In general, smaller babies are
more likely to develop health problems.
A
nursing mother who uses marijuana passes some of the THC to the baby in
her breast milk. Research indicates that the use of marijuana by a mother
during the first month of breast-feeding can impair the infant's motor
development (control of muscle movement). Research also shows more anger
and more regressive behavior (thumb sucking, temper tantrums) in toddlers
whose parents use marijuana than among the toddlers of non-using parents.
