In the United States, marijuana is the most widely used – and probably the most socially acceptable – illegal drug. Even among those who don’t use the drug, there is a prevailing debate over the merits of legalizing the substance and how harmful it really is. There have even been popular comedy films made about the drug. The realities of marijuana, however, are no laughing matter.

With marijuana’s pervasiveness in American culture, it is small wonder many teens like to smoke it in a pipe or rolled cigarettes, also called “joints”. Like with so many drugs, teens may use marijuana out of a desire to fit in with a certain crowd and gain acceptance from peers. They may have been told that they can quit the drug at will, that it is not addictive. This, however, is an illusion and many teens need drug rehab.

Marijuana has a calming, relaxing effect that becomes a critical need during times of stress, much like nicotine. Another similarity between marijuana and cigarettes is that both wreak havoc on the lungs, facilitating breathing conditions like bronchitis. The main difference is that marijuana is a mind-altering drug.

Marijuana dulls concentration, focus and mental clarity. It can therefore cause those under its influence to make bad decisions they would not have otherwise made. Marijuana also raises the heart rate, blood pressure and sense of paranoia. It can cause dry mouth, red eyes, sleepiness, ravenous hunger and even hallucinations.

Teens are especially susceptible to succumbing to the peer pressure to use marijuana. They are also especially vulnerable to developing a teen drug addiction to the substance, although treatment has been proven effective, particularly when intervention is early on.

Posted by admin under Marijuana Facts | No Comments »

Marijuana is also known as grass, pot or weed. It comes from a plant called Cannabis sativa. The plant’s leaves, when dried and crushed, can be smoked in a pipe or rolled into a cigarette, known as a “joint.” Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals; the main mind-altering chemical is known as THC. The potency of marijuana is determined by the concentration of THC.

Efforts to legalize marijuana, especially for medicinal use, have gradually gained momentum since the 1970’s. California has already legalized the substance for medicinal use and other states aim to follow suit in the future.

Young people are often introduced to marijuana by friends or family. The younger a person is upon beginning marijuana usage, the more detrimental effect it will have on their health and quality of life. It will affect their understanding and retention of school lessons and their motivation to complete homework and strive for good grades. Marijuana is also widely viewed as a gateway drug; the earlier a person tries marijuana, the more likely they will probably be to try other, harder drugs and need teen drug rehabilitation. Marijuana smoke is even more likely than cigarettes to cause lung cancer and it also affects one’s driving ability by slowing reflexes and blurring judgment.

In short, despite widespread belief that marijuana is not a harmful drug and is not an addictive substance, studies have proven otherwise. As with many substances – legal or illegal – marijuana is more addictive the younger a person starts using it. Thus, preventative education and open discussion with teens are key to winning the battle against teen drug addiction before it starts.

Posted by admin under Marijuana Facts | No Comments »