The truth about marijuana.

Me

[april15Bendovr]

From Narconons web site

Printed from : http://www.marijuanaaddiction.info/effects-of-marijuana.htm
(material may be subject to copyright)
 


Effects of Marijuana

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Short-term effects of using marijuana include:

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Sleepiness
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Difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short-term memory
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Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car
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Increased heart rate
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Potential cardiac dangers for those with preexisting heart disease
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Bloodshot eyes
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Dry mouth and throat
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Decreased social inhibitions
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Paranoia, hallucinations
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Impaired or reduced short-term memory
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Impaired or reduced comprehension
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Altered motivation and cognition, making the acquisition of new information difficult
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Paranoia
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Psychological dependence
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Impairments in learning, memory, perception, and judgment - difficulty speaking, listening effectively, thinking, retaining knowledge, problem solving, and forming concepts
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Intense anxiety or panic attacks


Long-term effects of using marijuana include:

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Enhanced cancer risk
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Decrease in testosterone levels and lower sperm counts for men
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Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility
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Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
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Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect

What is THC?

THC is the chemical in marijuana which makes you feel "high" (which means experiencing a change in mood and seeing or feeling things differently). Certain parts of the plant contain higher levels of THC. The flowers or buds have more THC than the stems or leaves.

The Effect of THC

When marijuana is smoked, THC goes:

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quickly into the blood through the lungs
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to the brain (this is when the "high" is felt and can happen within a few minutes and can last up to five hours)

THC is absorbed more slowly into the blood when marijuana is eaten as it has to pass through the stomach and intestine and can take up to one hour to experience the "high" effects which can last up to 12 hours.

THC is absorbed quickly into body fat and is then released very slowly back into the blood. This process can take up to one month for a single dose of THC to fully leave the body.

Effects

The effects of marijuana will vary from person to person depending on:

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How much taken
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How strong (potent) the marijuana is
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How the marijuana is taken (joint, bong, food)
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Size, weight, health
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Mood
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Individual experience with marijuana
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If marijuana is taken with other drugs
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Whether alone or with other people, at home or at a party.
Onset 0-10 minutes
Coming Up 5-10 minutes
Plateau 15-30 minutes
Coming Down 45-60 minutes
After Effects 30-60 minutes


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.

[68 grunt]

You posted 'your truth' before. Drivel then, drivel now. Give it a break, you ain't the arbiter of truth.

[68 grunt]

It assists in dividing ...

Correct! The fearful brownshirt control freaks against fearless liberty lovers. Teach your children to be brave!

[Ken H]

From Hazelden.org website, public policy sectiom:

Medical professionals must make screening for alcohol and other drug problems a routine part of every primary care and emergency room visit.

Are you in favor of such a policy that says people who visit their doctor or ER must be drug and alcohol screened?

[headsonpikes]

If you plan on responding to each and every lump of WODdie thought on this thread, you'd better have all morning!

;^)

[tacticalogic]

They're funded by the RWJF. They also fund organizations who say gun ownership is a "health care issue" and think every doctor should be required to ask if the patient owns guns, and that information should become part of the patient record.

[april15Bendovr]

Truth of the matter is trying to find an accurate account of THC levels is like finding an equal % on the Real Clear Politics web site before the election on who was going to win the Presidency. I will concede to that because the research is all over the place which makes my article confusing. However the truth is that the THC levels in marijuana is much greater and not the same when I was younger and far more harmful despite the data that I had received.

The frustrating part of presenting any material on marijuana is the bread always ends up landing butter side down first.

A large population of our country loves to get high and how dare I intrude by trying to present the dangers.

[68 grunt]

... Are you in favor of such a policy that says people who visit their doctor or ER must be drug and alcohol screened?

Shirley, you can't be asking me this? I'm shocked that someone, anyone,for one minor instant, could ever mistake me for a control freak. I am in favor of being truthful. Especially with your children. These elmer gantrys live in a world of fear and raise their kids with deceit and threats they cannot enforce, teaching their kids how to be fearful and deceitful.

No, I am not in favor of such a thing.

[68 grunt]

A couple of times a thread is okay, just to let lurkerville know the brownshirts don't own the farm yet.

[68 grunt]

... The frustrating part of presenting any material on marijuana is the bread always ends up landing butter side down first.

That is because you're wrong.

[lugsoul]

"Young people are more clever than you think. When they see supposed authority figures making glaring mistakes and false claims about marijuana, many of them write off what that authority figure said as scare tactic propaganda and they use it to show their less astute friends that what the authority figures say about marijuana is a bunch of hooey."

Bears repeating. Hyperbole in support of the WOsD is counterproductive.

[Ken H]

Nah! It was an FYI ping. It's clear from your posts that you are against such intrusions.

I should have stated that the question was for Mr. Bendover.

[SBOinTX]

Have the author had no scientific training? Has no one ever told the author that correlation is not causation?

Marijuana scares me because I've seen the anti-social behavior that emerges from long-term use firsthand. Unfortunately, the author just made it clear that nurses are NOT scientists, and that scares me more than marijuana.

[Ken H]

Attempt to stop mandatory mental screening fails

An attempt by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, to add language to the omnibus spending bill in Congress to require parental consent for any mental-health screening done to children with federal money has failed.

The language was proposed to blunt the effect of a program proposed by the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, which President Bush established in 2002. The New Freedom Initiative recommends screening not only for children but eventually for every American.

As WorldNetDaily reported, in September Paul attempted to have the program removed from Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations Act. His amendment failed the House of Representatives by a vote of 95-315.

The language he hoped to have added to the omnibus bill, which passed on Saturday, was:

"None of the funds made available for State Incentive Grants for Transformation should be used for any programs of mandatory or universal mental-health screening that performs mental-health screening on anyone under 18 years of age without the express, written permission of the parents or legal guardians of each individual involved."

[headsonpikes]

Everybody knows that Ron Paul is just another one of those liberaltarian 'book-readers'.

[68 grunt]

Just as everyone knows that when Republicans get into power the elmer gantry types come out of the woodwork, to a large degree neutralizing further Republican gain.

[headsonpikes]

It must be part of the Balance of Nature.

;^)

[TKDietz]

Actually the research isn't all over the place on marijuana potency. The claims are all over the place. The only national study is the Marijuana Potency Monitoring Project we've been talking about and it's been an ongoing study for thirty years or so where they analyze piles of samples from all over the country. That is the definitive source for government data on marijuana potency nationwide. Those are the numbers NIDA, the ONDCP, and the DEA cite when they talk about marijuana potency in the U.S.A.. Your article wasn't confusing with respect to average marijuana potency in this country, it was wrong, plain and simple. If you could show me that the research was all over the place as to average marijuana potency in this country, I would concede that I am wrong. However, there is no study whatsoever anywhere to back up your claim that marijuana in this country has an average THC content of 15%. You might find where someone claims it is 15%, 20%, or even 30%, but you would not be able to find any evidence whatsoever to back up those numbers.

Besides doing a lot of reading on this topic, and having more than a little experience with marijuana in my younger days, I've handled thousands of pounds worth of marijuana cases as a lawyer. I've taken testimony from local narcotics officers and DEA agents and they confirm what the federal drug seizure statistics show and that is that the vast majority of all of the thousands of metric tons of marijuana seized in this country every year is seedy compressed commercial grade pot from south of the border. This is the stuff that tests out in the neighborhood of 3% to maybe 7% THC. It's what the government calls "commercial grade" marijuana that according to the numbers you posted averaged less than 5% THC content each year during the several years listed in the post you made before where you quoted government potency statistics. The most powerful hydroponic pot, though prevalent in some parts of the country, makes up but a tiny fraction of the marijuana consumed in this country. The most potent stuff is prohibitively expensive for most pot smokers to buy with any regularity, especially teens who don't normally have that much spending money. For the most part if they are smoking pot they're smoking cheap Mexican brick weed that's somewhere around 5% THC, as are most adults who smoke pot in this country.

"The frustrating part of presenting any material on marijuana is the bread always ends up landing butter side down first.

A large population of our country loves to get high and how dare I intrude by trying to present the dangers."

Sorry buddy but I'm not falling for that. You wrote an article with mistakes and false claims. I called you on it. It wasn't because I like to get high, those days are long past for me. I called you on it because you were wrong. I called you on it because, unintentional or not, you were spreading a lie. And if your article was one that sang praises to marijuana but was a sorry piece of work complete with patently false claims I probably would have called you on that too. There's enough b.s. floating around out there already about marijuana.

[Ken H]

Thanksgiving Portions Endanger Many Diets

A deck of cards, two computer mice, some salad and two slivers of pie, please. If you're hoping to keep this Thanksgiving from turning into another gut-busting affair, that's what your plate should look like: a serving of turkey no larger than a deck of playing cards and half a cup each of two starches. (A half-cup is about the size of a computer mouse.) And that's being generous.

But Americans generally are clueless when it comes to proper portions, and on Thursday most will belly up instead to platters piled high with more calories and fat than an average person should eat all day.

Americans are eating about 200 more calories per day than they did during the 1970s. And that's a normal day. Now add a holiday that not only is celebrated by eating, but actually celebrates the act of eating.

For perspective, it takes only an extra 10 calories a day for a person to gain a pound of fat a year.[end excerpt]

This is the truth about Thanksgiving dinners. Thanksgiving dinners worsen obesity and obesity kills people.

[april15Bendovr]

Is Sinsemilla pot or is it a loaf of bread. Looks like to me that Sinsemilla has a much higher THC content than 5%?