How Marijuana Affects Your Health
Many people think that smoking marijuana is safe and cannot harm your health and it’s because of this uneducated fact that so many people use it around the world today. In fact, according to the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it stated that “In 2011, there were 2.6 million persons aged 12 or older who had used marijuana for the first time within the past 12 months; this averages to about 7,200 new users each day.” An average of approximately 7200 new marijuana users per day is massive considering it’s just in the US alone! This statistic makes it important for everyone to know the full effects of this harmful narcotic substance, that’s why in this article; we’re going to tell you how marijuana affects your health and also, what help is available for those who are addicted to it.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana is a brain stimulating narcotic drug made from the dried, shredded leaves, seeds and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana has various street names – dagga, hemp, green, pot, weed and grass just to name a few and it is usually smoked, however it can also be used in tea and eaten in some foods.
There are stronger versions of the drug available, which comes in the form of hashish and hashish oil, which is used in a similar manner to marijuana. The main ingredient in marijuana is a chemical known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which passes from the lungs into the bloodstream. From there, THC is taken to the brain and other organs in the body. Once this has been accomplished, it creates the pleasurable feelings that users experience
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How Marijuana Affects the Body
Marijuana affects the body in different ways and everyone’s symptoms will differ. Here are some of the symptoms that can be experienced when someone abuses this drug:
- Short-term memory failure
- Poor attention span
- Poor judgement
- Poor co-ordination and balance
- Increased heart rate
Marijuana affects each body organ differently as well, for example, the effects it has on the brain include hallucinations, delusion, memory problems and disorientation. Cannabis affects the heart almost instantaneously, as it increases the heart rate and causes the users blood pressure to drop. In addition, all of these effects raise the possibility of having a heart attack. The lungs are affected directly when marijuana is smoked and may cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Just like regular tobacco smokers, the possibility of heavy coughing, increased phlegm production and lung infection may also be experienced. Marijuana also has the ability to weaken the body’s immune system which is responsible for fighting illnesses and diseases, causing an increase in the risk of picking up infections.
Cancer
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that marijuana has the ‘potential’ to cause cancer in the lungs and in various other parts of the respiratory tract due to the fact that it contains 70% more irritants and carcinogens than tobacco smoke. Apart from that, NIDA states that it also promotes increased levels of an enzyme responsible for converting certain hydrocarbons, which may accelerate the production of malignant cells.
Marijuana Addiction Help
When marijuana is used over a long period of time, the drug abusers body may eventually become dependent on the narcotic substance, which is then known as an addiction. If you find that you cannot control your cravings and simply need marijuana to cope, then it’s a clear sign that there is an addiction problem present. The best way to treat marijuana addiction is by getting into a good quality drug rehabilitation center where patients will receive the best medical care, counselling and therapy to help you overcome this illness. We provide access to the best marijuana addiction treatment centres in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Thailand.
Call us now and let one of our qualified addiction counsellors find the best treatment for you or a loved one.
Our network includes only the best rehab centers for personalised high quality addiction and mental health care. We guide you to a center that not only is a right fit for you or your loved one but that offers expert proven care and support. Start your healing today by choosing a rehab that cares about your recovery.