Contents:
Heroin abuse; Substance abuse; Marijuana abuse; Illicit drug abuse; Narcotic
abuse; Cocaine abuse; Hallucinogen abuse; PCP abuse; LSD abuse
Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or
over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are
indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed.
HISTORY, INCIDENCE, AND EFFECTS OF DRUGS OR DRUG CATEGORIES
MARIJUANA ("grass," "pot," "reefer," "joint," "hashish," "cannabis," "weed,"
"Mary Jane")
About 1 in 3 Americans has used marijuana at least once and approximately 10%
of the population uses it on a regular basis. Next to tobacco, and alcohol in
some areas, marijuana is the most popular substance chosen by young people for
regular use.
The source of marijuana is the hemp plant (cannabis sativa). The active
ingredient is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and other cannabinoids which
are found in the leaves and flowering shoots of the plant.
Hashish is a resinous substance, taken from the tops of female plants. It
contains the highest concentration of THC.
The drug dose delivered from any particular preparation of marijuana greatly
varies. The concentration of THC may vary as much as a hundred fold, due to
diluents or contaminants in the sample.
The effects of marijuana may be noted within seconds to several minutes after
inhaling the smoke (from a joint or a pipe) or within 30 to 60 minutes after
ingestion (eating foods containing marijuana, such as "hash brownies").
Because the effects are felt almost immediately by the smoker, further
inhalation can be stopped at any time to regulate the effect. In contrast, those
ingesting marijuana experience effects that are slower to develop, cumulative,
longer-lasting, and more variable, making unpleasant reactions more likely.
The primary effects of marijuana are behavioral, because the drug affects the
central nervous system (CNS). Popular use of marijuana has arisen because of its
effects of euphoria (feeling of joy), relaxation, and increased visual,
auditory, and taste perceptions that may occur with low-to-moderate doses. Most
users also report an increase in their appetite ("the munchies").
Unpleasant effects that may occur include depersonalization (inability to
distinguish oneself from others), changed body image, disorientation and acute
panic reactions or severe paranoia.
Some cases of severe delirium, hallucinations, and violence have also been
reported. Such cases should raise suspicion that the marijuana may have been
laced with another agent such as PCP.
Marijuana has specific effects that may decrease one's ability to perform
tasks requiring a great deal of coordination (such as driving a car). Visual
tracking is impaired and the sense of time is typically prolonged.
Learning may be greatly affected because the drug diminishes one's ability to
concentrate and pay attention. Studies have shown that learning may become
"state-dependent" meaning that information acquired or learned while under the
influence of marijuana is best recalled in the same state of drug influence.
Other marijuana effects may include blood-shot eyes; increased heart rate and
blood pressure; bronchodilatation, or in some users, bronchial irritation
leading to bronchoconstriction and/or bronchospasm; pharyngitis, sinusitis,
bronchitis, and asthma in heavy users; possible detrimental effects upon the
immune system.
Regular users, upon stopping marijuana use, may experience withdrawal
effects. These may include agitation, insomnia, irritability, and anxiety.
Because the metabolite (the substance formed when the body breaks down the drug)
of marijuana may be stored in the body's fat tissue, evidence of marijuana may
be demonstrated in heavy users through urine testing up to 1 month after
discontinuing the drug.
The active component in cannabis is believed to have medical properties. Many
maintain that it is effective in the treatment of nausea caused by chemotherapy
in cancer patients.
Others claim that cannabis stimulates appetite in patients with AIDS or is
useful in the treatment of glaucoma. While the active ingredient in marijuana
has been approved as a synthetic medication by the FDA (dronabinol) for these
purposes, use of whole marijuana remains hugely controversial. Currently,
cannabis is illegal even for medical use under federal law.
continue: PCP
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Reviewed: 05/2004
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