Marijuana is derived from a plant grown in moderate climates in many areas throughout the world. It is considered a drug, which can be used for medicinal or recreational purposes. The ingestion of marijuana is mind altering and affects the mood of the user. Long-term use of marijuana can create some serious health issues for the user and their unborn child. The story of marijuana dates back to the early settlers in America.

The cultivation of the marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa, can be seen in history as early as the mid 1500s. Marijuana can be grown in both tropical and temperate climates. Its ability to alter mood, and use of its fiber for making linen, canvas, and rope, have made it a desirable crop. Its ability to alter mood are obtained through eating, smoking, chewing, or drinking it. Marijuana is found in America as early as 1545, it was grown in Virginia around 1607 by the Jamestown settlers, and introduced into England about a decade later.

Throughout history, marijuana has been used to treat a variety of human aches and pains. It was considered particularly effective for headaches, toothaches,

Short-term effects of using marijuana are problems with memory and learning, distorted perception (sights, sounds, time, touch), trouble thinking and problem solving. The user is likely to feel calm and relaxed. The users heart and pulse rate elevate. Cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats, difficulty in breathing, panic attacks, anxiety, dry throat, mouth, and lips, drowsiness/sleepiness, bloodshot eyes, hallucination, paranoia, reflexes and coordination, and increased hunger (munchies) can result.

In comparing marijuana vs. tobacco, it’s true that both marijuana and tobacco contain toxic chemicals such as tar, carbon monoxide, and cyanide. But marijuana smoke has more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco. As stated before, it contains more than 400 harmful chemicals, which includes cancer-causing carcinogens. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same carcinogens and toxic chemicals as tobacco, but in higher concentrations. The amount of marijuana smoke inhaled per puff is two thirds larger than a typical puff of a tobacco cigarette. The reason behind this is that marijuana is smoked differently than tobacco. Marijuana smoke is inhaled deeper into the lungs, and is held there up to four times as long. These long drags force the rapid absorption THC by the lungs, the active ingredient in marijuana. As a result, the toxic chemicals in marijuana smoke can do much more damage to the lungs than cigarette smoke.

Marijuana may play a role in car accidents. In one study conducted in Memphis, TN, researchers found that, of 150 reckless drivers who were tested for drugs at the arrest scene, 33 percent tested positive for marijuana, and 12 percent tested positive for both marijuana and cocaine. Data has also shown that while smoking marijuana, people show the same lack of coordination on standard “drunk driver” tests as do people who have had too much to drink. With its ability to impair coordination and perception, marijuana affects a driver’s thoughts and reflexes when driving.

“Marijuana…oh, what to say about marijuana.” I hope you learned the dangers of marijuana by reading my research paper. My advice to you, “DON’T SMOKE MARIJUANA! DUH! IT FRIES YOUR BRAIN!”

Marijuana affects the immune system. Animal studies have found that THC can damage the cells and tissues in the body that help protect against disease. When the immune cells are weakened you are more likely to get sick.

In 2001, over 255,000 people entering drug treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse. However, up until a few years ago, it was hard to find treatment programs specifically for marijuana users.

Doctors advise pregnant women not to use any drugs because they could harm the growing fetus. One animal study has linked marijuana use to loss of the fetus very early in pregnancy.

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