Harmful Effects of Marijuana

[Chad]

We are to obey the laws of the land

Romans 13:1-7

1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

2 Corinthians 4:2

2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

We are to keep our body pure and not defiled.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Peter 1:17-19

17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Harmful Effects of Marijuana

Short-term effects of using marijuana include:

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

Long-term effects of using marijuana include:

• Enhanced cancer risk
  
• Decrease in testosterone levels and lower ***** counts for men
  
• Increase in testosterone levels for women and increased risk of infertility
  
• Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
  
• 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:

• quickly into the blood through the lungs
  
• 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:

• How much taken
  
• How strong (potent) the marijuana is
  
• How the marijuana is taken (joint, bong, food)
  
• Size, weight, health
  
• Mood
  
• Individual experience with marijuana
  
• If marijuana is taken with other drugs
  
• Whether alone or with other people, at home or at a party.

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.


http://www.marijuanaaddiction.info

 

[Chad]

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 ***** count, as well as increases in abnormal and immature *****. 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.

 

[Chad]

The harmful effects of marijuana on the Brain and Central Nervous System

• Impaired thinking, mood, memory, and coordination
  • Marijuana (THC) is an extremely powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. It affects, alters, and damages brain cells controlling thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood and memory. The pituitary gland is also damaged which regulates hunger, thirst, blood pressure, sexual behavior, and release of sex hormones.
  • Clogged synapses, brain damage and addiction
  • Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerve cells in the brain called "synapses." This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing transfer critical information.
  • Long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to "feel good" - a negative feedback condition. And, the user becomes chemically addicted to marijuana.
• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Heart
  • Speeds up heartbeat as much as 50%, increases blood pressure, and poses great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease.
• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Endocrine System
  • Marijuana damages the network of glands, organs, and hormones involved in growth and development, energy levels, and reproduction.
  • Organs and glands affected:
    • pituitary gland
    • thyroid gland
    • stomach
    • duodenum
    • pancreas
    • adrenal glands
    • testis
• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Reproductive System males and females
  • Marijuana use can decrease and degenerate *****, ***** count, movement, and cause lowered sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and alteration of hormone levels.
  • Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (small head, irritability, poor growth and development.
  • Can destroy the number of chromosomes, resulting in cell abnormalities and impaired function.
• Other affects on the central nervous system
  • distortions of perceptions, thinking and reality
  • Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts
  • Poor concentration
  • Mental confusion
  • Loss of motivation
  • Wide mood swings
  • Aggression and hostility
  • Depression, anxiety and paranoia
• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Eyes
  • Sleep looking, blood-shot eyes with dilated pupils.
• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Throat
  • Irritates membranes of the esophagus; increases chance of developing cancer of larynx and esophagus.
• The harmful effects of marijuana on the Lungs
  • Significant damage and destruction of the air sacs of the lungs, reducing the lungs ability to bring oxygen and remove carbon dioxide - Emphysema.
  • Causes bronchial tubes to be inflamed, thickened and to produce more mucus; resulting in narrowing of the air passages - Chronic Bronchitis.
  • Marijuana smoke has twice as much "tar" as cigarette smoke and significantly increases chance of lung cancer, inflammation and infection.

 

[Life49]

Thank you for providing information on the use of marijuana. This drug is highly addictive.
I have known some people over the years, who have used the drug, marijuana. Some still use it. It has effected their whole lives. Their personalites change, and it can some times make them moody as well. These people are risking damage to their brains, as it can destroy brain cells. I am really sorry for these people, because they are wasting their lives away.
I have never and will never use drugs. They destroy lives and families, and at times can lead to death by overdose. God does not want us to use our bodies in this way,in the taking of drugs.

Presciption drugs provided by medical doctors, are there for the welfare of those who require them. They are provided under strict supervision by medical specialists. Under supervision by a specialist, they can improve the health and wellbeing of those who require them


In Australia it is illegal, to be in possession and to use the drug marijuana. Even so,some people still use it, and it is not if they get caught by authorities, but when they will be caught.

These are my thoughts.
Your comments are welcome.
Life49

 

[Estrella]

Good to see so much information listed together, some of it was new to me.
Here it is illegal too but the dangers are very very underestimated by many. And there are still so many who want it to be legal. I don't understand that, what is so great in willingly damaging your health heavily? x_x