Notes on Marijuana - 1909 Words

THC triggers brain cells to release the chemical dopamine. Such loss of coordination can be caused by smoking marijuana. And thats just one of its many negative effects. Marijuana affects memory, judgment, and perception. Under the influence of marijuana, you could fail to remember things you just learned, watch your grade point average drop, or crash a car. Also, since marijuana can affect judgment and decision making, using it can cause you to do things you might not do when you are thinking straight—such as engaging in risky sexual behavior, which can result in exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, like HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or getting in a car with someone who’s been drinking or is high on marijuana. It’s also†¦show more content†¦Drugs may have these effects at first, but they do not last, at least not like the long-term negative consequences can. Here are some â€Å"reality checks† on common reasons people have for doing drugs: â€Å"Drugs help me feel good.† Most abused drugs produce intense feelings of pleasure. This initial sensation of euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as cocaine, the â€Å"high† is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy. In contrast, the euphoria caused by opiates such as heroin is followed by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. Reality check: While a drug-induced high may temporarily boost your mood, the effect doesn’t last long. Before you know it, the same old worries return, and, in fact, the after-effects of the drug may leave you with additional physical or emotional symptoms. Headaches, nausea, and feeling â€Å"down† are common side effects for many people. Withdrawal can be quite painful—physically and mentally. â€Å"Drugs help me feel better.† Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress-related disorders, and depression start abusing drugs in an attempt to lessen feelings of distress. Stress can play a major role in beginning drug use, continuing drug abuse, or in relapsing to drug use for people recovering from addiction. Reality check: SomeShow MoreRelatedA Short Note On Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana, And Opioids1175 Words   |  5 PagesJulie Thao HSCD 300-01 Essay 1 February 7th, 2016 1. The four most commonly used substances as described from the course textbook are alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and opioids. Alcohol is a translucent liquid in appearance and has a bitter acquired taste which suppresses brain activity. The intake of alcohol effects the cerebral cortex by ceasing the inhibition of user and develops a relaxed and more social characteristic in the way the user interacts with others. As a depressant, the use of alcoholRead MoreLegalization Of Marijuana For The United States1416 Words   |  6 Pages The use of recreational marijuana is illegal in the United States. Although cannabinoids--the active compounds in marijuana may have the potential to help manage certain symptoms. Researchers around the world, including some in the United States, are continuing to explore the potential of the marijuana drug in use to help patients who benefit from the drug. According to our class notes, marijuana and Tabaco contain almost the same amount of chemical’s at over 500. The side effects include healthRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1601 Words   |  7 Pagesuse of Marijuana is considered illegal in most of the states of the United States. Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Alaska legalized the use of Marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. 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The use of marijuana has been around for thousands of years. As reported by Caroline Cahill in the article â€Å"Marijuana 101:Read MoreMarijuana and Illness1063 Words   |  4 PagesMarijuana and Illness One of the major challenges with patient management and care is the alleviation and or reduction of pain. Pain and discomfort accompanies most medical procedures and consequently strenuous efforts are made by medical doctors provide pain relief to their patients. The tools available to doctors are very limited and most have undesirable side effects. Some of the more potent pain relievers have the potential to become addictive. Consequently, there is a need for a pain reliefRead MoreDeterminants of Marijuana Use Essay1052 Words   |  5 PagesMarijuana is a popular and universal drug. It is easily accessible to most people and is the number one illicit drug used in North America. Although the availability and knowledge of this drug is fairly equal for all people in North America, marijuana tends to be more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. Maisto, Galizio, and Conners (2004) reported that use of marijuana [in young people] was 8.0% among those aged 12-17; 16% among those aged 18-25, as compared to 6.8% among those aged 26-34;Read MoreCannabis For Neuropathic Pain In HIV : The Mediciana Injuana Case Study1030 Words   |  5 Pagesunwanted effects can be tolerated and adverse effects On the contrary, marijuana produced a substantial relieve of pain in the patients with the HIV. In a study entitled Smoked Medicinal Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain in HIV, Ellis (2008) notes that pain relief was greater with Marijuana than placebo. In essence, the proportion the subjects in the study achieving a pain relief of at least 30% were higher with those that smoked Marijuana (46%) as compared to the placebo (18%). Therefore, Ellis concludedRead MoreLegalization Of Marijuana And The United States For Recreational Use1287 Words   |  6 Pagesregular users of marijuana, this paper will argue that marijuana should remain illegal in the United States for recreational use. Arguments for the legalization of marijuana and arguments against the legalization of the drug will be discussed throughout the paper. It will address the biological effects of the drug on the human body, the current laws in place and the effects it has on children, adolescents and adults. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, (NIH), refers to marijuana as the â€Å"dried leaves