Marijuana Effects

Marijuana effects are initially created by inhaling the drug's smoke; some of these affects include rapid heartbeat, loss of coordination, and dry mouth. Although the marijuana effects will dissipate within several hours of use, THC (marijuana's active ingredient), will remain in the body for a much longer period of time. Marijuana effects have often been reported to be similar to those of stimulants, hallucinogens, and depressants, such as alcohol. Marijuana effects will peak after about 20-30 minutes after smoking it and will generally begin to dissipate completely within four to five hours after using the drug; however, when a person eats marijuana, the peak effects from the drug have been reported to be delayed.

Marijuana effects in the first time user may include a burning sensation in the throat, combined with a cough and nasal congestion. A regular user of marijuana is likely to have chronic respiratory problems, such as lung infections, which are often accompanied by acute chest pain. Inhaling marijuana smoke increases the drug's carcinogenic effects; additionally, THC is reported to produce over 50% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than those found in tobacco. In summation, chronic marijuana abuse is reported to be much more harmful that smoking cigarettes.

Marijuana effects are created as the smoke from the drug is inhaled; once this occurs, THC will pass rapidly from the lungs to the bloodstream, and be quickly dispersed throughout the body. When marijuana reaches the brain, the drug will become attached to specific receptors that are attached to nerve endings and begin to stimulate activity within the receptors cells; it is at this point that the marijuana user may experience short terms effects from the drug that may include distorted perception, lack of reasoning, and loss of memory. With chronic marijuana use, a person is habitually being exposed to THC; thus, when the drug is withdrawn, the individual's stress response system will be stimulated.

Marijuana effects are reported to impair the body's immune system, which is present to fight against antibodies and diseases; thus, increasing the risk of contacting infections and various other diseases in chronic marijuana users. Marijuana effects social behavior, as conditions such as anxiety and depression have commonly been linked to the regular use of the drug. A chronic marijuana user can begin to lose his ability to understand and learn new things. Habitual marijuana users have commonly been reported to have serious problems with maintaining concentration and their ability to organize.

Marijuana effects during pregnancy affect both the mother-to-be and the fetus. Pregnant women, who are chronic marijuana users, are at risk for having a baby that has altered neurological responses; such children have later been reported to exhibit lapses in memory and much lower levels of concentrations. Adverse effects of the male and female reproductive systems have commonly been reported in chronic marijuana users. Male marijuana users carry the risk of a low sperm count, and female users of the drug may suppress the ovulation process, causing a disruption in their menstrual cycles.