Marijuana is a mixture of the dried and shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. The mixture can be green, brown, or gray. A bunch of leaves seem harmless, right? But think again. Marijuana has a chemical in it called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC. Many more chemicals are found in marijuana, too—about 400 of them, many of which could affect your health. But THC is the main psychoactive ingredient. In fact, marijuana’s strength or potency is related to the amount of THC it contains. The THC content of marijuana has been increasing since the 1970s. For the year 2007, estimates from confiscated marijuana indicated about 8 percent THC on average.
Some of marijuana's harmful effects include:
Acute effects. Marijuana's effects vary from person to person, depending on the drug's potency, dosage and method of intake. Marijuana can impair speech, thinking, judgment, short-term memory, coordination and balance. The drug can cause drowsiness, delusions, impaired vision, severe vomiting, headache and dizziness, all hazardous effects to anyone attempting to drive.
Increased potency. Marijuana today is much stronger. The average potency of marijuana, or the THC content (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) that produces the "high," has increased from an average of 1 percent in the 1960s to 3 percent today. Greater availability of even more potent marijuana, up to 15 percent THC, increases the risk of intoxication.
Marijuana dependence. Research confirms that marijuana is addicting. More than 100,000 people who enter addiction treatment each year report marijuana as their primary drug of abuse.
Fetal effects. Long-term studies of children who were exposed prenatally to marijuana indicate a link with impaired intellectual ability. Other studies suggest marijuana may cause symptoms similar to those associated with fetal alcohol syndrome (eg, mental retardation).
Upper respiratory problems, cancer. Heavy and extended use may contribute to ailments such as sore throats, coughs, bronchitis and pneumonia. Marijuana contains about twice as much tar as a tobacco cigarette and has more cancer-causing compounds than cigarettes. Studies show that a person who smokes five joints per week may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes every day.
Heart problems. Because marijuana has been shown to increase heart rate and alter blood pressure, it poses a risk to people suffering from heart conditions.
Consider a specialized marijuana rehab to help a teen successfully overcome addiction to marijuana.
Lost motivation. Chronic use may lead to a motivational syndrome, a condition marked by loss of drive, energy and motivation and increased passivity.
Problems for young people. Because of the acute effects mentioned above, marijuana use can cause poor performance in academic and athletic activities. Also, there's a strong link between drug use and unsafe sex, a combination that contributes to unwanted pregnancies and the spread of HIV, the virus causing AIDS.
Info from: NIDA For Teens
There are many schools of thought on how best to overcome addiction. Consulting with a treatment professional can help you determine the best path for your situation.
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