A Drug Guide
Cannabis
Experts at alcohol treatment centers and drug treatment centers often cite marijuana as one of the drugs commonly associated with dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. It’s drug classification is rather fuzzy as it displays many of the qualities of each of the ordered classes (stimulant, depressant, hallucinogen). Most scientists lean towards “hallucinogen” as its drug category use to the effects of THC has psychoactive effects in keeping with that of a mild hallucinogenic.
About Cannabis
Cannabis is a plant that originates from Central Asia but has weed-like characteristics that enable it to be grown in every continent of the world with self-propagating tendencies. Cannabis is the third-widest use drug in the world, after only alcohol and tobacco in consumption. The chemical component that alters the brain and produces the feeling of euphoria and “peace” in its users is called “THC”.
Marijuana
Cannabis Sativa is the botanical common name for the street drug “pot”. This plant’s leaves and buds/flowers are used in pipes, baked goods, teas, and essential oils. Strong derivatives such as “hashish” are also made from this plant. THC and CBD, the chemical components in cannabis, produces a wide-variety of feelings in users, from euphoria to giddiness to paranoia. Commonly, users experience a happy drowsy feeling that also includes a desire to eat or drink, as well as, increased appreciation for music and visuals.
Street Names
- Pot
- Hash
- Bud
- Weed
- Herb
- Grass
Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana is classified by scientists and medical professionals as being a mild drug, pharmacologically. The sensations produced by this drug seem very mild in comparison to other abused substances—including alcohol. Euphoria, hunger, happiness, and a “mellow-ness” are the common classifications of effect by marijuana users. There are reports of paranoia and depression associated with marijuana but these are unstudied reports and may have to deal with external factors as many users have said that their mood greatly impacts the “high” they receive. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA CLICK HERE.
Your Brain and Marijuana
Cannabis plants contain over 400 different chemicals, but only two of them have a stimulating effect on your brain: THC and CBD. These two chemicals are quickly integrated by the brain as they bind to the body’s special receptors, mimicking a similar chemical produced by your brain called: anandomide. This produces the mild euphoria and feelings of happiness described by pot users.
Dependency and Side Effects
There is much debate about this drug and its effects over short and long term periods. There is truly not enough research to determine whether or not there is such a thing as physical dependency to marijuana or whether it is a “gateway” drug as many have suggested. Current research does not provide links between pot usage and physical dependency as with other drugs, including alcohol. However, there are side effects to marijuana usage that can be quite severe.
Marijuana seems to have an adverse effect on the reproductive cycle of humans. In men it lowers the sperm count making conception more difficult and in pregnant women both firsthand and secondhand marijuana smoke can be linked to miscarriage.
Moreover, marijuana use (due to the fact that its most common method of body absorption is smoke inhalation) can be linked to mouth, throat, and lung cancers.
It is of note that many people whose use of marijuana is prolonged may experience the “burnout” scenario where they cease to be interested in experiencing life outside the home and conversations with others, becoming withdrawn.
Overdose
Due to the chemical makeup of cannabis it would be extremely difficult, almost impossible to overdose on this drug alone.
Drug Detoxification and Treatment
While the chemical THC does reside in the body’s fat cells for up to four weeks, there is no true drug withdrawal from discontinuance of use. What people become dependent upon is the social structure and behavioral patterns they had woven while using marijuana. Therefore, treatment most likely consists of counseling individuals who would like to quit using this drug. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DRUG TREATMENT CLICK HERE.
