3.+A+Brief+Overview+of+Marijuana


 * Marijuana: An Overview **

Marijuana or “Marihuana” is the most commonly used illicit psychoactive drug in both Canada and the United States. It is derived from the hemp plant named //Cannabis Sativa//. The Cannabis plant is originally believed to have originated from the Himalayan Mountain region and is indigenous to Central and South Asia. Physical characteristics of the plant include distinct serrated edges on its leaves and “Marijuana” itself is the mixture of dried leaves, stems and seeds (buds) of the Cannabis Sativa plant. The name “Marijuana” is of Mexican and Latin American origin and this term became increasingly popular due to drug prohibitionists in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. Marijuana has various street names including weed, pot, reefer, hash, grass and dope. “Hemp” refers to the different varieties of the Cannabis plant which are cultivated mainly for non-drug use such as industrial products and other goods including the manufacturing of rope, clothes and fuel. (//cannabis.com//)
 * History **

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Its earliest use can be dated as far back as the Neolithic Age, commonly referred to as the New Stone Age which started in 9500 BC, where charred cannabis seeds were found in ritualized burial sites in present day Romania. Historically Marijuana was most famously used by the ancient Hindus. Marijuana can be smoked through bongs, pipes and joints and can also be ingested through being baked in food (cookies, brownies) or brewed in tea. It is a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act which makes growing, possessing, distributing and/or selling Marijuana illegal. (//cannabis.com)//

The Cannabis plant produces chemicals called //Cannabinoids// which react to particular receptors in the brain. There are over 60 known naturally occurring //Cannabinoids// in the Cannabis plant which can be viewed under a microscope in the form of a glistening, viscous resin called //Trichomes//. The primary psychoactive component of Marijuana is //delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol// also known as THC. Marijuana’s str ength is correlated to the amount of THC it contains and the effec ts on the user depend on the strength and potency of THC. Reports show that the THC content in Marijuana have significantly increased since the 1970s. In 2007 it was estimated that Marijuana commonly contained about 10% worth of THC. THC in its purest form when cold becomes a glossy solid and when warmed, becomes a sticky and viscous substance which leads to the various forms it comes in.
 * Composition **

Image source: [] When Marijuana is inhaled, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream which is then carried to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC acts on specific receptors in the brain, called // Cannabinoid // receptors which in turn set off a chain of cellular reactions that finally lead to the euphoric or “high” experience. Specific components of the brain that have the highest concentration of // Cannabinoid // receptors include the Hippocampus, Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia and Cerebral Cortex. These areas influence memory, concentration, pleasure, coordination, sensory and time perception therefore these functions are most adversely affected by Marijuana use.
 * How it Works **

Image source: [] Marijuana has a wide range of effects that differ from person to person depending on the setting and amount used. The wide range of effects can lead to one person feeling quite relaxed and happy while under the influence of Marijuana however another person may become withdrawn and quiet. When Marijuana is smoked, the effects are felt quite quickly and can last 2-4 hours. When ingested, the effects typically come on more slowly however might last for a longer period of time. Below are some short term and long term effects of Marijuana use and it is important to note these effects are not experienced by everyone. **Short Term Effects:**
 * Effects **
 * Distorted perception of time and space- may feel more sensitive to environment and may experience a more vivid sense of taste, sight, smell and hearing.
 * Increased pulse and heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils and often increased appetite.
 * Impaired coordination and concentration- making activities such as driving a car or operating machinery difficult and potentially dangerous.
 * Negative experiences such as anxiousness, panic attacks, paranoia and psychosis.
 * Long Term Effects: **
 * Irritation of the lungs- risk of developing chronic bronchitis and an increased risk of developing cancer of the respiratory tract (more likely to do with smoking).
 * Aggravation of pre-existing cardiovascular disease as Marijuana use significantly increases the heart rate.
 * Decreased concentration levels, reduced short-term memory and difficulties with thinking and learning.
 * Decreased sex drive- chronic use in males can decrease sperm count and chronic use in females can lead to irregular periods
 * Possibility of dependence on Marijuana
 * Marijuana may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, pain relievers and anxiety medications. (//drugs.com/cannabis.html//)

Marijuana has been used for medical purposes for over 4800 years and for a variety of ailments. The therapeutic properties of Marijuana have been recognized in historical texts from different cultures and regions including China, Greece and Persia. Historically Marijuana was used as an excellent pain reliever until the invention of Aspirin which became much more widely used. Other ailments that medical Marijuana is used for include treating migraines, insomnia and Multiple Sclerosis. Recently over the years, researchers and scientists have begun to identify that Marijuana use can relieve intraocular pressure- aiding in Glaucoma, and it serves as a vital function in aiding patients experiencing chronic appetite loss from undergoing chemotherapy or AIDS treatment. Medicinal Marijuana in Canada is legally assessed through the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations (MMARs). There are currently 4 //Cannabinoid// products available for medical use in Canada (more than any other country world-wide).
 * Medical Marijuana **
 * // Dronabinol // : a synthetic THC in a pill form that is marketed as Marinol.
 * // Nabilone // : a synthetic derivative of THC in pill form that is marketed as Cesamet.
 * // Cannabidiol // : although not used medically by itself, it is a component of an oral spray containing equal proportions of THC and //Cannabidiol// that is marketed as Sativex
 * Plant-Derived THC: the primary psychoactive //Cannabinoid// component of the Cannabis plant that produces the “high”.

Marijuana is the most widely use illicit drug in Canada. According to the 2010 Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey, 10.7% of Canadians aged 15 years and older reported Marijuana use within the past year. Use of the psychoactive drug is more prevalent among youth with approximately 25% of 15-24 year olds reporting the use of Marijuana in the past year compared to 7.9% among adults 25 years and older.
 * Prevalence **

Research suggest that about 9% of Marijuana users become dependent on the drug with a higher rate if use begins at a young age (17%), and much higher rate for daily users at 25%-50%. Long term users who try to quit could experience withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety and decreased appetite. These symptoms can begin 1 day after the user stops and peaks during the second and third day. These withdrawal symptoms can take 1-2 weeks to subside.
 * Addictive Potential **