|
░ Definition
The world´s most commonly used illegal drug comes from a plant called Cannabis sativa. The chemical in this plant that produces the altered states of consciousness is called ‘delta-9 tetragydrocannabinol’ or ‘THC’. Other names for marijuana include grass, pot, reefer and weed.
Marijuana is usually smoked like a cigarette, but it can also be cooked into baked goods or brewed like a tea. THC is also contained in ‘hashish’, which is the resin from the marijuana plants. Hashish is usually smoked in a pipe.
░ Effects of marijuana
The effects of marijuana start as soon as 1-10 minutes after it is taken and can last 3 to 4 hours or even longer. Experiments have shown that THC can affect two neurotransmitters: norepinephrine and dopamine. Serotonin and GABA levels may also be altered.
In the short term :
Relaxation, reduced coordination, reduced blood pressure, sleepiness, disruption in attention, an altered sense of time and space.
In the long term:
Hallucinations, delusions, impaired memory, disorientation.
░ The brain
THC acts on ‘cannabinoid receptors’ which are found on neurons in many places in the brain. These brain areas are involved in memory (the hippocampus), concentration (cerebral cortex), perception (sensory portions of the cerebral cortex) and movement (the cerebellum, substantia nigra, globus pallidus).
Scientists have known for a long time that THC interacted with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, but did not know why the brain would have such receptors. In 1992, they found the answer: anandamide. Anandamide is the brain's own THC (just like endorphin is the brain's own morphine). Still, scientists are not sure what the function of anandamide is in the normal brain.
░ Important: Smoking multiplied by 400
Whether marijuana can produce addiction is controversial. Also controversial is whether marijuana causes long-term mental abnormalities. It is interesting to note that there are no documented cases of a fatal overdose produced by marijuana.
However, smoking it is similar to smoking cigarettes, and because marijuana contains more than 400 different chemicals besides a high level of tar, it is more dangerous than tobacco. The lungs get a big dose of chemicals that increase the chances of lung problems and cancer later in life.
More information (University of Washington) >>
More Courses
░ Alcohol
░ Amphetamines
░ Barbiturates
░ Cocaine
░ Caffeine
░ Ecstasy
░ GHB
░ Heroin
░ Inhalants
░ LSD
░ Marijuana
░ Mushrooms
░ Nicotine
░ PCP
░ Rohypnol
| 
Español
