Note about this page: The Counseling Center is aware there are many issues related to marijuana. From our perspective we are interested in how it affects the mental health of the EIU students. WE DO NOT ENGAGE IN POLICY DEBATE. Our primary interest is in helping the student of EIU who believe they may have a problem.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. It is a dry, shredded green/brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds, and leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The main active chemical in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). The membranes of certain nerve cells in the brain contain protein receptors that bind to THC. Once securely in place, THC kicks off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana.
The use of Marijuana in the United States has been controversial over it's time. With current laws being passed to allow it's use for medical purposes it continues to draw even more scrutiny. The goal here is to provide you with information about it's potential effects. Obviously, it effects everyone differently. Knowing one's family history of substance issues as well as your own history is part of making an informed decision in it's use. Obviously at this time it is considered illegal to use so you must be aware there can be consequences for it's use. Below are some questions that people often ask about Marijuana.
Is marijuana addictive?
This answer is still up for debate by many. Here is what we do know. Many people express an increase in tolerance for the drug which can be a sign of dependence. They have also reported physical withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings, short term memory problems, anxiety, depression and even nausea. If both tolerance and withdrawal exist it can be a sign of physical dependence. We also know that marijuana can foster psychological dependence. This means that the user of it can find it relieving under many different circumstances. They can come to rely upon it as their primary way to cope.
What are the Short-term effects of marijuana?
There has been evidence to show that some people when they smoke marijuana can experience some short term with problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, loss of coordination and increased heart rate.
Can Marijuana cause health effects?
The following symptoms does not happen to everyone who smokes obviously. These symptoms are indicative of consistent use over a period of time. There is no set frequency and length of time that can be considered when smoking, it depends on many things such as family history, onset of use, and whether you smoke cigarettes as well. This can accelerate the onset of these symptoms.
Risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana
Respiratory illnesses
Heavy cough
More frequent acute chest illness
A heightened risk of lung infections
A greater tendency to obstructed airways
Smoking marijuana possibly increases the likelihood of developing cancer of the head or neck
Impaired Immune System
Will I go "crazy" if I smoke marijuana?
That question continues to be researched all the time. The following is a list of disorders that have been associated with smoking marijuana: Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disturbance, Attention Deficit Disorder, Impaired Learning, Short term memory impairment, Long term memory impairment and Psychotic Episode.
If you are wondering whether or not marijuana is interfering in you life you can make an appointment with us anytime during our office hours. We are located first floor of the Human Services Building and our office ours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm or you may also contact us at 217-581-3413.
