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.

Short-term effects of marijuana:
Problems with memory and learning
Distorted perception
Difficulty in thinking and problem solving
Loss of coordination
Increased heart rate

Health Effects
Risk of heart attack more than quadruples in the first hour after smoking marijuana7
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

Psychological and Mental Effects
Depression
Anxiety
Personality Disturbance
Attention Deficit Disorder
Impaired Learning
Short term memory impairment
Long term memory impairment

Withdrawal Symptoms
Irritability
Sleeplessness and anxiety
They also display increased aggression on psychological tests, peaking approximately one week after the last use of the drug

 

If you feel you have a problem or know someone who has a problem visit us on the first floor of the Human Services Building during the Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm on the first floor of the Human Services Building or you may also contact us at 217-581-3413.