Marijuana

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Marijuana is a mild hallucinogen that has been used for its psychoactive properties for over 2000 years.^[1] Marijuana is made from the leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The cannabis is dried and then shredded or crushed before being smoked or otherwise consumed. Marijuana is the most commonly-used illegal drug in the United States.^[2]

In some states, marijuana has been approved for medical use. In these regions, the drug is recommended by physicians to treat glaucoma, HIV, wasting syndrome brought by AIDS or other illnesses, chronic or severe pain, nausea, side effects from chemotherapy and more.^[3]

Contents 1 Physiologic Effects of Marijuana 2 Senior Citizens and Medical Marijuana 3 Marijuana Legal Status 4 Marijuana Varieties 5 Marijuana Abuse 6 References

Physiologic Effects of Marijuana

The effects of marijuana vary depending on the percentage of THC the marijuana contains, the amountconsumed, and the method used to consume it. The effects can also be influenced by the expectations of the user, how often the user has used marijuana before, what type of setting the drug is taken in, and whether any other drugs or alcohol are being consumed at the same time.^[2]

Most users will experience a sense of euphoria or relaxation (known as the "high" feeling), which will be accompanied by an increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, and a dry mouth. Some users get hungry (a phenomenon called "the munchies"), some get thirsty, and some get both hungry and thirsty. Since marijuana is a psychoactive drug, users can expect to have problems with memory, judgment, and mobility while under the influence of marijuana.^{[2] [8]}

Senior Citizens and Medical Marijuana

Marijuana Legal Status

While it is illegal to sell or possess marijuana under federal law, a number of states have decriminalized marijuana. Additionally, some states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. However, there is no federal exception for medical marijuana and distributors abiding by local and state law may still be subject to prosecution by the federal authorities. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has performed crackdowns on growers and marijuana dispensaries, destroying crops and closing down retailers.^[9]

Marijuana Varieties

There are two main varieties of marijuana: sativa and indica. Indica was first harvested in Afghanistan, Tibet and Morocco, and has stockier plants with wide leaves. Indica is described as producing a relaxing high. Sativa is other main strain, and these plants tend to be taller and lankier that indicas. They first appeared in Mexico, Colombia and Southeast Asia, and the "high" produced from sativa is described as energizing and cerebral.^[10]

While many strains of marijuana are either pure sativa or pure indica, growers also may breed these two varieties together. The resulting plants are known as hybrids. These hybrids may be cultivated to contain equal parts of each strain, or may be heavier on either the indica or the sativa side.^[10]

The price of marijuana varies according to strain and location. Costs have been reported at between $25 to $60 for an eighth of an ounce at medical marijuana dispensaries.^[9]

Marijuana Abuse

As with any drug, marijuana use poses a risk for potential abuse. Research indicates that approximately nine percent of those who use marijuana are or will become dependent on it. This occurs when they cannot stop using it, despite negative consequences that getting high may have on their lives. Among students, those who smoke marijuana tend to have lower grades and a higher dropout rate.^[11]

Marijuana is classified as a schedule I controlled substance by the DEA, meaning they view it as having a high potential for abuse with no approved medical use. Despite this, the FDA has approved pharmaceuticals that contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Other Schedule I drugs are heroin, ecstasy and peyote.^[12]

Also See: Controlled Substances and Illegal Drugs, Marijuana and Pregnancy, California Marijuana Law, Marijuana Coupons, Marijuana and Alcohol, Marijuana Side Effects, Methamphetamine

References

1. ↑ http://www.acde.org/common/Marijana.htm
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} http://www.nida.nih.gov/marijbroch/Marijparentstxt.html#What
3. ↑ http://norml.org/marijuana/medical
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} http://www.nida.nih.gov/marijbroch/teenpg1-2.html
5. ↑ http://www.nida.nih.gov/marijbroch/teenpg3-4.html
6. ↑ http://www.nida.nih.gov/marijbroch/teenpg5-6.html
7. ↑ http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/scheduling.html
8. ↑ http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/library/studies/ledain/physiological_effects.htm
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1} http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/24/us/medical-marijuana-target-of-us-prosecutors.html
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1} http://ocnorml.org/news/pot_strains.htm
11. ↑ http://www.nida.nih.gov/researchreports/marijuana/marijuana4.html#addictive
12. ↑ http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/index.html