Marijuana (cannabis) is a plant whose flowers and leaves are used to produce a mind-altering drug, known as marijuana. This drug alters perception, emotions and body movement while impairing coordination and movement. Although marijuana possession or growth is illegal in most countries, some jurisdictions decriminalize small quantities while targeting those involved with black market trafficking of the drug.
Scientists are conducting more studies with chemicals found in marijuana to discover their medicinal uses. Two such chemicals – THC and CBD – have been proven to relieve nausea related to chemotherapy treatments as well as increase appetite in patients suffering from severe weight loss due to AIDS. Furthermore, FDA has approved drugs containing these ingredients from marijuana as treatments for these conditions.
Marijuana is often used recreationally by those seeking its psychoactive effects, such as euphoria and altered states of consciousness. Additionally, marijuana can also be used as medicine to control pain, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Studies show that long-term marijuana use may wreak havoc with thinking, memory and learning abilities of teenagers. Furthermore, its impact may extend into their developing brains as it alters how these parts connect between one another – potentially disrupting growth of new neural connections which provide these functions.
Regular marijuana consumption can lead to physical ailments like bronchitis and coughing, as well as psychological ones like depression and anxiety. There is also an apparent connection between cannabis use and psychosis risk; though scientists still can’t say with absolute certainty if this phenomenon is due to marijuana or another factor.
People who use marijuana should avoid driving because it can affect attention and coordination, causing accidents that lead to injuries to themselves or others. Studies indicate that mixing it with alcohol or other drugs raises the risk of accidents even further, while higher doses can lead to altered perception, leading to image-distorting hallucinations.
Any person using marijuana should inform their physician if they plan to undergo surgery or medical procedures that involve anesthesia, pain medicine or both. Your physician can then decide if stopping marijuana consumption before surgery and/or how much anesthetic will be needed.
If someone is having difficulty quitting, counseling may help change behaviors that contribute to addiction and some programs offer family or group therapy sessions; alternatively, residential care might also be provided for people who are seriously addicted. These programs may help them avoid marijuana and other substances for longer. Furthermore, these services may offer other forms of care such as psychotherapeutic services. Many individuals who attend these programs can successfully quit smoking marijuana and other drugs on their own upon completing treatment; however, some return to using marijuana post-treatment; this is known as “relapsing.” If this occurs, an individual should speak to their counselor again immediately.