Marijuana the Truth
Marijuana is a mind–altering drug that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana contains over 400 chemicals. The main one, THC, is the one believed to produce the mind–altering effect sought. Marijuana is one drug that carries with it numerous myths.
One of the biggest myths about marijuana is that it "doesn't really have any side effects to amount to anything". Another is it's "just like cigarettes". Another is that "marijuana doesn't have drug withdrawal symptoms". These and many more are lies or "urban myths" currently circulated. Marijuana is a drug and like any drug has its fair share of side effects and harmful effects on the body. That one does not go into "DTs" or seizures as in alcohol abuse or curl up in unbearable bone–deep pain as in heroin and other drugs abused, does not make marijuana by any means a "safer" drug. Possibly due to the great many myths and outright lies concerning marijuana, it is a far more dangerous one.
The Side Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana is a drug. Like all drugs it is a poison. The poison, marijuana, has certain major effects and lesser effects. None are beneficial to the human body and thus marijuana is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S. as well as a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug under medical supervision. Simply put, even doctors aren't trusted with it.
When smoked, marijuana can produce a feeling of euphoria or pleasure. With its use come problems with memory, learning, concentration, difficulty in problem solving, distorted perception and loss of coordination. Marijuana's coordination side–effect seriously impairs driving abilities.
Smoking marijuana results in sedation, blood shot eyes, increased heart rate, coughing from lung irritation, increased appetite and blood pressure. Marijuana smokers experience serious health problems such as bronchitis, emphysema, and bronchial asthma. Marijuana use also increases one's risk for cancer given the toxins and known carcinogens in it.
Long–term use of marijuana includes a feeling of apathy, impairment of judgment, memory and concentration problems, loss of motivation, ambition and interest in goals. Marijuana has also been linked with depression, an increased risk of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
Marijuana Withdrawal
Drug withdrawal can be uncomfortable to life threatening depending on the drug used. Drugs have different withdrawal effects depending on the type of drug taken and the amount the drug that has been used: quantity, frequency and duration of use. Marijuana is no different. Withdrawal from marijuana can include headaches, shakiness, sweating, stomach pains, nausea as well as restlessness, irritability, sleep difficulties and decreased appetite. However, Narconon drug–free withdrawal provides a safe non–drug method of drug withdrawal, using nutrition and specific techniques that assist withdrawal, minimizing any such withdrawal effects.
The Problem With Marijuana Use
According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health marijuana use for people aged 12 and older ranks as the largest portion of illicit drug use at 17.4 million users in the past month the survey was taken. Over 60% of all illicit drug users currently used only marijuana. Marijuana ranks as a major player in drug abuse. Marijuana does tend to lead toward using other drugs to get high and the behavior associated with marijuana use often puts one at risk for other reasons.
Given that marijuana is many users drug of choice, and the fact that it mentally impairs a person as well as stifles any motivation or ambition, it may very well be one of the worst threats to our aging population. Marijuana use from 2007 to 2010 has been on the increase. This drug is a larger threat to society than initially realized.
Medical Marijuana Myth
Medical Marijuana is actually "Marinol", a synthetic version of THC (marijuana's active ingredient). It is prescribed for the control of nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of cancer and to stimulate appetite in AIDS patients. Marinol is a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has less potential for abuse than Schedule I and II drugs. Schedule III drugs have a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the U.S.
Marinol is not smoked and comes in pill form. It is a distinctly separate substance from marijuana that is sold on the streets. The FDA has stated, "there is currently sound evidence that smoked marijuana is harmful," and "that no sound scientific studies support medical use of marijuana for treatment in the United States, and no animal or human data support the safety or efficacy of marijuana for general medical use."
The Solution
The Narconon Program is the solution to all forms of drug addiction. Narconon is drug-free program and provides the means to take someone addicted to marijuana or other drugs and safely withdraw them, without the usual unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. In addiction, the true cause of their addiction is addressed and the person is able to go on to live a happy, productive, drug-free life.
The Narconon program has been in use worldwide for over 45 years. To find out how Narconon can help call today 877-237-3307.
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