Marijuana is the most abused drug in the United States today. Marijuana is derived from Cannabis Sativa, a hemp plant. It is usually grey or green in color, and is mostly in the form of dried leaves. Marijuana is a psychoactive drug and contains THC (delta-9-tertrahydrocannabinol), the ingredient responsible for causing the marijuana “high”. Marijuana is known by many street names such as weed, pot, ganja, grass, reefer, Mary Jane, etc. This drug can be smoked in cigarettes called “joints”, through glass pipes called “bongs”, or even used as an additive in brewing tea. Many people combine marijuana with alcohol and other drugs. Though many people feel marijuana is a fun drug that is not as harmless as cocaine or crack, the fact is that this drug serves as a gateway for youngsters to other dangerous drug types.
Marijuana induces a sense of well being in the user, and increases talkativeness and laughter in some. Some users fall into bouts of introspection with vivid imaginations. Most of the times, the user forgets what they were saying even if they had said the words only moments ago. Some of the telltale signs of a marijuana user are bloodshot eyes, silly behavior interspersed with senseless laughter, slouched gait, temporary increased appetite, loss of memory, etc.
Some of the marijuana withdrawal symptoms are irritability, depression, and loss of appetite, anxiety and mood swings. Regular and long term use of marijuana can lead to brain atrophy, paranoia, hallucinations, breathing problems, sexual problems, and decrease in testosterone levels for men and increase in testosterone levels for women, cardiac problems, and even cancer.