There are many reasons people report using marijuana. Some report that it helps them relax or fall asleep. Others, state that they are more creative under the influence of the drug. Marijuana is often identified as a social drug and is often smoked in groups. Some people report that smoking gives them something to do so they aren't bored. Others identify smoking marijuana to help with anger managment, depression, or feelings of anxiety. "It helps me calm down, relax." Marijuana is often a drug of choice for pain managment as well. It is great for increasing the appetite and also helps to decrease feelings of nausea. As stated earlier it has been used medicinally for thousands of years.

Marijuana is unlike other drugs because it is not a single molecule but rather a complex molecule with over 400 cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the chemicals which give marijuana it's ability to make the user feel high. THC ( delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main active ingredient in the marijuana plant. THC is a cannabinoid.

A chemical called Anandamide is a natural cannabinoid receptor in the brain. THC mimics the actions of anandamide, so THC binds with cannabinoid receptors making the brain think it is naturally producing anadamide. It tricks the brain! Long term use of marijuana can clog the pathways that chemicals cross (synapses) and slows/stops production of "feel good" chemicals that the brain natuarally produces.
Why is this a problem? Below are a list of areas of the brain that have cannabinoid receptors and are effected by marijuana use.

-Cannabinoid receptors are abundant in:
Cerebellum--------------------------body movement/coordination
Hippocampus------------------------learning/memory
Cerebral Cortex (especially cingulate, frontal, parietal regions)------higher cognitive functions
Nucleus accumbens-----------------------reward center
Basal Ganglia-------------------------------(unconscious) movement control
-Cannabinoid receptors are moderate in:
Hypothalamus------------body housekeeping functions (body temp, salt, water, sugar)
Amygdala--------------emotional response/fear/fight or flight
Spinal Cord----------Peripheral sensation/pain
Brain Stem-----------sleep and arousal, motor control
Central Gray---------analgesia/pain control
Nucleus of solitary tract--------visceral sensation, nausea/vomiting

Marijuana increases heart rate by about 50%. Frequent use can lead to the possibility of damage to the heart such as heart murmurs, heart attack, and stroke. People with high blood pressure or other heart problems are obviously at higher risk than a healthy person.

Marijuana also causes irritation to the lungs. The fact that inhaled marijuana smoke is held in the lungs for as long as possible makes it even more irritating to lungs than tobacco smoke. There is also speculation that marijuana could lead to lung cancer due to the cancer causing chemical found in it.

Marijuana also has an effect on hormone levels. This can lead to problems reproductin for both men and woman. There is also speculation that use of marijuana during adolescents is more dangers than use in adulthood due to the hormonal changes that are naturally occuring during this time.

One widely recognized effect of marijuana is "the munchies." This occurs due to the cannabinoids in the brain's hypothalumus triggering a false hunger response. People who smoke marijuana tend to eat junk food when they have the munchies, and are therefore, at risk for health problems related to unhealthy eating habits such as obesity and high cholesterol.

Overall, there is a lot of speculation about the possible effects of marijuana on the body. There is more to learn about this topic. The person choosing to use the drug needs to be informed of the possible effects of use an then make a decision about the risk he or she is willing to take.

We offer an educational group for marijuana users who would like to know about marijuana and/or would like help quitting. Check out the link to our website to learn more about our group.