Marijuana is an illegal drug that is used all over the world. It is made of the stems and heads (which is the plants flower), that come from the Cannabis sativa plant. There is also another form of marijuana that is stronger. This form is known as hashish, which is commonly called hash, which looks like black or brown balls.
Marijuana is usually rolled into papers or cigars that have been hollowed out, and is then smoked. These marijuana cigarettes are called joints or blunts. Marijuana is also smoked in water pipes called bongs. It is sometimes mixed into foods such as brownies and eaten. THC is the active chemical ingredient in marijuana. When marijuana is smoked, this chemical is passed from the lungs into the bloodstream. It is then transported to the brain and body organs. It will then reach the brain and connect with nerve cells that affect memory, coordination, pleasure, thought, concentration, sense, and time perception. This creates the high of the marijuana.
Impact on the brain
When someone smokes or consumes marijuana, the bloodstream carries the active THC compound to the brain. THC in the brain combines with the cannabin receptors, which are mostly found in the regions of the brain which control memory, thinking, and concentration.
Reduces Learning ability
Some studies have shown that marijuana adversely impacts a person's ability to learn. This can be more problematic for teenagers during their adolescence when their brains are still developing.
Memory loss
Marijuana users suffer from short term memory losses. As marijuana affects the memory receptors in the brain, it makes it difficult for an individual to process and retain information.
Impact on the body
Apart from adversely affecting the brain, marijuana has many negative effects on the body. In addition to the harmful THC, it contains carcinogens which can cause considerable damage to the respiratory system and some other organs. Some of the common ailments caused by marijuana use are cough, chest colds, emphysema, blockage of the airway, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma.
Chest colds
People who smoke marijuana often develop problems like coughing, phlegm production, and wheezing. Marijuana users tend to have more chest colds than other people. They are also more vulnerable to lung infections like pneumonia.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung disease that shortens the breath of an individual. Marijuana smoke contains many toxins that can destroy the lung tissues necessary to support the physical shape and functions of the lungs.
Bronchial asthma
THC is a fat-soluble substance and gets collected in fatty tissues in the lungs and other organs. Persistent usage of Marijuana can damage the lungs and airways that may result in bronchial asthma.
Apart from effects on the body, it has many negative effects in society. It is very important to be aware and understand the effects of marijuana use on the human body to avoid and deter the harmful drug .